Last week, Jack, our Assistant Camp Manager, attended the International Camp Directors Course at Camp Cottermouth in Canberra. A fantastic few days of learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with camp professionals from across the country. We’re excited to bring this energy and inspiration back to Somers!

Updated Statement 6/03/2026 To our Valued Schools, Parents and Community Partners,  We are writing in light of recent media coverage referring to historical incidents connected to Lord Somers Camp and Power House volunteer-led programs, and commentary regarding child safety at our campsite in Somers.   The incidents detailed in the media coverage were in no way related to our Somers Campsite’s school or external hire programs.  How our organisation operates  To provide clarity, it is helpful to explain how our organisation operates.   Lord Somers Camp & Power House encompasses two distinct operational streams:  Somers campsite (professional operations) – A professionally managed campsite operated by paid staff. This team is responsible for all school camps, external hires and community group bookings, including site management, compliance, child safety, risk management and safety systems.  Volunteer-led programs – activities, such as Big Camp (Lord and Lady Somers Camps), delivered by volunteer members of LSC&PH. These programs operate separately from the professional campsite team.  The matters referenced in recent reporting relate to volunteer-run programs – not to Somers campsite’s professionally delivered school camp operations.  Historical matters  Historical allegations at some volunteer-run programs have been reported in recent media coverage, including one allegation of sexual abuse in the 1960s. The organisation condemns all forms of abuse and takes extremely seriously any reports of harm or abuse experienced at our programs. The organisation encourages anyone who has experienced abuse to report it to Victoria Police or the National Redress Scheme, or contact the organisation directly.   The professional Somers Campsite team was not involved in any of the programs referenced in the media reporting.   Our commitment to child safety and professional standards  Our campsite operations continue to meet established industry and regulatory standards, including:  Vetting and training – All campsite staff hold current Working With Children Checks, Child Safety training and First Aid qualifications, and participate in ongoing professional development.  Accreditation – Somers campsite is fully accredited through the Australian Tourism Accreditation Program and holds Camp & Adventure accreditation. This confirms compliance with national standards for quality, reliability, professionalism, environmental practices, hygiene and safety protocols, and adherence to a Code of Ethics.  Operational governance – Clear safety procedures, risk management systems and incident reporting frameworks underpin all school and external hire programs.  Moving forward  In light of the nature of the allegations, the organisation has paused all volunteer-led programs until at least 30 June 2026.    Somers campsite continues to operate as a professionally managed, accredited and child-safe facility, and all bookings with schools and other external hirers will proceed. We remain committed to providing safe, positive and well-supported camp experiences for all students and guests.   If you would like further clarification, please contact our CEO or the Somers campsite office directly.  Yours sincerely, Josh Clark Camp Manager at LSC 

Lord Somers Camp have been generously donated a range of dry goods, chilled products and meat from Fastrac Foodservice. The recent fortnightly food donations from Fastrac are used in delicious meals our kitchen team prepare, cook, package and then donate to the Westernport Community Centre. The contribution Fastrac have made supports us to continue our meal donation initiative with high quality ingredients. Our fantastic Fastrac representative Bernadette personally delivers excess stock from their warehouse that would otherwise be sent to landfill. Together we are reducing food wastage and providing nourishing meals to those in need. Says Bernadette, ‘Fastrac understands the importance of providing a wide range of products to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers.” She adds, “I love donating to you guys and seeing the results!” Lord Somers Camp have donated over 3500 meals and we are proud to continue with the support of our fabulous suppliers.