Richard Beeby (75), from Alexandra, will team up with Seaton Mills, of Balclutha and members of the public who are marching in a bid to save the camp from closure.
Mr Beeby said he could remember playing among the building materials when he arrived at the camp in 1940, a year before the official opening.
"The camp had not been officially opened and I think we were the triallists," Mr Beeby said yesterday, chuckling.
He and Mr Mills had approached Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson, who is organising the march, to offer their help to try to save the camp .
The march will also be supported by current intake members and a wide cross-section of citizens of Central Otago and beyond, Dr Macpherson said.
Emails of encouragement and support had arrived from around New Zealand, including many from patients recounting the value of the camp experience and effect it had on their young lives, Dr Macpherson said.
He had also received support from National MP Jacqui Dean, who told him before the polls closed that there would be government support for the health camps, should National be elected.
"While that is encouraging, I suspect that this is not just a government, or even just a funding issue.
"Staff, remuneration, fashion, changes in standards of qualifications and even the identity of the responsible government ministry (from Health to Social Development) are all factors that apply, as are the views of Te Puna Whaiora - the New Zealand Foundation for Child and Family Health and development, which is the trust responsible for New Zealand's Health Camps."
The march begins in Abbotsford St at noon and will progress through the town to show support for health camps of New Zealand.
Highland pipers and members of the Roxburgh Silver Band will lead the way.
