As one of the region’s longest-running local charitable events, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s 21st annual Camp and sCare was once again a frightfully fun weekend, bringing local and visiting families together for a weekend of spooky Halloween festivities.
This year’s event saw the resort transformed once more into a Halloween wonderland, filled with ghostly fun for a great cause. The sell-out family occasion, booked out well in advance, continues to be one of the most anticipated weekends on the local calendar.
After another successful event, this year’s Camp and sCare raised an impressive total of $14,036.69. With 100% of proceeds from all Friday night campsite bookings, along with gold coin donations from activities, donated directly to Whitsunday Suicide Prevention — this year’s sole charity beneficiary — the event continues to make a meaningful impact across the Whitsundays, with every dollar raised helping fund vital local mental health awareness and support initiatives.
Guests embraced the Halloween spirit in full force, transforming campsites and cabins into eerie masterpieces and dressing to impress for the spookiest campsite, cabin, family, and individual costume competitions. The festive atmosphere rivalled any Halloween celebration, with creativity and community spirit on full display.
From the moment guests arrived, the resort came alive with Halloween magic. Families enjoyed a packed activities program, including Spooky Sand Art, Halloween Face Painting, Snow Cones, Scary Tattoos, Night Spotting, Scary Mini Golf, and an outdoor screening of “Haunted Mansion.” Friday night’s Camp & sCare Froggy Eat Street was also a highlight, featuring food vendors, merchandise stalls, and live music.
Saturday morning kicked off with Monster Pancakes by the Pool, followed by Crazy Hair styling, Trick or Treat Bag Making, more Halloween face painting, and of course, Trick or Treating throughout the resort. The excitement carried on into the afternoon with a sausage sizzle, prize winner presentations, raffle draws, and the much-loved Monster Mash Disco — rounding out a weekend of fun, fright, and fundraising.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO, Phil Casey, said the event continues to be a cornerstone of the resort’s community fundraising efforts.
“Camp and sCare is more than just a fun Halloween weekend — it’s a chance for families to come together and support causes that make a real difference in our community, and we thank our guests for their generosity. We’d also like to thank the many local businesses who donated prizes and helped make this year’s event another huge success,” said Mr Casey.
“This year, we’re proud to be supporting Whitsunday Suicide Prevention as our sole Camp and sCare charity beneficiary, assisting in strengthening vital support networks, reducing stigma and fostering hope and connection throughout our community.”
On Monday morning, the team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team presented Gis Marven, Committee Member for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), with a charity cheque for $14,036.69. WSPN is a community led network driven to reduce suicide and its impact in the Whitsunday region.
Ms Marven said the donation would make a real difference to the network’s ongoing community support initiatives.
“This generous support from BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is greatly appreciated by WSPN. As a non-funded, volunteer-run charity, every cent we receive goes directly into saving lives and supporting families in our region. These funds will help us continue providing free counselling sessions to families affected by suicide, support the B Kinder curriculum in local schools, subsidise weekly breathwork sessions, host monthly Mates mental health breakfasts, and deliver vital training and awareness programs,” said Ms Marven.
“We’re passionate about building a stronger, more connected community. Our goal is to reduce suicide in the Whitsundays through education, conversation, and compassion — and it’s heartwarming to see local businesses like BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort helping us do just that,” she added.
Mr Casey said the resort’s long-standing commitment to charitable giving is deeply rooted in the values of its owners, the McKinnon family.
“Having owned the resort for 32 years, the McKinnon family’s contribution to the Whitsunday community is truly remarkable,” Mr Casey said. “They genuinely care about the region and its people, and that spirit of giving is reflected in everything we do. Our guests have also played a huge part in this journey, consistently supporting our charitable events — from Camp and sCare to our many other ongoing fundraising initiatives — which help local children and vulnerable adults. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued generosity and community spirit.”
Now in its 21st year, Camp and sCare has grown into a much-loved family tradition, combining the joy of camping and the thrill of Halloween with the spirit of giving back.
The resort’s facilities and atmosphere once again created the perfect backdrop for families to enjoy time outdoors, make memories, and celebrate all things spooky — Whitsunday style!
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort holds Camp and sCare annually in late October or early November. Advance bookings are essential, with many families securing their spot up to two years in advance.