The Sports Challenge year has started in smashing style with the PMH Diabetes Rock Stars Camp.
The annual PMH Diabetes Camp at Point Walter kicks off the Sports Challenge year with a lot of fun for both the staff and the children.
The camp brings children together who have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It provides these children with the opportunity to share their stories and experiences with others in similar positions. The camp encourages children to step out of their comfort zone, challenging their misconceptions about doing various activities and eating certain foods with their Diabetes.
This year’s theme for camp was Rock Stars and it was great to see the staff and kids getting into the theme. There were many fantastic air-guitar displays, a battle of the bands competition and a Rock Stars catwalk show, which was a highlight of the camp.
Each group got to dress up their own Rock Star model then parade them down the catwalk to rock music for the judges to score. The activity encouraged teamwork and also saw some of the more shy kids come out of their shells and put on a fantastic display of rock skills on the catwalk.
- Individually Designed Rock Star Guitar
One of the key activities this year at camp was the Rock Stars Amazing Race. Six teams took to the challenge and worked well in their teams to pass the variety of challenges they were faced with, including quizzes and Sports Challenge team-building activities. Upon completion of a challenge, each group would receive a song clue that they would have to sing to lead them to the next activity. At the end, all of the song pieces made a sentence that would lead team to the final challenge.
The activity encouraged teamwork, communication, problem solving and conflict resolution, which are all key skills children need for school life.
- The staff getting into the Rock Stars theme
At the conclusion of the camp the children were given Sports Challenge certificates commending them on their Rock Star efforts at camp. They were also given free tickets to the West Coast Waves basketball game, where a number of children and their families were spotted enjoying the basketball and after the game getting autographs from the players including Sports Challenge mentors Kate Fielding and Deanna Smith.
The camp is extremely rewarding for all who are involved. As mentors, we look forward to the camp, as it is amazing to witness the growth and achievements of the children over the week. The impact that the camp has through our activities and interactions is why we love what we do. However, the children’s enthusiasm and positive attitudes that keeps us coming back for more.
The children left the camp with new friends and an increase in self-confidence through the Sports Challenge activities, having achieved things they never would have tried if it were not for this camp.
“ Diabetes camp was AWESOME, I loved meeting new people and making new friends. What I gained the most out of camp was I became more confident, it was good to know that there are other kids like me, experiencing the same things. I also learnt more about diabetes and my management. I hope I get to come back next year!”
