Sony Camp

I feel positive about the perspective that this model is driven upon and I am looking forward to engaging with it. Hopefully in the next issue I can give you a brief update on how it is working for us. It is particularly good timing for us as Brendon just celebrated his 21st birthday and therefore this is his last year at school. This year will be spent on transition and the move to life after school. I feel a bit of trepidation around this, not only because Brendon has always really loved school and will miss it but because we live in a small New Zealand town where opportunities can be limited. However, I am determined to focus on the things Brendon finds joy in and will keep my mind and eyes open and seek out opportunities to bring purpose and achievement into his life. On a lighter note, in the last edition our Editor introduced the idea of starting a My Pet page where our family members can simply send in a photo of their pet (hopefully they won’t be too shy to be in the photo too) and maybe even a little story or a sentence or two about their pet. Keep well as we will soon start to head into the winter months and consider getting a flu vaccination for your family member. Those who have heart or respiratory conditions are usually more vulnerable to complications of flu and many are eligible for free vaccination, so consider using this service.

New Zealand’s first Sony Children’s Holiday Camp was held at Christ’s College school in Christchurch at the end of 2018. Students and staff from St Margaret’s College and Christ’s College volunteered their time to run the live-in camp for 14 children aged between 10-14 years of age. Ten of those children were members of the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association. The children had a fun-filled weekend supported by the students and staff from both schools to enable parents and siblings to have a break. For some children who attended it was the first time they had ever stayed away from their parents for a weekend. Stella, one of the youngsters attending said she danced, watched movies and went on the tram. “I loved being with my buddies Emma and Ashley and all my other friends. I would love to go again next time.” Young Alex also explained how much fun he had had and he had particularly enjoyed playing basketball with his peers and the students from Christ’s College. The weekend finished with the families joining the camp for a Christmas lunch, with Santa making a guest appearance. There was great community support prior to the camp to inform and educate the students and staff volunteering at the camp. The CDSA parents were overwhelmed with the generosity and support they and their child received. It was obvious the camp had a positive impact for both the children who attended and the students involved. It would be fantastic to see other schools take up this wonderful opportunity throughout New Zealand.