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ABOUT THE CAMP

 

This year BCHC is a day camp run over two days in December. It involves matching each child camper with a Bond University student carer. The Camp is held on campus at Bond University and is filled with fun and safe activities.



In December each year, Bond University plays host to its annual Bond Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp for children with disabilities. The inaugural camp in 2008 saw 25 Bond University students volunteer to give up four days of their Christmas holidays so that they could be companions for 15 children with disabilities from around the Gold Coast. This year, in line with COVID-19 restrictions, we are accepting 20 children who will each be paired with a student carer for the duration of the camp.

The Bond Children’s Holiday Camp (BCHC) aims to provide children with a chance to meet new friends in a warm and comfortable environment whilst enjoying a wide range of activities. We have a busy schedule of swimming, arts and craft, a petting zoo, a fire truck visit, a day trip to Sea World, a talent show, a sailing activity and a Christmas Lunch to conclude the camp. Equally as important, the Camp provides the parents of these children with some much-needed respite. For all involved, the camp is a truly rewarding experience and is an example of the difference Bond students can make when they engage with the community.

Each year we strive to improve the camp and maximise the experience for both the children and the student companions. It is thanks to the continual support from our sponsors such as the Sony Foundation and the generous donations of our community that allows us to raise $20,000 to cover the costs of the camp. The camp is completely cost-free for both the children and their families and also the student companions.

 

Testimonials:

I got a really good impression from the moment we arrived, the smiles, the genuine welcoming from the staff, the way things were organised...even the balloons to help you find your way. It was fantastic from arrival time. I was particularly impressed by the staff, their professionalism and warmth. Our son’s buddy was lovely and genuinely caring. I was also great to meet with the convenor, buddy as well as the nurse to discuss medication and other strategies to ensure a successful camp.

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- Rebecca, parent of 2019 camper

We've raved so much about how beneficial this camp has been for us to all our friends and family and if the opportunity would ever come up again then we would definitely take up the chance.  It has so much benefits to your child and family that they learn and acquire new skills and friendships and teaches our children community awareness and inclusion as well as strengthen families

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- Martha, parent of 2018 camper

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