AN outdoor holiday camp has provided respite for parents and carers of disabled adults across the western suburbs.
The three-day camp held last week was designed to get disabled adults and children involved in outdoor activities. The camps have been run since 1989 by non-profit organisation People Outdoors.
Co-ordinator Toni Thatcher says the 10 adults on the camp had a great time, visiting Melton Waves aquatic centre, Melbourne Zoo and the Sunnystones Camp in Bacchus Marsh.
“We offer outdoor recreational activities where participants do things they wouldn’t normally do,” she says. “It’s a much-needed respite for us to take them out so parents can get time to themselves.”
People Outdoors runs eight school holiday camps each year across Melton, Wyndham, Hume and Whittlesea. Last year it received $165,000 in state government funding.
Kealba resident Jenny Willis, whose son Daniel 18, went on last week’s camp, said it was a great way for him to try new things. Daniel has had global brain damage since he was an infant due to severe epilepsy.
“The camp allowed Dan to do things most of us take for granted. I find that fantastic. Stimulation is something that helps Dan’s progress. When he was young we were told he would never do anything but lie on this back, but he’s up and walking.
“When Dan is gone I usually catch up on sleep and just try to get out and have coffee with friends and do some normal things. It gives you a chance to take a breath and relax.” —Stephanie Zevenbergen
