South

What does it take to send a child to camp?

23 May 2025

Fundraising News

We’re about to launch our Sponsor A Child campaign, bringing our donors and supporters right to the heart of the impact and the experience they’re contributing towards. But first, we’d like to shine a light on how the idea behind this campaign came about – with the fantastic South team, led by Regional Manager Barbara Robertson.

Looking at sponsorship in a new way

When Barbara stepped into her role as Camp Quality South’s Regional Manager two years ago, she thought she needed to raise $17,000. The real figure? Closer to $70,000.

“I had no idea what I was getting into,” she laughs now. “But the moment I started talking to people – really talking – they responded.”

People don’t always realise what it takes to make camp happen. While many activities are donated, core costs still need to be covered. And it’s not always obvious where the funding comes from – or how far it stretches.

“There’s a perception that camp is cheap because it relies on volunteers and often happens at campsites,” Barbara says. “But when you start breaking it down, factor in all the details, venue hire fees, and so much more – you really start to see how massive the effort is to make camp actually happen.”

Barbara started to think differently about how she approached sponsorship conversations. She noticed that in areas where the sense of community is strong, like her own circle in Te Anau, people want to be involved because the impact on campers is personal. Everyone knows someone or has a neighbour who knows someone who has had their life changed by Camp Quality, so it’s easy for sponsors to relate to the cause.

Barbara realised that if she was going to hit her fundraising target, she needed to find a way to show supporters the direct impact of their generosity. Instead of rattling off a list of costs – venue hire, buses, food – she started framing it as: one child, one camp, one life-changing week. And she began answering a key question: What does it actually cost to send one child to camp? The answer at the time – about $1,800 just to cover the basics – surprised everyone.

That personal, transparent approach worked. “By the time I’d finished speaking to a Lions and Rotary group, we had 18 kids sponsored.”

In 2025, the average cost per camper is now closer to $3,000. It’s a big call, but one that communities, local businesses, and passionate fundraisers throughout the CQ family are rising up to meet.

Not all support comes written on a cheque

With the upcoming Sponsor A Child campaign, Barbara also says it’s important to recognise that donations come in many different forms. Camp relies on funding to access essentials (like food, items, experiences, and transportation) so when a local supporter can offer provide those things directly, it relieves that budget to be spent on other fun experiences for the kids (like candy floss, extra treats, or even a whole new excursion). 

“It’s not always about money,” Barbara says. “It’s about asking. When you put yourself out there and make the ask – ‘What can you give?’ – people respond. We always make sure every supporter gets a thank you and a mention in our log book.”

What do those donations look like?

One anonymous farmer donated three sheep every year. Barbara’s son donates venison. Then, Barbara works with a generous local butcher who processes all the meat into patties and sausages to feed campers for the week. 

One Paper Plus owner handles all the printing for Barbara, whether it’s flyers, documents, or other needed materials.

A local school hosted a pyjama day to encourage breakfast item donations, securing the whole week’s worth of delicious meals at camp. 

Lynne Sinclair, 12-year CQ volunteer and South committee member, contributes her amazing skills in fundraising, building connections, and community outreach to involve local businesses. 

“We have been so lucky with many local businesses in the Lakes District who support us,” says Lynne, “But every year, it is harder to meet our fundraising budget as costs for the essentials become more expensive. I am hoping that the Sponsor A Child campaign sparks even more support and connections around the country!”

Why it matters

Camp Quality isn’t as visible as some larger charities. “We’re not like Canteen with their bandanas in every Four Square,” Barbara notes. “Our kids are younger and we’re careful about protecting them, which means sometimes our stories stay a bit more guarded, a bit more under the radar. But that makes it all the more important that we share our impact and our charity’s needs in a big way.”

That story comes to life when people see camp for themselves – through videos, visits, and events like the annual South Summer Camp banquet dinner. “You see the kids. You sit with them. It’s real.”

How you can help

Whether you're part of a service group, a school, a local business, or just someone who cares – you can sponsor a child. Whether it’s $50 or $5,000, every bit helps make camp possible.

If you’re up for helping with fundraising, consider hosting an event, getting your local businesses or workplace involved, or do a fun run to collect donations. 

And if you have resources to offer – whether it’s a bit of baking during camp week, your time as a volunteer, or materials from your line of work – we’d love to hear from you.

We can’t wait to see all the new connections, the smiling camper faces, and the strong local communities that come together to make our 2025 Camp Quality whānau!