The Sony Foundation.
I have heard a lot about the Sony Foundation Camps. The information came through Autism Queensland and our school. Many secondary affiliated schools have students who volunteer to help children in need; eg: Marist Brothers- Ashgrove, Qld.
From what I have heard.... they are extremely well organised, safe, fun and provide an overall exceptional experience for both children who attend and the volunteers.
It would be well worth investigating!
Lessons in Benevolence.
16 September, 2011 8:40AM AEST
By Alice Roberts and Kate Leahy
Senior Rockhampton students will be taught lessons in benevolence when they attend a school camp for children with disabilities.
Senior high school students will look after children at the Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp. (Every Australian Counts - Contributed)The Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp aims to give parents a break and senior students the taste of life outside their own world.
The Cathedral College Camp Coordinator Karen Callow says the camp caters to a variety of children and families.
"We also cater for children who come from families that might be struggling financially and it just gives the parents a nice break," says Karen.
"I get my TCC students to look after their little children for the camp and it's really challenging for them so that's the reason why I'm involved."
She says the camp will teach students important lessons.
"It's a really big personal challenge for them, this camp is not about them at all," she says.
"The challenge for them is to actually make it through the camp without tears and tantrums and giving up.
"You know they really have to dig deep some of these kids, just to get them through."
But the senior students do have support at the camp.
"We have adult supervisors but they take a very background role so the idea is the senior students make all of the decisions and the volunteers are just there to guide them," she says.
"So if there's a problem, we stand back and see if they can figure it out, if they're really, really struggling then that's when we step in but the whole idea of the camp for them is to problem solve and make really good decisions.
"They come back to school and say I wish you hadn't made me do that but I'm glad you did."
Year 12 student Vanessa Petrie says it has always been something that she's wanted to do.
"My sister did it when she was here in grade 11 and 12 and I was always curious because she had a really good time when she participated in it," she says.
"She said it was very emotionally draining but it was worth it.
"She learnt a lot from it, a lot of life skills that she could take away from it.
"I haven't met my camper yet but the child I'm looking after has autism and ODD so it will be a challenge looking after her but I think I can handle it."
She says along with her volunteer, they've made sure they've learnt all about the child they'll be looking after to ensure a smooth transition into camp life.
She says she hopes the weekend will prepare her for life out of school.
"Not only is it helping the community, this might sound a bit selfish, but it's also helping me in the long run," says Vanessa.
"I can't sit there and do everything for myself, I have to give back to the community in whatever way I can and this is a good way I think."
