The concept of Masiye Camp evolved in 1994 as a response by the Salvation Army to the increasing challenge of children affected by AIDS. The Salvation Army by that time was running a few community-based orphan-care programs. However it was noted that most Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programs in Zimbabwe, including their own, focused on material support, monitoring and school fees. There was concern that the vital area of psychosocial impact and support was not being adequately addressed.