SMAD Camp stands for Sports Music Art and Drama Camp and that is exactly what it is. The Camp was founded by Alison and Penny Jackson in 2013 in partnership with the Canberra Baptist Church. It is a day camp and runs from 9am to 3pm each day. We cater for up to 144 campers from Finished Kindergarten 2022 – Finished Year 6 2022.
Registration for SMAD Camp 2023 starts at 10am on 22nd October and we recommend you get in fast as it fills up quickly.
SMAD Camp 2023 Info:
Dates: Monday 16th – Friday 20th January
Age: Finished Kindergarten 2022 – Finished Year 6 2022
Cost: $80 for the week
Location: Canberra Baptist Church (Currie Crescent Kingston)
Program
SMAD Camp is an incredible program for primary school kids. We offer a complete program of activities including candle making, cooking, Frisbee, tie dye t-shirts, team building games, engaging Bible stories and skits and much much more! It is a place like no other where campers feel an amazing sense of belonging. Every camper is encouraged and supported, fostering self-confidence and relationships built on trust. Every leader at SMAD Camp is committed to ensuring your child has an unforgettable experience!
Meet the Directors
Penny Jackson
Penny is a Primary School teacher who works at a local public school as a Kindergarten teacher. She spent 2 summers in the US working as a camp counselor at an overnight camp in Ohio. Penny loves hanging out with kids and her favourite camp activity is making tie dye t-shirts!! She loves to bake and play Netball!!!
Ally Jackson
Ally teaches a Year 3 class at a local Canberra school. Alison has worked for 3 summers as a camp counsellor and head counsellor at a day camp near Washington DC. She has a passion for making a difference in the lives of kids and youth. Her favourite camp activity is craft time!! She also loves reading and travelling!
Dates and Rates
SMAD Camp will be held from Monday 16th to Friday 20th January.
Rates are detailed below. Financial support to attend SMAD Camp is readily available for those on lower incomes, please contact the office for more information.
| For Each Child | Fee |
| Week (5 days) | $80 |
Please note that SMAD Camp only offers full week places. Part-time places are not offered.
Registration
Registrations for SMAD Camp 2019 open at 10am on 22nd October
What Parents are saying about SMAD Camp
Our three children absolutely loved your camp. They all can’t wait for the next one. We thought that our eldest who has just turned 11 might find the camp a little boring but to our surprise he couldn’t get enough, he loved it. Well done to everyone involved. The camp was brilliant.
Great work! I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and the team of SMAD. Our daughter so enjoyed the days with your team. It has gently taught her about school holiday program and helped her not to be afraid of them. It also gently introduced faith to her. This has lead to some surprisingly useful discussions including what Mummy and Daddy believe.
I think our girls really liked it because of the diversity of activities and the friendliness and enthusiasm of all leaders. This meant that the children were kept engaged. Also, the fact that they went for a whole week allowed them to build rapport with their leaders and peers, even though they did not know a lot of people at first. Our girls were very proud of their tie-dye t-shirts and they love wearing it. It was perfect for bonding as well. Also, all the crafts that they did and were able to take home with them…they loved it. There was an angel made out of beads and owls of felt and clay…they really treasure it. The Frisbee activity was nice too. The leaders were very committed, energetic and considerate.
Craft Instructions
Tie Dye Shirts
1. Take out of bag and take off rubber bands.
2. Lay shirt flat in direct sunlight to dry, turning over so both sides get even sunlight (the more sun, the brighter the colour).
3. When dry, hot iron or tumble in hot dryer briefly.
4. Shirt is now colourfast and ready to wear.
5. Wash as normal inside out, machine or hand wash.
Painted Plates
1. Leave to dry for 24 hours after painting.
2. Bake in a domestic oven for 40 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius.
Glass Painting
1. Leave to dry for 24 hours after painting.
2. Bake in a domestic oven for 40 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius (glass must be placed in a cold oven or may shatter).
FAQ
Can my child still attend SMAD Camp if they have just finished primary school?
Yes! Any child who has completed year 6 in 2022 is welcome at SMAD Camp.
My child is starting Year 1 in 2023. Can they come to SMAD Camp?
Yes! Children completing Kindergarten are welcome at SMAD Camp.
Can I register my child for part of the week?
SMAD Camp 2023 is only taking registrations for the full week.
My child has a friend also attending SMAD Camp. Can they be in the same group?
Groups are determined by age and allocated prior to the week of SMAD Camp. Friendship requests can be made on the online registration form. However, please be aware that these are requests and need to be reciprocated. Each camper may only nominate one friend of the same grade. SMAD Camp is a great way to make new friends! Any changes will be at the discretion of the camp directors.
Can someone other than me pick up my kids at the end of the day?
Yes. However, these people will need to be nominated on your registration form.
What should children bring to camp?
Please ensure your child brings a hat and drink bottle each day. Campers should also come with a packed lunch. No other items such as electronics or toys should be brought to camp.
Is SMAD Camp nut free?
Yes, we are a nut free camp. Please make sure not to pack any food containing nuts.
What shoes should campers wear?
Due to the kinds of activities at SMAD Camp we recommend sneakers or shoes appropriate for running around in.
What if my child doesn’t know anyone?
Every child at SMAD is grouped with children of the same age with leaders specifically trained to help your child feel welcome. Our leaders use “get to know you” games and help build friendship amongst the group. It is our goal that every camper will make a new friend while at SMAD Camp.
We now have a Facebook Page. Like us at https://www.facebook.com/smadcampcanberra
