News
Making lasting memories at secondary school camp, September 2024
The Guide Dogs team proudly celebrated the successful completion of the very first secondary school camp held at our officially opened fully accessible, sensory Campus. From 23 to 25 September 2024, our Campus was transformed into a lively hub, welcoming 14 enthusiastic secondary school-aged students with low vision or blindness and providing them with an enriching environment designed to foster skills and friendships in a supportive setting.
Creating lasting memories
On the first day, students eagerly explored our state-of-the-art facility, admiring its ‘hotel-style’ bedrooms and enjoying the Client lounge piano, which soon became the backdrop for many impressive and spontaneous performances. The camaraderie blossomed as they engaged in group activities, marking the beginning of a memorable experience.
A highlight of the afternoon was a chocolate walking tour in the city. Beyond the delectable treats, students navigated the urban landscape together, enhancing their orientation and mobility skills while fostering a sense of teamwork. The excitement continued with a scavenger hunt, where participants collaborated to decipher cryptic clues, honing their self-advocacy and problem-solving skills as they navigated through bustling crowds.
The day concluded with a delightful dinner at Italian restaurant, Vapiano, followed by ice cream on Degraves Street, where participants solidified new friendships and shared their experiences and favourite moments of the day.
Image description: Four camp attendees stand under the clocks on the Flinders St Station steps after navigating from GDV’s Kew Campus to the Melbourne CBD. Two attendees have a Guide Dog and one holds a white cane. They’re all happily looking into the camera.
Developing skills in a fun, supportive environment
The second day began with an emphasis on independence, as students took charge of preparing their breakfast. Following a stretching session led by Yvonne, one of the camp’s Occupational Therapists, participants engaged in various activities designed to promote fine motor skills. From mastering origami to creating clay art, each task encouraged creativity and collaboration.
One of the most exciting moments was a tandem biking experience, where students learned the importance of communication and teamwork while enjoying the thrill of riding together. The day continued with a visit from the Michael Avery School of Music, where students participated in a singing lesson and enjoyed a live performance, inspiring their musical aspirations.
In a practical exercise in independence, the campers ventured to a local supermarket to gather ingredients for dinner. Planning their shopping list and collaborating as teams, they returned to prepare tacos and BBQ sausages, incorporating important life skills into their culinary experience. The day ended with a fun movie night in the immersive room, watching Despicable Me 4.
Image description: Two people wearing helmets sit on a tandem bicycle in the carpark outside the Guide Dogs Kew Campus. Two flag poles and parked cars are in the background.
Image description: Two camp attendees happily help prepare dinner in GDV’s fully accessible training kitchen. Both look into the camera and one is cutting cheese and the other is grating cheese. Staff are talking in the background and a dining table and chairs are behind them.
Building connections and confidence
As the camp drew to a close on the third day, students packed up their rooms, reflecting on the independence they had gained. A visit to a local shopping center provided a chance for relaxation and enjoyment, featuring ten-pin bowling and arcade games, where laughter filled the air.
Throughout the camp, participants not only developed practical skills but also formed meaningful connections with peers who shared similar experiences. For many, this was their first encounter with others in their age group facing low vision or blindness, creating a sense of belonging that can sometimes feel hard to find for those navigating vision loss.
Image description: Three camp attendees stand in a brightly lit arcade in front of an arcade game called ‘Big Bass Wheel.’ A Guide Dog stands next to them. More games and people are lit up in the background and someone is throwing a basketball.
Image description: A group shot from behind of three camp attendees wearing backpacks walking in a row with their white canes in a shopping centre. The middle person has their arm around the left person. They walk past a jewellery store on their right side.
The success of this camp demonstrates the importance of providing safe, supportive environments for youth with low vision or blindness. By fostering friendships, enhancing life skills, and encouraging self-advocacy, Guide Dogs Victoria is empowering the next generation to navigate the world with confidence and community.
As the campers returned home, they carried with them not just memories of fun and learning, but also the invaluable connections that will last long after the camp has ended. During the car ride home of one camper, he debriefed with his mother about the friends he made and his experiences at camp. His mother shared with an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, “He loved the city, food shopping, and bowling a lot. I was surprised at how relaxed and happy he was. I’m so impressed!”
Guide Dogs Victoria looks forward to more opportunities to create such transformative experiences in the future.
Curious about attending our next camp? These enriching events are part of our Children’s Mobility Services. Explore the service and what we can offer here.
