16 April 2018.
On Friday 23 March, more than 45 people with deafblindness from across the country made their way to PGL Campaspe Downs near Woodend in country Victoria for the 18th Annual Deafblind Camp.
As with previous camps, this annual event provided plenty of opportunities for participants to relax, socialise and take part in a range of activities including bush walking, giant swing, flying fox, archery, abseiling, craft and visits to Woodend. These activities were only made possible with the assistance of over 70 eager volunteers who gave one-on-one support over the course of the three day camp. Not only did some volunteers travel from interstate, but for others it was their sixth, seventh or eighth camp! There is definitely something very special about these Deafblind Camps that sees both participants and volunteers coming back year after year.
While Mother Nature brought the cold weather and rain to camp, cancelling many of Saturday morning’s outdoor activities, this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. Instead, it provided more opportunities for chitchat, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones whilst playing an array of card and board games.
Saturday’s theme night was a very popular event. A mixed theme of the roaring 20s, country & western and international saw a real assortment of costumes converge in ‘The Barn’, including flapper dresses, saris, black suits, cowboy boots, kimonos and everything in between! A photo booth was set up to capture many happy memories and the in-house DJ made sure there were plenty of upbeat tunes to keep the dance floor pumping! New Able Australia CEO Kate MacRae dropped in for a few hours to give everyone a warm welcome and judge the best costume competition.
The endless activities and socialising saw Sunday come around much too fast. Having packed our bags, rolled our sleeping bags and said our final goodbyes, it was soon time for everyone to head home. But this goodbye is not forever, with many already promising to return for next year’s camp!