The annual Sony Foundation Australia ABBOX of Fun Children’s Holiday Camp, hosted at Knox over the school holidays, was a chance for Knox and Abbotsleigh students to care for children with disability, while giving their families some much-deserved respite before the Christmas holidays.
Thirty-five student volunteers and 20 guests camped at Knox for four days of fun and bonding.
Craft activities, cuddles with farm animals, games and swimming were a few of the great activities the students organised for the guests to enjoy.
They assisted in all facets of caring for children with complex needs, and forged strong relationships over the course of the camp.
The Sony Foundation established the holiday camp program in 1998 as a way to allow the families of children with disability to have a few days' respite.
Knox Head of Diversity Justice and Stewardship, Helen Clarke, said that the students were "warm, caring and enthusiastic" volunteers.
"They were very courageous, learnt a lot about themselves, a lot about disability and how difficult it is to get respite care," Mrs Clarke said.
Students received comprehensive training before undertaking their duties, and were assisted by volunteer teachers and medical staff.
Year 12 student Youssef Kamil said he applied to participate as a student volunteer to "positively contribute to the community".
"The most rewarding experience within the camp was the opportunity to develop meaningful connections, and to view the joy of those we assisted," he said.
"I highly recommend ABBOX for its ability to cultivate empathy, integrity and widen perspectives, building an individual's personal growth whilst simultaneously facilitating the needs of others."
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