Somers aimed to duplicate the success of the hugely popular Duke of York Camps which were held in the United Kingdom.
In order to provide a meeting and social outlet for the camp's participants, a clubhouse located at Albert Park Lake in Melbourne was built in 1932.
Called "Power House", the activities expanded into sporting clubs, including rowing, rugby, athletics, hockey, and Australian rules football.
The camps are operated and staffed completely by volunteers who even have to pay for privilege and give up a week of their holidays.
Other programs followed, including Diversity (for the intellectuality and physically challenged), VSK (Very Special Kids), and more recently Mirabel.