Being a leader
Thinking about volunteering as a leader?
This could be for you if:
- You're 18+ and love the outdoors
- You've got energy, empathy and a sense of fun
- You want to build your leadership skills and confidence
- You like working in a team and supporting young people
- You're up for a week of challenge, fun, and almost no phones
- You're committed to making camp a safe, respectful, and inclusive space.
Cooinda makes me feel like the best version of myself.
At Camp Cooinda, child safety isn't just a box we tick — it's a core part of how we lead. We're committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Read our full child safety commitment →
As part of the application process, new leaders must:
- Apply for and secure a valid Victorian Working With Children Check*
- Provide two written references less than twelve months old that speak to your character, skills and experience
- particularly any experience working with children and young people - Declare that you will comply with our Objectives and Program Policies and Leader Code of Conduct
- Participate in our child safety training
- Attend our residential Leader Training Weekend in late November (see dates below).
Sound like your kind of summer?
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Been a Camp Cooinda leader before?
Been a leader before and want to be on board for Summer 2026?
We're so glad you're back. Here's what you need to know:
Key dates
Leader Training Weekend
- Arrive: Friday 28 November, between 8 pm and 11 pm
- Depart: Sunday, 30 November, after 4 pm
For Camp One leaders
- Arrive: Saturday 27 December, by 12:30 pm
- Depart: Saturday, 5 January, around 4 pm (or hang around for a relaxed leaders' dinner and leave the next morning)
For Camp Two leaders
- Arrive: Wednesday 7 January, by 12:30 pm
- Depart: Saturday 17 January, around midday (after enjoying a relaxed leaders' dinner the night before and packing down the site)
If you've been a leader before, you'll get an email from us in September with your personalised application link. Just check that all your information is up to date and get your application early (there's a special bonus for those who submit their applications by 7 October!).
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Training and preparation
We want every leader to feel confident and ready when camp begins — whether it's your first time or your fifth. All new and returning leaders take part in our residential Leader Training Weekend in late November unless you have a special exemption from our Leader Selection Coordinator. Here we cover everything from program policies and procedures, child safety, planning activities, managing groups, and navigating the Gippsland Lakes.
We also do canoeing training this weekend, to ensure leaders who need to paddle in their roles are ready for summer with the right skills.
Before camp, we'll give you access to a stack of resources — including our Leaders' Manual and program guides for specific roles. We ask all leaders to complete this free online food safety course, and we’ll reimburse up to $100 for a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 or higher).
All leaders must read and agree to our Objectives, Program Policies and Leader Code of Conduct and to uphold our strong commitment to child safety and cultural safety as part of applying for camp. And to help you get yourself ready for camp, here’s a detailed packing list.
I've loved challenging myself over the last couple of years as a leader, giving kids the chance to have a brilliant time exploring the stunning Gippsland Lakes. And all without phones, which is getting rarer and rarer these days. It's crazy special.
Current leader
Other Cooinda leadership camps
Easter Camp
Our four-night residential Easter Camp is for anyone who loves Cooinda and wants a fun, hands-on weekend of leadership, adventure, and teamwork. Whether you’re deep into your leadership journey or just starting out, it’s the perfect chance to connect, learn, and contribute in a way that works for you.
Easter Camp is open to people aged 18+ who are:
- Current or former Camp Cooinda leaders
- Friends who’ve heard about Cooinda from a mate and are curious to check it out
- Cooinda campers who are now 18 and ready to start their leadership journey
Over the weekend, you’ll soak up the magic of camp outside of summer, learn new skills, help with essential maintenance, and maybe even join an overnight expedition to one of our favourite spots on the Gippsland Lakes.
We stay in cabins, share great meals (dietary needs catered for), and pack in as much good company and camp spirit as possible.
Get in touch to be added to the mailing list for our next Easter Camp.
Family Camp
Family Camp is our four-day, every-second-year tradition for Camp Cooinda leaders with young children. It’s a chance to stay connected to Cooinda, keep the spirit alive, and give your kids their first taste of camp magic.
You and your family will stay in cabins and enjoy a mix of camp favourites—archery, crafts, paddling, games—plus plenty of relaxed time together.
The next Family Camp will be in September 2026.
If you’re a current or former Camp Cooinda leader with children under 12, get in touch to be added to the mailing list.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re 18+ and love the outdoors, send in your expression of interest through our online form. We’ll contact you about the next steps, which include providing referees, completing a Working With Children Check, and attending our Leader Training Weekend at the end of November.
We provide a full packing list when you’re accepted, including clothes for all weather, sleeping gear, a brimmed hat, personal items and any role-specific gear. Grab the packing list here.
Camp Cooinda is a child-safe organisation. All leaders complete child safety training, hold a valid Working With Children Check, provide referees that we verify, and commit to abiding by our Program Policies and Leader Code of Conduct. We’re committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all.
No. Many of our leaders started without any formal youth work background. You just need energy, empathy, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive camp experience.
Leader Training Weekend is held in late November and is compulsory for new and returning leaders unless you have an exemption from the Leader Selection Coordinator. It covers child safety, program policies, activity planning, canoe training and more.
We provide hands-on residential training at Leader Training Weekend, and in the two days at camp before campers arrive. We also provide you with a Leaders’ Manual and program guides for specific roles. We also offer a $100 reimbursement for a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 or higher) and ask leaders to complete a free online food safety course.
No. All our leaders are volunteers. Your reward is in building leadership and outdoor skills, forming lifelong friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences for young people.
Leaders attend the two-night Leader Training Weekend in late November, the two preparation days before camp and the 8-day summer camp. Arrival and departure dates are set to allow for set-up, training and pack-down.
Generally no. That said, it can be useful to have experienced leaders with specific skills come for key parts of the camp (during set-up and pack-down, or in the first few instruction days of camp where patrols are learning to boat safely). The training days are required for all leaders, unless you have an exemption from the Leader Selection Coordinator. This may be granted for experienced leaders who have completed the training on multiple previous occasions.
Yes. You can nominate your preference for Camp One, Camp Two or both in your application.
- Leader Training Weekend: Fri 28 – Sun 30 Nov 2025
- Camp One: Sat 27 Dec 2025 – Mon 5 Jan 2026
- Camp Two: Wed 7 Jan – Sat 17 Jan 2026