Marist Children’s Holiday Camp 2008

For four days in early December Joeys was transformed into a fun-filled holiday camp for 35 disabled children – complete with inflatable toys, rides, a juke box, a jumping castle and specially trained student carers from St Joseph’s College.

The children were taking part in the annual Marist Children’s Holiday Camp – an annual event sponsored by the Sony Foundation that provides a free, exciting holiday for children with disabilities. The camp also provides some well earned respite for the children’s parents, siblings and carers – many of whom have very limited opportunities for such a break.

Year 11 boys from St Joseph’s were joined by students from Brigidine College, St Ives, Loreto College, Normanhurst, and Santa Sabina, Strathfield, to take on the (sometimes challenging) task of caring for the small guests during their stay at the college.

The student volunteers are responsible for looking after the children’s physical and emotional needs – a  job that requires great patience, kindness and tenderness as some of the children had very severe disabilities. Director of Mission at St Joseph’s College, Mrs Helen Smith, said it was a privilege to witness the boys in action. “The student carers displayed such a commitment to caring for the children and to making the camp an unforgettable experience.  Our boys were amazing!” she said.

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Activities during the camp ranged from a day on the harbour with lunch at Cargo Bar, courtesy of Joeys Old Boys John Duncan (93) and Fraser Short (93), to riding Harley Davidsons and enjoying the wonders of a magic show. All the activities were interspersed with hours of fun in the pool, lots of art and craft and a myriad of other events that ensured everyone was tired but very happy at the end of each day.

“The camp was truly an expression of our Marist family spirit with many staff, volunteer nurses and parents providing the practical support and supervision that enabled the student carers to focus their full attention on the needs of their children,” said Helen.

“This is one of those experiences that simply has no words to do it justice. It was a living witness to the imperative that ultimately should be the driving force for all of our actions ...’Love one another’.”