It's all about camping!

Local business Smirkey’s Sports has joined forces with the Department for Child Protection to support a school holiday camping trip for children in care.

When the department approached the store to purchase two large tents for the camp this month, the popular sporting and camping business donated one of the $1000 tents for free.

DCP district director Natasha Bargeus said the camp provided respite for relative and general foster carers in the Hedland district and the support was appreciated by many people in the community.

“DCP acknowledges that our carers do fantastic and admirable work with the children in their care and these camps provide respite to them during the school holidays and at the same time gives the kids an amazing experience,” Ms Bargeus said.

“The camps allow the children to participate in activities such as fishing, swimming, bushwalking and arts and crafts.

“We also aim to develop the children’s life skills and involve them in the day-to-day activities of food preparation, cooking and also focus on issues like hygiene.”

Smirkey’s Sports owner Steve Smirke said he was happy to help.

“I grew up here in Hedland as a boy and the best thing about it was camping,” he said.

“I wanted to help give that opportunity to kids who wouldn’t usually be able to.”