Camp FAQs & Resources

Everything you need to feel ready for camp.

Whether this is your child’s first LYQ camp or they have been coming for years, we want you to feel informed, confident and supported. Find quick answers about safety, health, faith, transport, payments, packing, financial assistance and more.

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Camp confidence at a glance

With decades of experience and rigorous safety standards, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can grow, make friends, and thrive with peace of mind.

60+ years

Running holiday camps for young people.

1:5 or better

Leader-to-camper ratio on camp.

First Aid Officers

Included on every holiday camp leadership team.

Trained leaders

Application, checks, training and preparation before camp.

Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a camper, parent, or guardian, explore our extensive FAQ categories below to find clean, simple answers to everything you need to know about LYQ camps.

Who is LYQ?

Lutheran Youth Queensland (LYQ) is a department of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District. We are a registered charity passionate about supporting young people through life-changing camping programs, leadership pathways, and school training experiences.

What is the Christian component of camp?

Our camps are centered around positive, authentic Christian community life. This includes uplifting morning and evening group devotions, music, and guided small-group chats where campers can explore faith questions safely. Every child is welcome, regardless of their personal faith background.

What if my child has additional needs?

We are committed to making our camps as inclusive as possible. We encourage you to contact our team prior to booking so we can partner together to understand your child's specific physical, emotional, or educational needs and ensure we have the necessary care structures in place.

My child is neurodiverse. Can you support them at camp?

Yes, absolutely. Many campers with neurodiverse backgrounds (including ASD, ADHD, and sensory processing differences) thrive in our highly structured yet deeply supportive environment. Our trained leaders work hard to accommodate familiar home routines, provide quiet spaces when needed, and maintain consistent communication with families.

Do you cater for children with special dietary requirements?

Yes, our camp venues provide delicious alternatives for coeliac, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free requirements, as well as managing complex clinical allergies. Please detail all medical dietary requirements and anaphylaxis warnings clearly in your camper profile registration.

My child is taking medication. Can you cater for this on camp?

Yes. Every camp has a designated First Aid Officer who handles, stores, and securely administers all medications. You must complete our Medication Form before arrival, ensuring all doses are documented and match the container packaging instructions.

How should prescription medication be supplied?

All prescription medication must be delivered in its original pharmacy packaging, clearly displaying the pharmacist label, camper's name, precise dosage instructions, and current expiry dates. Put all medications inside a clean, transparent, zip-locked bag labeled with your child's name.

How should non-prescription medication be supplied?

Non-prescription medications (e.g., paracetamol, allergy treatments, travel sickness tablets) must be in their original retail packaging, clearly labeled with the camper's name, and accompanied by a signed and dated written permission note outlining dosage and required times.

What about asthma inhalers and EpiPens?

Campers must keep active asthma inhalers and EpiPens on their person at all times, with spares handed over to the Camp First Aid Officer as a backup. You must supply a copy of their formal medical action plan signed by a general practitioner.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured?

Our qualified First Aid Officers assess any illness or injury immediately. If required, we will transport them to local medical centers or emergency rooms. You will be notified immediately about any notable illnesses or injury, and we work in close consultation with parents.

My child does not know anyone else on camp. Will they be okay?

Absolutely! A significant number of our campers arrive without knowing anyone else. Our trained leaders are experts at fostering rich community connections. They use dynamic group games and warm icebreakers early on, helping kids form deep friendships right from day one.

Can my child bring a mobile phone to camp?

To help campers fully engage, live in the present, and build real face-to-face friendships, we maintain a device-free policy. If mobile phones are brought, directors will hold them securely in our central camp storage and return them for dedicated family contact windows or departure.

What sort of supervision will be exercised on camp?

We operate under strict supervision policies. We maintain a high staff-to-camper ratio (normally 1:5 or 1:6). Adult leaders supervise dorm corridors overnight, and all recreation sessions are monitored by fully qualified guides and staff.

Are the leaders trained to handle emergencies?

Yes. Every single leader is blue-card cleared and completes rigorous, mandatory child safety training, behavioral management plans, and emergency response procedures. At least one professional First Aid Officer is on-site 24/7.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is completely normal and natural. Our leadership team handles these feelings with profound care, redirection, and understanding. If homesickness is persistent or affects your child's nutrition or sleep, our Camp Director will call you to discuss the best path forward.

Can my child attend for part of the week?

To support dynamic group development and maintain safe supervision flow, we highly encourage full-week attendance. If your child must leave early or arrive late due to other commitments, please speak with our booking administration prior to registering.

Can I visit my child on camp?

For safety, physical security, and operational reasons, we do not allow general parent visits during camp program hours. However, parents are fully welcome to explore the campsite, meet the directors, and inspect facility spaces during drop-off and pick-up windows.

What does my child need to bring?

A full packing list is emailed to you two weeks before departure. Essential items include: a warm sleeping bag or bed sheets with a pillowcase, personal toiletries, bath and pool towels, comfortable casual clothes, protective closed-toe shoes, swimwear, a drink bottle, and a sun-safe hat.

What should my child wear?

Campers must wear practical, comfortable, sun-safe clothing (shorts, t-shirts with sleeves, and warm pullovers for cool nights). High-adventure sessions, bush walks, and team games require enclosed sneakers or boots.

Will my child need spending money?

No spending money is required. All accommodation, meals, resources, and activity components are included in your basic program fee. Some camp venues may have a minor tuckshop open briefly where small coins can be used.

Can I drop my child off?

Yes, parent drop-off and pick-up directly at the designated campsite is fully welcomed. Specific arrival and departure timeframes will be outlined in your final camper details letter.

Is there a bus?

On many of our seasonal holiday camps, we coordinate organized bus transportation from central hub points (e.g., major train stations or regional offices) for a small add-on transit fee. You can book a seat during your checkout process.

Can campers drive themselves to camp?

Senior high school campers holding active driver licenses may self-drive to camp, provided we have received clear written permission from their parent or guardian prior to the event. For safety, keys must be handed over to the Camp Director for safekeeping immediately upon arrival.

Why do prices vary?

Camp rates vary based on camp venue fees, duration of the program, specialized outdoor recreation providers (such as high ropes, sailing, or skiing instructors), and catering models tailored to each location.

Does Child Care Subsidy apply?

No, our programs are categorized as holiday youth ministry and recreation programs rather than licensed childcare services. Consequently, Government Child Care Subsidy (CCS) cannot be applied to our fees.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, we are highly supportive of family budgeting. We offer simple, interest-free payment plans. You can arrange to pay in regular weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments in the lead-up to camp.

Do you provide financial assistance for campers?

Yes, we believe every child should have the opportunity to experience camp. Through our Luminate Youth Fund, we are able to provide partial or full sponsorships for families enduring serious financial hardship. Please submit a confidential sponsorship inquiry via our website.

Is your online payment system secure?

Yes, completely. Our online registration system is secured via robust SSL industry encryption standards. Credit card processing is handled natively by PCI-DSS compliant, external tier-one payment processors to guarantee security.

Can I trust you with my private information?

Yes. We respect privacy and operate in strict compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. All medical profile details, dietary histories, addresses, and emergency contact details are locked in secure files accessible only to relevant, authorized camp leaders.

What happens if I book and pay but my child cannot attend?

If you cancel, please alert us as soon as possible. Refund eligibility depends on our standard booking notice windows. Full terms, including medical exception refund pathways, are provided during online registration.

Can my child switch camps?

Yes, subject to space availability on alternate programs in the same camp season, we can easily transfer your active registration and payments to another camp venue.

Will I receive a refund if my child only attends part of camp?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer partial refunds for late arrivals, early pickups, or self-exits, as all campsite venue fees, program resources, and catering operations are booked and paid for in advance.

Will I be refunded if the camp is cancelled?

Yes, absolutely. In the highly unlikely event that LYQ is forced to cancel a program due to weather, facility hazards, or critical staff levels, you will receive a 100% refund of all fees paid.

How do I make a complaint?

We value all direct parent and community feedback. To make a complaint or raise a concern, please call our head office directly or submit a message through our official contact portal. Our leadership reviews all concerns with care and responds within 48 hours.

Still have questions about our camps?

Our friendly booking and ministry administration team is here to walk you through any unique concerns or requests.

Get in Touch

First time at camp? You are not alone.

Many campers arrive not knowing anyone, feeling nervous or unsure what to expect. Our leaders are trained to notice, include and encourage campers from the beginning.

Read First-Time Camper FAQs Contact LYQ