The iconic Maldon Blue Light Youth Camp is at risk of closure due to funding losses from COVID-19. 

The camp has a 30-year legacy in the Maldon community, running school camps and education programs.

The new Executive General Manager of the camp, Jon Mitchell, told the Tarrangower Times that the Maldon Blue Light Youth Camp became independent from the Victorian Police in 2014. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions camps are unable to run at present, leaving the camp without any form of revenue.

“I’ve inherited a deficit of lost earnings due to COVID and are currently going week by week, trying to keep staff on,” said Jon.

“Funding is non-existent. We are a not-for-profit organisation and cannot access funds through state or federal government or by local council.”

Jon, who has an extensive history working with at-risk youth, took on the role as general manager, early last year, to develop a suite of programs for at risk youth and communities.  

“Instead of focusing on re-engagement techniques, it’s important to understand the underlying issue of engagement, which is trauma. This program focuses on mental health and overall health and well-being.”

Jon, who used to run Reconnect, one of the largest re-engagement programs in Australia said, “It’s important to focus on strengths versus barriers. As Victoria starts to open up, the Blue Light Camp will be able to support children with COVID recovery by providing outdoor education, which is shown to improve anxiety and other mental health issues.”

Jon and the Youth Blue Light Camp Board are currently running a crowd funding campaign to raise enough money to sustain the camp.

“The camp is an iconic institute which contributes to the economy in Maldon and from talking to locals, the community love the camp. I often have people telling me they’ve missed hearing the kids and seeing them ride their bikes around town.

“I’m really concerned about what will happen to the staff once we’re out of lockdown and are no longer being provided with emergency payments. 

“At present there is no clear guideline from the government as to when schools will be able to resume excursions and camps, which means schools don’t want to book anything in the future.”

To learn more or make a donation visit the Victorian Blue Light Youth Camp’s Go Fund Me page at:  Help Blue Light Campy Battle Youth Mental Health.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 29 October 2021.