Sony Marist Children’s Holiday Camp 

From Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 of December, thirteen Year 11 students from Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich volunteered to participate in the Sony Marist Children’s Holiday Camp (SMCHC). Alongside students from St Joseph’s College and Loreto Normanhurst who alike, participated and gave up their time to take care of children with disabilities. This program gives parents and caregivers a much-needed respite, whilst also offering our special guests an unforgettable holiday. 

The student companions looked after the children around the clock for four days, feeding, bathing, entertaining and attending to all of their needs. The companions stopped at nothing to provide their perpetual care, ensuring that each special guest enjoyed their holiday. Over the course of the program, the children enjoyed activities such as swimming, movie night, a magic show, dance classes, a carnival and a bouncy castle. To wrap it up, a Christmas party with the children’s families and a special visit from Santa. There were many restless nights for some, waking up in the morning with three hours of sleep or having to skip meals to attend to the guest’s needs. It was exhausting but rewarding. It provided me with an eye-opening experience into the lives of families with children who may require more care and attention than others. Ultimately, it changed the way I see the world.

On behalf of the volunteers, we would like to thank the staff who helped supervise to make this camp possible:

• Leonie Clarke
• Angus Bray
• Jen Mathews
• Karin Anthony
• Josh Allen
• Maria Del Moro
• Matthew Iskander; and
• Jenny Vu

For next year’s group presented with this opportunity, I would highly recommend volunteering to help out someone in need as it is incredibly enriching and will change your outlook on life.

Amelia Latham, Year 11 Student