Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 33

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SCOTCH COMPANIONS WITH THEIR YOUNG CAMPERS AT THE SONY 2018 CAMP HOSTED BY SCOTCH COLLEGE
A SONY CAMP REFLECTION
After completing two days of training and preparation, students of Scotch
College and St Catherine’s School participated in the 2018 Sony Camp from
14 to 16 December, enabling us to act as ‘companions’ for children from across
Victoria with disabilities, helped by a dedicated team of medical assistants and
other volunteers.
With Daniel El-Khoury (‘18), I had the opportunity to look after Jett,
who was the youngest of the campers, but — as he steadfastly assured
us — the fastest runner. (Daniel and I can confidently confirm this!)
Perpetually keen to demonstrate this talent, Jett kept us on our
toes with his unceasing energy, which definitely rivalled that of his
comparatively ageing companions. Throughout the three days of the
camp, whether it was heroically jumping into the pool with the goal of ‘the
biggest splash EVER’, confidently giving his suggestions for lyrics to the
group’s singalong, or putting us all to shame with his dance moves on
disco night, Jett demonstrated his bravery in overcoming what were new,
and therefore often quite daunting, experiences.
Though Jett was initially most apprehensive about the live petting zoo
on the second day, I imagine the ducks and chickens would undoubtedly
also vouch for Jett’s kindness and enduring adventurous spirit.
The courage of all the children in this year’s camp cannot be
overstated, with some spending their first few nights ever away from home.
Yet it was Jett’s amazing enthusiasm and resilience that made saying
goodbye on the third day of the camp so difficult for the two of us, after
having made such a genuine connection with an incredible young boy. It
was a connection reminiscent of the similarly powerful relationships that
had been fostered between every other student companion team and
their campers, despite such a short time together.
A few key moments remain etched in memory – a wooden Christmas
tree daubed in 12 different shades of green, a purple handprint on the
fluorescent kaleidoscope that was the group’s watercolour canvas, and
a parent’s warm smile as a son laughed at the sight of his companion’s
absurdly enormous orange sunglasses.
It was a challenging and demanding three days, yet an unforgettable
experience that would have contributed to a new-found and deep respect
for the parents and families, coupled with the hope that they could find
some time for themselves in the frantic holiday and Christmas period.
CHRISTOPHER SPARKS (‘18)
www.scotch.vic.edu.au Great Scot
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