The children between the ages of eight and 14 are all from the Ballarat area and are either living with cancer, have a sibling with the disease or have come into contact with police through tragic and unforeseen circumstances.

Ballarat police camp co-ordinator, Sergeant John Moloney, said the children loved spending time with the police.

`We want those who are attending the Cops `n' Kids camp to relax, to forget about their worries and to have fun.

"The families get to stay home and have a break and it doesn't cost them anything."

Sgt Moloney said it took a couple of hours for the children to relax, but it wasn't long before they were wanting to wear the police caps and jackets.

The weekend is beneficial to many young people who have been guests at the camp in earlier years who return and help out with some of the younger ones.

"They enjoyed all the benefits of the camp and now they come back and assist with the program to keep it going," Sgt Moloney said.

Throughout the course of the weekend the children will spend plenty of time at the beach, swimming and playing games.