Rotary Melbourne proudly helped start Lord Somers camp in the 1920s and has been involved helping and supporting the youth of Melbourne and the camp ever since.
Extract from "Australia's First Rotary Club - A history of the Rotary Club of Melbourne" by Owen Parnaby (2002, Melbourne University Press)
In January 1928 Lord Somers (the Governor of Victoria) attended a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Melbourne to discuss with members his plans for a camp to bring together youths from all walks of life to develop greater tolerance and understanding. The club indicated is support and pledged funds to allow the project to proceed. The first two camps were held at Anglesea in 1929 and 1930, and in 1931 the camp moved to its own camp site on the coast between Balnarring and the Flinders Naval Base, the location taking the name of Somers.
Invitations were sent from Government House in the name of the Governor to selected youths in their final year at Independent and State High Schools, and to the same age group in industry. The Camp Chief was Dr Gordon McAdam, an inspirational leader, supported by prominent citizens and Rotarians. Well-known sportsmen and entertainers were in charge of the programme of strenuous competitive sport and exercise, and talks which stressed manly values and the importance of citizenship and service in defence of one's country. There was a tour of the Flinders Naval Base and a demonstration flight and talk by a member of the Air Force. Evenings were given over to entertainment, largely generated from among the members guided by the professionals present.
A colourful group were the 'the slushies', those who had attended previous camps and returned as the labour force, and who took upon themselves the responsibility to see that the new recruits maintained the standards set it the past. Those judged not satisfactory were ducked in the creek. Those who attended Somers Camp were encouraged to join Power House. The formation of Power House was heralded at the first camp at Anglesea by Rear Admiral Napier when he said, "It is possible that a brotherhood under such a name as the Poewr House will be formed to organise reunions and carry on the social services begun at this camp." A few months later Lord Somers in a speech in the Melbourne Town Hall said, "The Power House is the source of energy for all movements calculated to increase social unity and to encourage wise leadership in community movements". Power House became a sports and entertainment centre in Albert Park, fielding teams in athletics, rugby, rowing, baseball, basketball, hockey and lacrosse. It also had its own Regiment.
Dr Gordon McAdam spoke of Somers Camp at Rotary luncheons from time to time. Individual Rotarians acted as mentors and provided transport to and from the camp, and members and their wives were guests for occasional weekends at the camp.
