Children and Families

The Camden Local Government Area (LGA) has one of the highest proportions of children in NSW with over one quarter of the Camden population aged between 0-14 years (ABS, 2006). Camden Council is committed to making significant investments into planning and ensuring the wellbeing of children and families. This requires a holistic approach in planning for and supporting children and families and includes access and availability of child care services, facilities, programs and support networks.

This site provides information and advice on a range of services for children in the Camden LGA. For further information, please contact Nicole Collins, Community Project Officer on 4645 5084.

This section includes information on

Children and Families Strategic Plan

The Camden Community Children and Families Strategic Plan is a plan for the future of children and their families in the Camden Community. It is a plan for our community where children are provided opportunities and environments to optimise their development and where families are supported in their role.

Please click here for a copy of a Children and Families Strategic Plan fact sheet.

For a full copy of Camden Council's Children and Families Strategic Plan, please contact Community Services on 4645 5084 or download a copy here.

What's on for Kids

With changing trends in family structure, the time that families spend together is crucial. Council provides a range of events for children and families throughout the year. These include:

  • Families Week in May
  • Walk to School Day in May
  • Child Protection Week in September
  • Camden Festival in September
  • Children's Week in October
  • Carols in the Park in December

For any further information or to participate in any of the following events, please contact Nicole Collins, Community Services on 4645 5084.

What's on for Kids Fact sheet

Childcare

There a range of not for profit services, community preschools and private childcare centres that provide child care services in Camden.

How to find the best quality child care

  • The centre is licensed by the Department of Community Services
  • The centre is accredited by the National Childcare Accreditation Council
  • The philosophy of the centre is openly displayed
  • The policies and procedures guiding the operation of the centre are available to families
  • The staff interact with the children in a warm and caring way that conveys respect
  • A centre where parents/carers are welcome any time during the day
  • The centre employs the correct number of qualified staff to provide quality care to the number of children enrolled
  • The centre provides appropriate sleeping facilities for the children
  • The families of the service are given opportunities to become involved in the centre
  • The centre has a system for handling complaints.

Childcare factsheet

 For more information on Family Day Care click here

Playgroups

Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grand parents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment. All children from 0-5 years, including babies, love new experiences and benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills through activities at playgroup
A variety of community organisations provide free of charge playgroups for children and their parents in Camden. Please click the link below for a full listing. For updated information on these services, please visit Council's Community Directory or visit Playgroup Australia.

Playgroups Fact Sheet

Nutrition and Physical Activity

Promoting and understanding nutrition, health and healthy food choices by children and young people is extremely important. Making physical activity a priority and encouraging good habits in children from an early age is important and can help them to develop the skills they need to continue being active throughout their lives.


The following fact sheets are a resource that has been developed to assist parents by providing healthy snack ideas and recipes and managing healthy weight.

Food and Nutrition Fact Sheet

Physical Activity Fact Sheet

There are a wide range of sporting clubs available in Camden for children of all ages. For further information on sporting groups, please visit Camden Council's Community Directory or call Community Services on 4645 5084.

Mayoral Citizenship Awards

As part of Council's Donations Policy, a Mayoral Citizenship Award certificate and book prize is awarded to one student from each primary and secondary school in the Camden Local Government Area at the school's end of year Award Ceremony. Nominations open in November each year. For further information, please contact Nicole Collins on 4645 5084 or email

Useful Websites

Please click here for a extensive range of links to children's services in Camden.