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Photographer : Richard Eaton
of catching and throwing and learned circus skills from a circus performer , including plate spinning , juggling , balancing and throwing the diablo .
‘ Lunch and snack time was also a fantastic opportunity to work on the young magicians ’ bimanual skills . We would encourage them to use both hands when preparing and eating their food and also cleaning up afterwards .
‘ At the end of each day , we would also do activities of daily living practise , where we would specifically work on some of the children ’ s COPM goals . A lot of the goals were around being able to tie shoelaces , buttoning and unbuttoning a shirt , using cutlery and cutting up food .
‘ However , there were also some more surprising goals , like being able to do an uppercut and a serve in tennis ,’ she exclaims .
By the end of the two weeks , the young magicians put on a magic show for their family , friends and those associated with Breathe .
Ally says : ‘ I was unable to make the final show , but heard there was not a dry eye in the room and the young magicians put on an outstanding performance . They even made their own outfits for the show during the camp and learnt how to sew .’
Of the whole experience , she concludes : ‘ I witnessed so many achievements and goals being met during that time . I observed young magicians tie their shoelaces for the first time , be able to grate cheese , use cutlery and tie buttons on a shirt .
‘ Not only did the young magicians improve their satisfaction and performance with their
COPM goals , they blossomed and grew so much in confidence . I think the psychological and social changes the children made where the most noticeable for me .
‘ Their self-esteem improved , they were making new friends and were able to work in teams and problem solve and be able to show such kindness and support to each other .
‘ I had the best time volunteering at magic camp and it is an experience that I will definitely never forget . I met the most amazing occupational therapists , magicians and , of course , the fantastic young magicians .
‘ I loved the camp so much I am volunteering again this year and will be staying for the final show . It was the most amazing , magical way to gain experience with upper limb rehabilitation and I cannot wait to expand on that knowledge when I return this year .
‘ I would recommend anyone with an interest in paediatrics or upper limb rehabilitation to look at the programme and consider volunteering . You will not regret it .’
Words ALLY ROSS , Occupational Therapist . If you would like to know how to volunteer for next year ’ s Breathe Magic Camp , or find out more information about the programme , please visit the Breathe Arts Health Research website or email magic @ breathahr . org .
June 2023 OTnews 55