Camp a boost for children

Press, 29 January 1986, Page 1

Camp a boost for children

By

SUE LANCASTER

The first South Island adventure camp for children with cancer is already proving successful. With a few tired yawns but plenty of smiles, the 42 children with cancer who have been staying at Living Springs, Governor’s. Bay, since Monday, waited patiently yesterday for their turn to ride in a helicopter. The camp, called Camp Quality, is full of adventure and surprises. The helicopter ride over Governor’s Bay was no exception. The rides were followed by a camp-out on the hill above Living Springs last evening. This morning a hot-air balloon will visit the camp if the weather is suitable. The balloon is the symbol of Camp Quality, representing the camp’s aim to help the children rise above their problems. The camp is to give children with cancer time to be children again and allow their parents time for a rest. All the children have one-to-one attention, each camper being assigned a companion. After only two days of the camp it was obvious that the campers and their companions had built up strong friendships. Many of the younger campers cuddled into their companions as they waited for their helicopter ride.

Camp Quality was the inspiration of an English woman, Mrs Vera Entwistle, who established a special adventure camp for children with cancer, several years ago in Australia. The camps have now been established in all Australian states. The first New Zealand camp was held in Auckland last year.

Most of the children at the Living Springs camp suffer from acute leukaemia, the most common childhood cancer.

Dr Gerry Goode, the camp doctor and pediatric registrar at Christchurch Hospital, said that children with cancer were enjoyable to work with because they were very courageous. •Dr Goode said it was valuable to see the children she worked with in a different environment. When they came into the hospital again she would have something exciting to talk with them about. Camp Quality was organised by the Lions and Lioness clubs of the South Island, which raised more than $lB,OOO. The camp organiser, Mr Frank Mitchell, said he’ expected this week’s camp to cost about $11,500. The remaining money would be put in a fund to repeat the camp annually.

See Features, page 18.