Who is ready to rock and roll?
Monday the 15th of April marked the beginning of the Rockstars PCH Diabetes Camp, which will go down in rock and roll history. The Sports Challenge team, led by Jordan De Leo and assisted by the PCH and Diabetes WA staff, welcomed 34 upcoming talents to Point Walter reserve for a 4 day rock and roll themed camp.
Firstly, the rockstars were divided into 6 bands and asked to make a big decision: to choose a cool name and merchandise to carry their band to success. Together in their groups each band allowed their creative juices to flow by choosing names and designing band t-shirts. The Blue Shredders, Flying Arrows, The 5, Rocky Road, Black Camouflage and Lightning Lollipop Champs were all ready to rock and roll! Day One finished with a battle of the brains, as each team challenged for number one spot in a rockstar themed quiz night.
All of the rockstars took on day two with great success, with many choosing to fly upside-down on the flying fox and getting a bulls-eye in archery. Our residential dancer (Dom) then taught another crucial element of a good rock band, teaching a dance routine to Rocky Horror Time Warp. Next in the band development was each band member painting their own guitars. Afterwards, the campers were inspired by listening to Jake Burton, a 20 year old professional motor sports driver who also has type one diabetes. Jake provided a wonderful insight into how diabetes doesn’t prevent him from following his passions as well as sharing some tips on how he manages his diabetes.
Tuesday night was the second big test for each bands. After an epic performance by a real rock band (Sleep Freak) each band whipped out their fresh new guitars and t-shirts and battled it out in an intense air guitar competition! Sleep freak, doubling as special guest judges, were truly blown away with the performances! In particular the synchronised dance moves, head banging and in true rockstar style, smashing some of their guitars!
Day three started in an adventurous manner with mountain biking and abseiling. After lunch, the competitive spirit was strong with teams battling it out in the Amazing race and minute-to-win it. Teams raced around the camp in the amazing race, needing to work together to solve riddles, obstacles and various other challenges. The minute-to-win it tested the teams knowledge of diabetes as well as competing in some wacky challenges. After another scrumptious dinner, the dining area was transformed into a disco space with streamers, balloons and pumping tunes. People came dressed to impress in their best rockstar outfits and crazy hair do’s. Everyone danced to the Rocky Horror Time Warp, shimmied under the limbo stick and learnt how to do the cha cha jive.
The final part of the camp was an awards ceremony where all the campers received certificates and plenty of prizes. Many of the rockstars were sad to leave their new friends, however grateful for the memories made. It seemed they all left with new knowledge about their diabetes, and a hopeful attitude to the future.
A special mention and thank you goes to the Perth Children’s Hospital and Diabetes WA Staff and Volunteers. Their wonderful support and enthusiasm made this camp very enjoyable, and ensured the kids had the best time. Additionally a big thank you to our dedicated team of Sports Challenge Mentors who have organised, planned and played a big role in making these great camps run so smoothly.