The KAravan Klub was formed 18 months ago and has so far met three times at camp grounds around the State.

Organiser Glenn Smith said he regularly camped with extended family and thought it would be a good idea if other foster carers became involved.

He established a WhatsApp group, and 35 people including 20 young people travelled to Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley in January last year.

They’ve since met at Tanunda, also in the Barossa, and at Goolwa. They will return to Nuri’ for their next meet on Sunday (21 January).

Members of the KAravan Klub are supported by non-government care provider Key Assets (whence the ‘KA’ in KAravan), which is a partner of the Department for Child Protection.

“We thought we’d go somewhere close the first time,” Glenn said.

“Most of the carers live north, so Nuri’ seemed a natural fit.”

Glenn and his wife Jan are long-term carers for siblings aged 13 and 15. They’re also respite carers for their other siblings aged 16 and 17.

He said the campers – particularly the core group – had developed a strong connection.

“Every night we get around each other and have a chat,” Glenn said.

“We look after each other and the kids look after each other.

“I think the support stuff is very important. We all understand the problems, and the more you talk to people the more you understand their problems.

The KAravan Klub has around 60 members and almost 50 are expected in Nuriootpa next week.

Activities include a yiros night, bowling, outdoor activities, barbecues and a pancake breakfast. Glenn’s also hoping for a special visit for the children from members of a hotrod car enthusiasts club.

The camp pool is also likely to be working overtime during the week of festivities.

And while the networking is important, Glenn said the KAravan Klub is primarily for the children and young people in care.

“It works for the kids,” he said. “They love it.

“They’re all friends, and we try to make it as good as we can for them.

“It’s all about support, and the most support there is for the kid is the carer.”

Comments attributable to Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard

Foster and kinship carers across South Australia are remarkable – they open their homes, their lives and their hearts to ensure children and young people in care have a safe, supported and loving home and are given the opportunity to thrive. I’m really grateful to them.

Providing care to children who have gone through some tough times can be incredibly rewarding but it comes with challenges too.

The KAravan Klub is a wonderful example of the sense of community among our carers and the children and young people in their care; it is a shining example of their desire to support and offer understanding and compassion to one another.

It was such a pleasure to spend time with this dedicated group and learn about how important this club is for them and their families.

We are dedicated to improving the experience of the many brilliant foster and kinship carers across the state and to growing the number of people who might consider taking up a caring role.

I am so grateful to carers and look forward to continuing to work closely with them to keep improving the child protection and family support system.  I am really proud of our recent announcement of an additional $800 for carers to access respite which starts today (24 January) and of the increases to carer payments provided for in the 23/24 State Budget.

Comments attributable to Michael Ainsworth, State Director of Key Assets.

One of the most pleasing factors about the KAravan Klub is it’s been community led.  Watching it continue to grow has been amazing and the inclusive and positivity for the group to welcome new members has been a big factor in this.

There is a strong a sense of community not only for the carers, but also the kids.

One of the biggest highlights is just the natural and organic connection for the kids in a fun and relaxing environment.

The concept has a lot of potential to expand with other foster care providers.