compassion IN ACTION Photograph Helen Wilson
Twenty years on from the first Sony Camp that led to the inception of Sony Foundation, the programme has grown to 28 camps across 50 Australian schools and universities. Launceston Grammar is one such school and the only Tasmanian school to facilitate a holiday camp for children with special needs – something it has been undertaking for the past 14 years. In December 2018, 19 children were welcomed to the Senior Campus for three days and nights. Grade 11 and 12 students took on the role of a primary carer and assisted with delivering the many exciting activities on offer, including a baby animal session, a visit from Gavin the fat cat,
indoor play craft centre and an area for bikes and golf buggies. Over the 2019 July school holidays, Launceston Grammar also hosted a Sony Foundation Conference, which gave Camp coordinators and volunteers from around Australia and New Zealand an opportunity to network and learn from experts and one another. Sony Camps Advisory Committee member, Camp Director and Launceston Grammar Chaplain, Elizabeth Poland says she has been to four of these conferences and each time has come away excited to be part of a nationwide movement of helping young people care for children with disabilities.
“To be involved in a Sony Foundation Camp is life-changing,” says Elizabeth. “I am passionate about helping young people make a difference in the world and this is a wonderful opportunity for our students to extend compassion to others. “The success of each camp is very much founded in the wonderful partnerships formed within the Launceston Grammar community, as well as the selflessness of our compassionate students.” Over 55 Launceston Grammar students have already expressed an interest in assisting with this year's Tasmanian Sony Christmas Camp which will feature in early December at the School's Senior Campus.
