Keysborough resident Callam Pickering says Oz Child Interchange camps are a great way to have fun, help others, develop personally, and take a break from studies.By Shaun Inguanzo
KEYSBOROUGH resident Callam Pickering has witnessed the personal change that volunteers experience in Oz Child’s Interchange program.
The 21-year-old has been to 11 Interchange camps as a carer for people with special needs, helping them participate in a variety of activities including rope courses, campfire gatherings and canoeing.
Callam, who is a third year student at Monash University’s Clayton Campus studying commerce and economics, said the camps were a great way to participate in volunteer work and balance his lifestyle.
“I find my uni degree can be rather dry. Getting out and doing things I normally wouldn’t do has been beneficial to me,” he said.
Callam said the camps were split into two categories: one for low-needs and one for high-needs children, with the main difference being the level of care required for the camp’s participants.
He said the camps were mutually beneficial for both participants and carers.
“I have probably learnt mostly that even though these kids have disabilities, they can still achieve a lot of things,” Callam said. “It has given me a good perspective on life. I have also made a heap of great mates who I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t go on camps.”
The camps run throughout school holiday periods, over weekends, and also through school terms.
Callam said his role is to encourage children and young people with disabilities to try new activities and work as a team.
He encouraged other people to join Oz Child’s Interchange camp program, and said it was fun, helpful and personally rewarding.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the camp program should contact Oz Child on 5975 7644.
