Sharing in happiness WORDS | JAMES MELHUISH
W hen I look back at all my opportunities during my time at Christ’s College, it is difficult to find anything that comes close to being as rewarding as Sony Camp. I have been fortunate to be involved for two years, having been paired on both occasions with the sweetest, most energetic boy named James. Each year, I have made countless memories and learnt so much about myself. The reason I keep returning – and why I believe so many others do too – is the sheer joy it brings to the campers. When I look back, there is one image that always comes to mind. It was on the last day. During entertainer Melanie Poppins’ show, the campers were invited to come to the front for a fun song about a hungry crocodile hand puppet. James pulled me along with him. I remember singing the song with James, looking down and seeing him jumping up and down, holding my arm with the biggest smile on his face. To see the genuine happiness radiating from James was – and still is – incredibly rewarding. It is one of those moments in life where you can’t help but feel the warmth in your chest when thinking of it. Throughout the weekend, there are so many special moments for the campers. Seeing the campers branch out socially and break out of their shells gives you perspective on how much it really means to each one. To be able to come together as a collective and help create such a memorable weekend for those who truly deserve it is beyond words. From the moment you walk into the first training session leading up to the camp, the atmosphere is electric. So many people are excited to come together for an incredible event. One of the most inspiring aspects is that the camp takes place during the Christmas holidays. It is rare to have such a large group of secondary school students return during the holidays – even those who
have graduated – to devote time to children many of us have never even met. More than this, it is done with a genuine desire to make a difference for others, both by giving campers a fun weekend away and allowing their parents a much-deserved rest. To say the weekend is tiring would be a massive understatement. It is all go. However, seeing the volunteers give their all to the cause and provide such an amazing weekend for the campers is extraordinary. It isn’t only the campers who gain from the weekend. I have grown so much as a person from being part of Sony Camp. I have learnt important lessons about overcoming challenges, communicating effectively in ways beyond talking, and taking responsibility for someone other than myself. So many lessons that could easily be neglected in day-to-day life become important, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a person. If there is one thing I could encourage boys to take part in throughout their time at College, it is Sony Camp. There is nothing that compares. The connections with the campers are something I will never forget. To share their happiness and excitement is so fulfilling. The weekend environment is impossible to replicate. Staff, students, and all those involved coming together for such a selfless reason truly shows how dedicated the Christ’s College community is to serving others. Sony Camp has shown me the impact that service can have on others. More than this, it has shown me the person I aspire to be.
A residential camp for children with disabilities, the Sony Camp gives our senior students the opportunity to immerse themselves in service every December.
COLLEGE 2026
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