At YMCA Lake Dewar Discovery Camp, six families came together for a weekend that offered much more than a break from routine. Led by Michelle Galea, the inaugural YMCA Victorian Mother of the Year and founder of the Australian Solo Mothers by Choice (ASMBC) group, the weekend brought Michelle’s vision to life, creating a welcoming space for solo-parent families to come together, share their journeys, and support one another.
Supported by YMCA’s Open Doors program, the camp was packed with adventure, reflection, and heartfelt moments. “We all arrived Friday night, each family bringing their own unique stories,” Michelle shared. For the children, it was a chance to bond with others from similar family dynamics. “The kids really connected,” she said.
They could relate to each other in ways that only kids in similar families can. By the end of the weekend, they were like a little team.
The YMCA staff were instrumental in ensuring the weekend ran smoothly, from leading activities like kayaking, archery, and the ropes course to helping parents feel confident their children were safe and supported. “The staff were so attentive,” Michelle said. “It allowed us to let the kids explore while we had a moment to relax and just be ourselves.” The camp’s natural setting was a key ingredient, offering wide-open spaces, beautiful views, and a chance to disconnect from technology. “There’s just something about being in nature. It’s peaceful, serene—a real break from city life,” Michelle said.
For Michelle, the weekend was also an extension of her journey as YMCA Victorian Mother of the Year, an honour she described as both humbling and empowering. “It’s an incredible platform,” she said, “not just to celebrate the joy and resilience of solo mothers by choice, but also to advocate for the benefits of families—of all types—getting outdoors and connecting.” The camp reinforced her belief in the value of shared experiences for parents and children alike. “As solo mums, we don’t often get the luxury of someone else minding the kids,” she noted. “This weekend gave us that rare chance to unwind and focus on our community.”
Evenings around the firepit brought an extra touch of adventure, as the families swapped stories and laughed together under the stars. For the kids, it was a weekend of building stick huts, playing soccer, and embracing the outdoors. “There was barely any screen time,” Michelle said. “They loved being outside, doing things they don’t usually get to do.” She reflected on how the camp helped reconnect families with simple, timeless values. “Growing up, we’d play outside until the streetlights came on. I wanted my son to experience that, to know the joy of being in nature and learning through hands-on activities.”
By Sunday, every family left feeling closer and eager to return. “This camp gave us something special,” Michelle said. “It’s not just a weekend away—it’s a reminder of what really matters: family, friendship, and the power of just getting outside together.”
The success of the camp weekend was in part thanks to the YMCA’s Open Doors funding, which ensured that financial barriers didn’t stand in the way. “We’re grateful for this opportunity,” Michelle said. “It’s a reminder that community support makes all the difference. I’m already in talks to plan another camp next year.”
