CGS SONY FOUNDATION CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CAMP

The CGS Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp is primarily funded by the Sony Foundation and supported by Canberra Grammar School. Camps are run across Australia at more than 40 boarding schools and universities, but the one held at CGS is the only one in Canberra.

Each year, students from Canberra Grammar Senior School choose to give up the first week of their School holidays to move into the Canberra Grammar School Boarding House and act as full-time carers for children with special needs. During this time the students, along with a small team of volunteers, are responsible for the care of the children 24 hours a day. They participate in a range of activities including yoga, music, African drumming, Sailability, swimming and gingerbread house making – celebrating with a mini-fete and family Christmas party.

The students learn how to care for a child with special needs and past participants have described it as a life-changing experience.

The camp has enormous benefits for all participants. The children are treated to three days of activities and interactions they may never have had the chance to experience, while their parents and carers get some respite at the time of year when they need it most. For some, this will be their only break of the year.

“I wanted to say what a fantastic job you all did for Aidan. His confidence and ability to cope without his family that was nurtured on the camp, I believe, have been paramount to his so far successful integration at a new school!” Kathryn C – Parent (Aiden’s mum) 2023 camp

“Sony Camp changed my life. The friendship I have had with Jake during and after the camp is something that is really special to me and I believe it’s important to never underestimate the impact you can have on someone’s life.” Daniel S – Companion 2014 Camp

“My son had never spent a night away from his family and for him to have this first time opportunity and the experience to be on a fun camp is something that he will never forget. For us as parents we were so grateful to the companions for the break and for the extraordinary care he was given.” Rachel G – Parent (Max’s mum) 2012 Camp

‘The few days I spent as a companion were the most challenging and rewarding of my life. Both my camper and I achieved things that would never have been possible without Sony Camp. I cannot emphasize how grateful I am for this incredible experience.” Lucy – Companion 2014 Camp

To support or volunteer please contact the CGS Community Development Office here: community@cgs.act.edu.au

Thank you to Rotary Club Sunrise, Canberra Yacht Club – Sailability, Ziggy’s Fresh and the RAAF for the continued support.