Inclusive camps and community support at The Collaroy Centre
At The Collaroy Centre, we believe every person deserves a safe, welcoming space to grow, connect, and thrive. As one of Sydney’s leading Christian campsites, our mission extends far beyond providing great accommodation or fun activities, we’re here to be the perfect place to support communities, celebrate diversity, and make a lasting impact.
This past year, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming an incredible range of community groups through our gates. From inclusive school camps to respite retreats and multicultural gatherings, each group brings something special to our site, and every guest leaves a mark on us too.
The perfect place to belong
Inclusiveness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s embedded in everything we do. Our team works hard to ensure that every person, regardless of age, ability, culture, or background, feels respected and valued. We partner with organisations doing critical work in the community, offering our facilities and support so they can deliver transformative programs.
In the past 12 months, we’ve proudly hosted:
- Children and adults with disabilities, including school groups and family camps with tailored accessibility support.
- Refugee support and multicultural community groups, providing a space for rest, reconnection, and cultural celebration.
- Families and kids facing serious illness, through partnerships with not-for-profits who run healing, play-based retreats.
- Groups supporting individuals with muscular dystrophy, with accommodation, accessibility, and activities adapted to suit everyone.
- Programs for Indigenous youth, building confidence, identity and connection to country.
- Camps for underprivileged or vulnerable children, ensuring cost is never a barrier to opportunity.
We’ve seen first-hand how a few days away from daily pressures, in a safe and caring environment, can lead to breakthroughs in confidence, friendships, and emotional wellbeing.
The perfect place to connect and grow
Whether it’s a one-day gathering or a multi-night camp, our team supports each group to tailor the experience around their needs. This includes:
- Accessible accommodation options
- Modifiable activities and group programs
- Thoughtful meal planning (including medical and cultural dietary needs)
- Calm and quiet spaces for rest and reflection
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every guest deserves to feel like they belong here, because they do.
“I have run retreats and conferences at The Collaroy Centre every year for almost 10 years now, and I keep coming back! Walking distance from the beach, great accommodation, excellent conference spaces, and plenty of open space across the site for people to explore.
I’ve used The Collaroy Centre with young people from ages 12, all the way through to adults in their 30s, and it has met all of our needs every single time. The facilities have all been updated over the years, so you can be assured that you’re always getting something that is well-maintained and modern. The staff is fantastic, too, and have consistently gone above and beyond to cater to us and make our stays as good as possible!
I can’t recommend The Collaroy Centre enough!” Sebastian Duhau, 2025
A space designed for inclusion
We’ve invested in ongoing improvements to make The Collaroy Centre not only a beautiful location, but a truly accessible and inclusive one. Recent enhancements that support community groups include:
- Refurbished bathrooms and accessible accommodation options
- Upgraded activity areas to allow for broader participation
- Improved signage and wayfinding
- Quiet areas for sensory breaks
We’re committed to listening and learning from the groups who visit us. That means taking on feedback, working through logistical challenges, and making continual improvements. It’s part of what makes The Collaroy Centre the perfect place to grow, for our guests, and for us.
Why inclusivity matters
Creating an inclusive camp environment doesn’t just benefit those who need adjustments, it creates a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone. Camps are about shared experience, overcoming challenges, and learning together. When diverse groups come together, the impact is even more powerful.
Our staff are trained to support a range of physical, social, and emotional needs, and we work closely with group leaders and program organisers to ensure alignment and support before arrival.
The perfect place to give back
As a Salvation Army-run site, our work is grounded in mission. That includes providing practical support for groups who might not otherwise be able to access a camp experience. Each year, The Collaroy Centre contributes through:
- Mission sponsorships for individuals and groups
- Discounted access for eligible not-for-profit organisations
- Support for local initiatives and church communities
We believe these aren’t just numbers, they’re stories. Lives changed. Communities strengthened. Hope renewed.
See the impact
Want to see more of how The Collaroy Centre supports inclusive camps and community retreats? Explore our latest Year in Review blog or contact us to talk about bringing your group to camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is your site wheelchair accessible? Yes. We offer accessible accommodation, bathroom facilities, pathways, and activity spaces.
Can you accommodate medical dietary needs? Absolutely. Our commercial kitchen team are experienced in preparing meals for a range of medical, cultural, and allergy-related dietary requirements.
Do you provide assistance during activities? Yes. Our instructors can adjust activities where possible and support participants to engage safely and confidently.
Can we tour the site before booking? Of course. We encourage group leaders to book a site tour and meet our team. Contact us to arrange a suitable time.
Ready to plan an inclusive camp or community retreat?
Contact our team today! We’d love to create the perfect place for your next experience.
