SeriousFun Children’s Network is expanding to Australia and New Zealand with five new pilots experiences for seriously ill kids.
The global community of camps and programs was founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman to deliver free, life-changing experiences to children with serious illnesses and their families, including children with disability.
SeriousFun currently supports 30 camps and programs in over 50 countries, and this expansion marks its first formal presence in the Australia–New Zealand region.
Chief program officer at SeriousFun, Tim Bethune, said the expansion was an opportunity for SeriousFun to deepen its impact, in a milestone year for the organisation.
“We’re proud to support this expansion and honor what would have been Paul Newman’s 100th year by extending the joy, connection, and transformative power of camp to more children and families around the world,” he said.
SeriousFun’s expansive experiences
Earlier this year, SeriousFun invited local organisations to submit proposals for camp or camp-inspired programs for children with serious medical conditions. From these, five pilot projects have been selected to deliver more than 3000 new camp and outreach experiences across Australia and New Zealand in 2025.
In Australia, these are:
- Family Camps for Children Affected by Cancer
New weekend and short-stay camp programs designed to support children living with cancer and their families, offering connection, respite, and joy in a medically safe environment. - Hospital-Based Outreach Programs
Camp-inspired experiences delivered directly in pediatric hospitals, bringing play, creativity, and emotional support to children undergoing treatment. - Programs for Siblings Facing Grief or Hospice Care
Dedicated camps and outreach activities supporting the emotional needs of children who have a sibling in hospice care or who are grieving the loss of a sibling. - Inclusive Camps for Children with Complex Medical Needs
Residential programs tailored to children managing chronic and complex conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and those requiring feeding tubes — ensuring access to safe, joyful camp experiences.
In New Zealand, the program is:
- Camps for Children in Underserved and Remote Communities Affected by Cancer
Specialised programs for children diagnosed with cancer, with a focus on reaching those living in remote or underserved areas to ensure equitable access to the benefits of camp.
Blake Maher, CEO of SeriousFun, said the programs would have a profound impact on the children who take part.
“This pilot initiative is about more than program funding – it’s about building relationships, learning from one another, and creating lasting impact and transformative experiences to children who need them most,” he said.