Image: Sony Camp provides unique opportunities to children with a disability. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Sony Camp wrapped up earlier this week with a show day incorporating rides, face painting, a petting zoo and smiles all around.
Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp is a unique program for young people in our region who have a disability hosted by Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS).
Running from Saturday to Monday, it provided 16 Mackay campers the opportunity to go ‘on camp’ for three days of fun-filled action including swimming, dancing, remote control car racing, gymnastics, a visit from fire fighters and police officers, drumming, games and finishing with show day activities.
Sixty WAS students between years eight and 12 volunteered over the weekend, with year 11 students taking on the crucial and exciting role of primary companions and carers.
WAS Dean of Service and Global Learning Trisha McHugh says this time provides their families and carers valuable reprieve and much-needed time out.
“It’s (the opportunity for) our students at WAS to provide some respite to our community for people who have children with a disability,” Ms McHugh said.
“They have been looking after the camper as if they were a brother or sister.
“We appreciate the fact that parents are entrusting their children to us to look after, and I also appreciate the fact that our students have given up so much and parents have given up so much of their time so that we can run the event.”
Now in its eighth year, WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton says the weekend was a success apparent through the smiles on the faces of the campers.
“We feel that it’s a true transformational service opportunity where our students are really giving back to the community and providing that much needed respite for families of students with a disability,” Mr Wheaton said.
Year 11 student Clancy Morgan volunteered at Sony Camp last year and took the opportunity to step up as a companion this year.
“It has been a great experience,” she said.
“I’ve been looking after Cooper … and just seeing the smile on his face, it’s been amazing.
“He’s very independent, which is good, but if he needs anything we’re always there.
“It’s just amazing to see what some families have to do every day.”
