Lord and Lady Somers Camps
Dear Victorian Scheyvillians and State Chapter Chairs, I am writing to clarify the Victorian Chapter’s position regarding the Lord and Lady Somers Camps.
Our chapter has enjoyed a long and rewarding association with the Lord Somers and Powerhouse group since the mid-1980’s. This took the form of sponsoring numbers of young men and, more recently, young ladies, to the respective Lord and Lady Somers Camps held at Somers on Victoria’s Westernport Bay. There, the “Groupers” were put through an intensive programme of activities that brought out leadership among the “groupers” as well as giving an insight into their true physical capabilities.
Somers Camps were chosen as they were seen as having many of OTU’s positive attributes.
The running of both camps has come into criticism of late due to a perceived reduction in intensity and an adoption of newer social “norms”. These “norms” are not necessarily in keeping with the views of many Scheyvillians.
Three of the Victorian chapter met with LS&PH senior management last April to obtain, first-hand, a feeling as to where
the organisation was heading on these matters. It was explained that there was to be far more emphasis on “rights” of the individual “Groupers”. In essence, this amounted to a dilution of some of the aspects of the programmes we held in such favour. The full degree to which they were doing so was a little unclear.
Accordingly, it has been decided that the camps of January 2025 will be the last to receive our funding – albeit to a reduced level (in view of our near forty years’ positive relationship with the organisation an immediate cessation was considered inappropriate).
It is also recognised that, on the National wind down, monies especially earmarked for Youth Development will be made available to all States and the ACT. The intent is that none of these will go to LS&PH due to the concerns raised. The same applies to any residual Victorian funds.
The above approach has been endorsed by the Victorian executive. I trust this clarifies the situation.
Yours sincerely,
Frank Miller
Chairman
Victorian Chapter