Recovery Camp

10/09/2026

Connection matters. Being genuinely listened to matters. And sometimes, having someone willing to start a conversation can make all the difference.

Today, World Su***de Prevention Day and R U OK? Day share the same date, creating an important opportunity to think about the conversations that can make a difference. At Recovery Camp, we strongly align with the ethos of R U OK? Day and the belief that a conversation can change a life.

For people who have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings, or who have lost someone to su***de, today may bring up difficult emotions or memories. Whatever you’re feeling, there is no right or wrong way to respond. Be gentle with yourself and others today.

Creating a culture of openness, connection and support is something we can all contribute to. Checking in with someone you care about, being willing to listen and having open conversations about su***de can help challenge harmful myths and stigma that can prevent people from reaching out.

Ask. Listen. Stay connected 💚

If you’re struggling today, or any day, reach out to someone around you. You don’t have to navigate difficult times alone.

There are services available to support you:

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 national crisis support and su***de prevention.

Su***de Call Back Service: Call 1300 659 467 for free 24/7 telephone and online counselling.

13YARN: Call 13 92 76 for 24/7 national crisis support operated by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 for free, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.

Emergency: Call 000 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

28/08/2026

🎓 Announcing Recovery Camp’s 2026 Nursing Scholarship recipient!

We are proud to announce Nerhys Bell, a first-year Bachelor of Nursing student at UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia, as the recipient of the 2026 Recovery Camp Nursing Scholarship.

Nerhys is the sixth nursing student we have supported through the scholarship, which was established to support nursing students throughout their studies while giving them the opportunity to undertake a mental health clinical placement at Recovery Camp.
The scholarship provides $1,000 each year across Nerhys’ three-year degree, as well as the opportunity to learn alongside people with lived experience.

“This scholarship lifts an immense weight off my shoulders financially but also makes my experiences valued. I have struggled with mental health throughout my life and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to learn how I can support others going through a tough time.” Nerhys said.

We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting the next generation of nurses and strengthening mental health education through lived experience. The scholarship also reflects our longstanding connection with UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia, where Recovery Camp began its journey as a UOW research project in 2013, and later joined UOW’s iAccelerate program as it grew into a social enterprise delivering an Australian-first, innovative model of clinical education.

Congratulations, Nerhys! We look forward to supporting you throughout your nursing journey 💚

06/08/2026

A big day for Recovery Camp and The MHS Learning Network!

Today, former Recovery Camp nursing placement student, now Recovery Camp registered nurse facilitator and Associate Lecturer at the University of Wollongong, Taylor Yousiph, is presenting alongside Recovery Camp lived experience educator Andy Moller at the 2026 Mental Health Services (MHS) Conference.

Their presentation, 'Hope in action: Lived experience-led nursing education that fosters inclusion and meaningful connection', showcases the impact of bringing nursing students and people with lived experience together to learn, build genuine connections and challenge mental health stigma through an evidence-based, recovery-oriented model of education.

Tonight, Taylor and Andy will also proudly represent Recovery Camp at the MHS Awards Gala dinner, where Recovery Camp is a finalist in the Mental Health Service Excellence category 👏

We're incredibly proud of Andy and Taylor and wish them the very best for today's presentation and tonight's awards. We're excited to be part of the MHS Learning Network events and connect with others from across the sector to share ideas, inspire innovation and shape the future of mental health care.

30/07/2026

We see friendships form at all of our programs - some take time to blossom, some are instant. Connections are often formed on acceptance, empathy and understanding. A shared laugh at a silly joke, a shared moment of vulnerability, friendships made at Recovery Camp are special and are a reminder that we are never alone 🫂

21/07/2026

From 13–17 July, we gathered at The Great Aussie Bush Camp Wombaroo in the Southern Highlands for our 57th Recovery Camp program!

The winter temperatures were low, but spirits were high. We warmed ourselves by the fire, shared meals, meaningful conversations and stories that reminded us of the power of human connection.

Our lived experience experts and students travelled from across Australia and from all walks of life to be part of the experience. Our experts, alongside nursing and paramedicine students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and nursing students from the UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia (UOW) and Charles Darwin University (CDU), came together with a shared goal - to learn from one another and have honest conversations about mental health and recovery.

Nature put on a spectacular show throughout the week. Against the stunning backdrop of wintery Southern Highlands, we were visited by mobs of kangaroos and even a mother wombat and her joey emerged into the midday sun to say hello 👋

There was no shortage of laughter and fun. Greg once again had everyone on their feet for his much loved bush dance. Evenings were filled with music, dancing, storytelling, vulnerability and shared joy at the talent show and the newspaper catwalk.

Throughout the week, we challenged ourselves on the archery range, soared through the trees on the flying fox, took a leap of faith on the giant swing, worked together through team challenges, explored the bush on a walk and mindfulness session, got a little lost (in the best way possible) while orienteering, tie dye creations brought colour to the winter landscape and we slowed down with craft and creativity. We also came together for a music sessions led by Recovery Camp team member Jessie, where we explored breathing techniques, rhythm and learned a song that we later sang together around the campfire on our final night.

The Recovery Camp experience is about much more than the activities. Every activity is intentionally designed to create opportunities for connection, reflection and conversation - serving as a catalyst for meaningful discussions about mental health, recovery, resilience and what it means to support one another.

And as always, the last night of the program was something special. As the embers glowed and the campfire burned bright, gratitude filled the air. We reflected on the week that had been, thanked those who made it possible, and celebrated the courage, generosity and connection that had shaped the last 4 days.

57 programs in, and we continue to be reminded that recovery doesn't happen in isolation and meaningful learning doesn't happen through textbooks alone. Both are shaped through relationships, shared experiences and in spaces where people feel safe to be themselves.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of it 💚

The journey continues, and we'd love to see you at one of our remaining 2026 programs:

📍 21 - 25 September 2026 at The Y Warrawee (Joyner, QLD)

📍 2 - 6 November 2026 at Tallong Outdoor Education (Tallong, NSW)

📍 14 - 18 December 2026 at The Tops (Stanwell Tops, NSW)

Reach out to learn more or get involved:
📞 (02) 8488 0802
📧 [email protected]

13/07/2026

And just like that, the July Recovery Camp Program is underway at the stunning The Great Aussie Bush Camp Wombaroo in the Southern Highlands 💚 

Five days of connection, community, learning and new experiences await.

08/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Fang Liu, recipient of the 2026 Recovery Camp Scholarship through the Australian College of Nursing Foundation.

As part of our commitment to supporting the future nursing workforce, Recovery Camp contributed this scholarship to assist a nurse undertaking the Health Promotion and Harm Reduction in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing unit of study.

This initiative reflects Recovery Camp's broader commitment to education, equity, access and strengthening the nursing workforce.

Congratulations to Fang Liu, recipient of the Recovery Camp Scholarship for 2026.

Fang is a Senior Mental Health Nurse with 11 years of post-registration nursing experience, including eight years across inpatient and community mental health services. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical excellence, professional development and person-centred care through mentorship, education and leadership.

Currently working in acute mental health services, Fang is passionate about improving outcomes for people experiencing complex mental health and substance use challenges. Her professional interests include addiction nursing, mental health recovery and advancing evidence-based practice.

Through the Recovery Camp Scholarship, Fang will undertake the Health Promotion and Harm Reduction in Alcohol and Other Drugs Nursing unit of study, further strengthening her expertise in recovery-focused, compassionate and high-quality care.

The ACN Foundation is proud to support nurses like Fang as they continue to grow their knowledge, leadership and impact across the profession.

Congratulations, Fang!

To read more about ACN Foundation scholarships or to make a donation in support of nurses across Australia, visit acnfoundation.org.au

12/06/2026

What if five days could help you build confidence, connection, and hope for the future?

Recovery Camp is an evidence-based therapeutic recreation mental health program that combines structured adventure-based therapeutic recreation activities, peer support, recovery-focused learning, and genuine social connection in a safe and supportive environment.

📍 Wombaroo, Southern Highlands NSW
📅 13–17 July 2026
👥 Adults 18+
💚 for persons with lived experience of mental health conditions

Participants regularly tell us they leave with:
✅ Greater confidence
✅ New friendships and support networks
✅ Improved wellbeing
✅ A renewed sense of possibility

Places for our July program are limited and filling fast!

Send us a message or visit our website to learn more and secure your place.

25/05/2026

Recovery Camp, created by UOW nursing experts, is credited with reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.

22/05/2026