Lutheran Care’s Foster Care Family Engagement Team hosted two unforgettable days at Monarto Safari Park this month, providing foster carers, children and young people with the opportunity to connect with each other and create lasting memories.

Due to unprecedented interest, Lutheran Care held the event on two separate days, filling a total of four buses. On Saturday, 5 September, 22 foster care families joined us for a day of adventure, while a second event followed on Saturday, 19 September, with 21 families.

Across both days, a total of 165 people attended, making it one of our most successful family engagement events to date.

Throughout both days, carers, children and young people enjoyed seeing some of Monarto’s amazing animals while building connections with other foster care families. For some attendees, it was their first time visiting the park, making the experience even more special.

One foster carer reflected on the day, saying it was the best Lutheran Care event that their family had attended.

“It was beautifully facilitated, well-staffed and clear that the organisation went to a lot of effort for this to be successful. The itinerary was clear, nothing missed, and all animals were seen, whether it was on foot or in the bus,” the carer said.

“Well done Lutheran care for facilitating and organising an enriching experience for children while creating meaningful memories to be cherished forever.”

This event provided an incredible opportunity for foster families to form new friendships and strengthen support networks. Our staff were grateful to witness the connections being made and the joy shared by everyone involved.

A highlight for the team was a comment from one of the youth attending – “I made a new friend today!”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Grant’s Coachlines Adelaide and Monarto Safari Park for helping make these special days possible.

Most importantly, we are grateful to our incredible foster carers, children and young people for joining us and making the events such a success.

Interested in becoming a foster carer? Whether it’s providing respite or full-time care, there are opportunities for everyone to give a little of your world and change a child or young person’s life.

To learn more about fostering with Lutheran Care, find out more here.