Our Story

Since 1995, Errappa Blue Light Camp has been a cornerstone of youth development in South Australia. What began as a vision to create positive connections between young people and police through outdoor adventure has grown into a transformative program that has touched the lives of thousands of South Australian youth.

Located in the stunning outback near Iron Knob, our camp provides a unique setting where young people can step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and discover capabilities they never knew they had. Away from the distractions and pressures of daily life, participants forge genuine friendships, develop essential life skills, and build the confidence needed to navigate life's challenges.

Our Mission

To empower young people across South Australia through outdoor adventure experiences that build confidence, develop teamwork skills, foster leadership qualities, and create positive relationships between youth and police, ultimately reducing youth crime and strengthening communities.

Our Vision

A South Australia where every young person has access to positive role models, opportunities for personal growth, and the confidence to make positive choices that lead to successful, fulfilling lives.

Our Values

Respect

We treat every young person with dignity and respect, recognizing their unique strengths and potential regardless of their background or circumstances.

Safety

Physical and emotional safety is paramount. We maintain rigorous safety standards while creating a supportive environment where young people feel secure to take positive risks.

Inclusion

Our programs welcome all young people, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, with disabilities, and facing various life challenges.

Empowerment

We believe in young people's capacity to overcome challenges and make positive changes. Our programs build confidence and self-belief.

Community

We foster a sense of belonging and connection, helping young people see themselves as valued members of their communities.

Positive Relationships

Building trust and understanding between young people and police creates safer, stronger communities for everyone.

Blue Light Partnership

Errappa Blue Light Camp operates under the umbrella of Blue Light SA, a police community youth program that has been operating across Australia since 1961. Blue Light was founded on the principle that building positive relationships between police and young people is one of the most effective ways to prevent youth crime and create stronger communities.

Our partnership with SA Police means that trained police officers volunteer their time as camp leaders and mentors. These officers participate in activities alongside young people, breaking down barriers and showing that police are approachable, caring community members. Through shared challenges and adventures, young people and police build mutual respect and understanding that extends beyond the camp experience.

Who We Serve

Errappa Blue Light Camp welcomes young people aged 6 to 25 across South Australia, with a particular focus on:

  • At-Risk Youth: Young people facing challenges that may lead to negative outcomes, including involvement in the justice system
  • Financially Disadvantaged: Youth who may not otherwise have access to outdoor adventure experiences
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth: Programs that are culturally appropriate and welcoming
  • Regional and Remote Youth: Young people from rural areas across South Australia
  • Youth with Disabilities: Inclusive programs adapted to support diverse needs
  • Culturally Diverse Youth: Young people from all cultural backgrounds
  • Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Providing stability, support, and positive experiences

Our Approach

Our programs are built on adventure-based learning principles, where young people learn by doing. Through carefully designed activities and challenges, participants develop:

  • Resilience: Learning to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks
  • Teamwork: Understanding the power of collaboration and mutual support
  • Leadership: Discovering and developing their leadership potential
  • Self-Confidence: Achieving things they didn't think possible
  • Social Skills: Communicating effectively and building positive relationships
  • Problem-Solving: Thinking creatively and working through challenges
  • Positive Identity: Seeing themselves as capable and valued

Our Impact

Over three decades, Errappa Blue Light Camp has made a lasting impact on South Australian communities. Research shows that youth who participate in programs like ours experience:

  • Increased self-esteem and confidence
  • Improved social connections and reduced isolation
  • Better school engagement and attendance
  • Reduced likelihood of involvement in crime
  • More positive attitudes toward police and authority
  • Enhanced decision-making and life skills
  • Greater sense of community belonging

Many of our past participants have gone on to become youth leaders, volunteers, and positive contributors to their communities. Some have even joined the police force themselves, inspired by the positive role models they met at camp.

Our Location

Set in the spectacular South Australian outback near Iron Knob, Errappa Blue Light Camp offers a unique environment for adventure and personal growth. The rugged beauty of the landscape provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities while the remoteness helps young people disconnect from daily distractions and focus on personal development and building connections.

Governance & Accountability

Errappa Blue Light Camp is a registered charity committed to the highest standards of governance, safety, and accountability. We report annually to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and maintain comprehensive child safety policies and procedures.

Registration Details:

  • ABN: 33 814 924 336
  • Charity Size: Small
  • Established: December 31, 1995
  • Operating Area: South Australia

Join Our Adventure

Be part of a program that's been changing young lives for over 30 years