COMMUNITY & SERVICE A life-changing experience
The Sony Camp, held at College in December 2019, was a life-changing experience for all involved – the campers who descended on the campus for three days, and the College and St Margaret’s College students who acted as their companions.
mixed in with feeling anxious as his wellbeing was in my hands.” Ben says the excellent guidance from the teaching staff and mentors made the camp flow smoothly, as well as preparing him for the challenges ahead. “Whether it be something as simple as making sure he went to the toilet or putting on his clothes – these things I take for granted were what he struggled with the most, and what I had to help him out with over the three days. “In spite of all that, and a lack of sleep, Riley was an awesome kid to hang out with and someone who I learnt a lot from. His confidence was infectious, making me do
“Everyone came away with a changed outlook,” says
elevated to mentor companions this time and it meant that each camper had three helpers,” says Neil. “It also meant they had some strategies to put in place, and they weren’t fazed by behaviours or by lack of sleep. Some campers seem not to need any sleep at all!” One of the College companions, Ben Evans, called the camp “truly eye-opening.” “It’s an experience I’ll treasure going forward in life. Before embarking on the journey that is Sony Camp, I was excited at the prospect of giving back to the family of the boy, Riley, I looked after, by giving them the chance to step back and look after themselves for a change. This was
Assistant Principal – Community Engagement and Special Projects Neil Porter. “But unlike the first time we ran the camp a year ago, this time we knew a little more about what to expect and we were better prepared.” The number of College students wanting to be involved in the voluntary activity soared, given the word-of-mouth reports from boys who had taken part a year earlier. In the end 30 were selected, with another 50 St Margaret’s girls also involved.
“Those who had acted as companions a year ago were
College Issue 38 2020
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