The SFQ Camp Program has been in operation for over ten years.  The program originally developed in response to requests for supported holidays for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and respite for family carers.  Large groups of approximately 80 people participated in camps, travelling to community camping grounds and taking part in semi-organised activities as appealed to individual participants.  Volunteers including family members, general community members and mental health clinic staff supported these camps.  An average of four camps annually have been held, in this manner, since 1989. 

These large camps have historically proved very successful as a respite service for family carers however mixed feedback was received about the camp structure for camp participants.  The more positive feedback about these camps included the valued opportunities to take a holiday with support, to participate in community activities with support and to catch up with peers in a social setting.  At times however, the large numbers of people proved very difficult to support and many were unable to relax in the very busy environment.  It is of course notable that camp participant numbers remained high despite mixed feedback about the camp size and activities. 

Over time, the SFQ Camp Program has evolved to smaller camp participant numbers with more structured activities (while maintaining flexibility and individual choice) and specific age or target groups.  This evolution is a reflection of the feedback received from camp participants, camp volunteers and service providers.  Feedback has indicated that smaller camps, while still providing respite for family carers, more effectively create the opportunity for individuals with psychiatric disability to develop lasting (beyond camp) peer relationships, build self-esteem, participate successfully in community activities, relax in a non-threatening and supported environment and generally enjoy the camp experience.  The addition of experienced camp facilitators has enabled camp participants to experience new activities, participate more actively in general community settings, develop new skills and apply burgeoning self-confidence/self-esteem to everyday life situations.

Camps are now organised by a subcommittee of the Schizophrenia Fellowship Board entitled The Camp and Recreation Subcommittee.  This Subcommittee consists of representatives from SFQ, Mental Health Clinics from North and South Brisbane, Project 300, non-government community-based mental health services, family carers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities, and individuals with psychiatric disabilities.  This subcommittee initiates, develops, supports facilitators, and evaluates the SFQ Camp Program.  It is responsible for the ongoing development of the program.

 History of Camp Participants 

Historically, camp participants were individuals with diagnosed schizophrenia of all ages and lifestyles.  Participants were invited from across South Queensland primarily via word-of-mouth and through service provider networks.  Significant numbers of individuals repeatedly attended camps.  New camp participants regularly joined the camp programme.

 
With the evolution of the SFQ Camp Program from a large informal camp structure to a smaller semi-structured and targeted camp program, the nature of camp participants has changed.  Individuals are invited to participate in camps appropriate to their needs.  For example, a camp program targeting youth would invite young people between the ages of 15 and 25 to attend a specific camp.  A camp focusing on respite for older family carers would invite individuals between the ages of 40 and 65 years to attend.  Clearly, targeted camps can more readily provide age and interest appropriate activities and are more likely to facilitate the establishment of natural peer relationships. They are also more likely to attract new participants into the program as well as encourage regular participants.

It is of note that changes to the membership of SFQ has opened camps up to all individuals with diagnosed psychiatric disabilities including but not exclusively schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, somatoform disorders, personality disorders, depression and anxiety disorders.

Individuals with diagnosed psychiatric disabilities from across South Queensland are eligible to participate in the SFQ Camp Program.  Camps are promoted through the Schizophrenia Fellowship of Queensland mailing lists and service networks, the services involved in The Camp and Recreation Subcommittee and other community groups as appropriate.  Word-of-mouth also plays a large part in camp promotion and this is deemed appropriate, as many individuals with psychiatric disabilities are very transient in their accommodation and lifestyles.

 SFQ Camp Program Funding History 

Initially the SFQ Camp Program was funded through specific fundraising events organised by committed volunteers.  Over time this small group has grown older and is no longer able to fundraise.  They have not been replaced by a group of enthusiastic younger volunteer fundraisers specifically for camps.  Currently, the limited fundraising activities of SFQ are directed towards raising funds to sponsor research into mental illness.  The majority of donated monies are also tied to our Sunflower Foundation, and thus must be directed towards research.

 In 1995, SFQ received an ANZ Mental Health Service Achievement Award (THEMHS) accompanied by a grant of $1000.  This award was offered in recognition of the contribution the SFQ Camp Program made to the wellbeing of individuals and families living with psychiatric disability.  The $1000 was the first assistance for the camp program received. 

In 1996/97 the SFQ Camp Program received its first real funding in the form of a $12,500 grant from the Department of Families, Youth and Community Care.  This was a non-recurrent grant that enabled the camp program to continue for two years.

In 1998 The Camp and Recreation Subcommittee of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of Queensland received a Health Welfare and Community Service Award under the National Bank Community Link Program.  This award was offered in recognition of the innovative nature of the collaboration between volunteers, professional staff, family members and individuals with psychiatric disabilities in the SFQ Camp Programme.  A small grant of $2000 accompanied the award and was immediately directed towards the camp programme.

 In 1998/99 the SFQ Camp Program received a grant of $2700 from the Queensland Government Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy Community Grants’ Program Second Round.

In 2001 the SFQ Camp Program received a recurrent grant from Disability Services Queensland.  This grant ensures the future of the SFQ Camp Program.