When someone flies across the country, covers their own costs, and jumps through paperwork hoops to volunteer, you know there’s a powerful story behind it.
We had a chat with one of our amazing Camp Hero mentors, Madeline, to talk about why she flew all the way from Queensland to WA to mentor, what drew her to Camp Hero and what’s stayed with her after spending a week with teenagers.
What was it about Camp Hero that made you apply as a mentor?
I was looking to do some volunteering that had a profound impact on young people. When I came across zero2hero, I immediately felt like it was an organisation I needed to be part of. The values, the focus on prevention, and the way they support young people really resonated with me.
You went to extraordinary lengths to get everything sorted, from flying over at your own expense to tracking down where WA Working With Children Checks are processed in Brisbane. What kept you motivated through all of that?
I was more than willing to fly to WA because I genuinely wanted to contribute to the lives of young people. I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact that a single conversation, along with education around suicide and mental health can have. That belief kept me going through all the logistics.
As a nurse with a strong passion for mental health, what stood out to you about the way Camp Hero supports young people compared to other programs you’ve seen or been part of?
By the end of the week, I knew that if I’d been able to attend Camp Hero when I was younger, it would have made a profound difference in my life. zero2hero is truly setting the standard for other Australian states and territories when it comes to suicide prevention. There needs to be far more awareness around young people’s mental health, and zero2hero is absolutely paving the way.
Can you share a moment from the camp that really stayed with you or reminded you why this work matters?
There were so many moments I’ll never forget, but watching the teenagers slowly come out of their shells over the week and then hearing them share how they felt about the experience was incredibly powerful. I don’t want to give too much away for future camps, but those moments are something special.
You’re returning as a mentor again. What does coming back to mentor at Camp Hero mean to you personally, and what would you say to someone considering stepping up as a mentor for the first time?
Yes! I’m returning for the next round of Camp Hero programs. I feel incredibly honoured to have been a 2025 mentor, and I’m genuinely excited to continue encouraging young people on their zero2hero journey.
Coming back means another change for me to show up for young people at such a pivotal time in their lives. It means creating space for honest conversations, shared challenges, laughter, growth and those quiet moments that end up meaning the most. It’s not just a week on camp, it’s an opportunity to be part of something that stays with people long after they head home.
To anyone thinking about mentoring for the first time, say yes! Throw yourself into every activity. Be open to the experience. Be present. And be ready for your life to change.
What you might not expect is how much you’ll get out of it too. You go in thinking you’re there for the young people, and you are, but the growth, the perspective, the connection and the friendships you walk away with are just as powerful. Even if that’s not the reason you signed up, it becomes part of the story.
The connections you make and the memories you create at Camp Hero will stay in your heart forever.
Inspired to mentor at Camp Hero?
Our mentors come from all walks of life, with one thing in common, a genuine desire to show up for young people when it matters most.
Camp Hero brings together young leaders at a pivotal moment in their lives. As a mentor, you’ll spend five immersive days walking alongside the next generation of change-makers – listening, guiding and helping them build confidence, leadership and wellbeing skills that last well beyond camp.
No prior mentoring experience needed. Just five days to give and the willingness to show up.
If you’re interested, you can find more information and apply here.
