Able Australia’s National Deafblind Camp ran from the 13th-15th of March 2020, and it seems to get bigger and better each year! This year marked the 20th Deafblind Camp, and was held at Phillip Island Adventure Resort. Deafblind Camp is an amazing opportunity for people in this widespread community to come together and share information, learn and make new friends.
This year, a total of 90 campers and volunteers stayed for the full weekend and extra 17 people came on Saturday. There were 38 deafblind campers representing all over Australia except Canberra and NT. A special thanks to all the volunteers that helped to create an inclusive and fun experience for our campers!
There was no shortage of exciting and interesting activities. For example, campers and volunteers had the chance to explore local attractions such as the Wildlife Park and ‘Amaze n’ Things’. Outdoor activities on the camp grounds included archery, flying fox and a giant swing. Indoor activities included arts and crafts, water aerobics, yoga, meditation and tactile board games.
One of the highlights of the camp was the disco on Saturday night, where all campers dressed up with this year’s theme. The theme of 2020’s camp was dressing up as something that starts with the first letter of your name. Some of the more memorable costumes included a dragon, a priest, an egg, a spoon, a ladybug the king of hearts, and Dr Who.
At this year’s camp, an individual is awarded the inaugural Dot Ball prize to the best dressed camper. This award is in memory of Dorothy (Dot) Ball, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Dot lived with deafblindness and attended many camps and won the best dressed camper prize for many consecutive years. At the camp, Dot’s brother, daughter and granddaughter judged the best dressed camper. This year, it was awarded to John Hoctor who dressed as James Cook. The best dressed volunteer was awarded to Anne Ruwoldt who dressed as an Angel.
We are thrilled that this year’s camp was such a great success, and can’t wait to see what next year’s Deafblind Camp has to offer!
For more information, please contact Carla Anderson (National Director of Centre of Excellence) at carla.anderson@ableaustralia.org.au.
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