In mid-2011, I received an offer for Miguel to attend a 3-night Christmas holiday camp. The camp was sponsored by Sony Foundation and was held in the campus of one of Sydney’s upscale private schools. Knox Grammar School, located in Sydney’s north shore, hosted the ‘ABBOX of Fun Camp’ in the Knox Boarding Centre from 10-13 December 2011.
Hornsby’s local paper, Advocate wrote:
WHILE their classmates were off celebrating the start of the holidays, a group of high school students has been looking after children with disabilities.
They volunteered as carers at the annual ABBOX Fun Camp, held from Saturday to Tuesday at Knox Grammar School.
The camp is one of a network of Sony Foundation children’s camps which provide families with special needs children an opportunity for much-needed respite.
Year 11 students from Knox and Abbotsleigh cared for 20 children with a range of disabilities over four days. Activities included lawn bowls, swimming and a Christmas party, and a visit from the fire brigade.
In “One Big Saturday“, I wrote about how we prepared ourselves and Miguel for the camp by visiting Knox Grammar weeks before the event.
On the day of the drop off, my husband and I were both impressed by the “meet and greet” at Abbox of Fun. At the school gates, visitor stickers were handed out by a couple of student volunteers. We were ushered to a parking slot. Then Rebecca and Alex, Miguel’s student carers came forward to greet us with big smiles. Both were Year 11 students.Rebecca was a lovely young lady who reminded me of Madeleine Stowe. Alex was a dashing teenager who has injured his right hand, most likely from playing footy.
Our entry into the boarding school foyer was documented by video. Then we sat down and was interviewed by the school nurse and Miguel’s carers. After which, we were ushered into the second floor of the building for the room viewing. The boarding house had large rooms, a big kitchen and a flat screen in the common lounge. Miguel will be sleeping with one carer while the other carer sleeps next door. Alex and Rebecca will be taking turns minding Miguel each night. Each room had its own ensuite toilet and bath.
All too soon, we had to leave. After saying our goodbyes, Ariel and I left with lighter hearts. Migo was in good hands.
Here are some pictures to show what Abbox of Fun is all about.
Postcript: Miguel made it to the local paper!
Leave a Reply