Last week, from Friday October 25 until Sunday October 27 at Phillip Island Adventure Resort, children's cancer charity, Camp Quality, hosted a Family Camp.
The experience gives families facing cancer the opportunity to have a much-needed break from the trauma of cancer.
The impact of Camp Quality's recreation camps is real. Research shows that 99 per cent of parents say family camps result in a marked improvement in 'family connection and adaptability' and for kids.
Over 80 per cent said they felt less anxious and more confident after camp.
This program included activities such as surfing, arts and crafts, Lego building and other sports.
"Every day, two Australian families will receive the devastating news that their child has cancer," Camp Quality's CEO, Deborah Thomas says.
"A cancer diagnosis turns normal life upside down, beginning a relentless world of hospitals, debilitating treatments and sickness.
"Camp Quality recreation programs give children, and their families post hospital support by providing a break from cancer for the family to reconnect, have fun and become part of a likeminded community.
"We provide the opportunity for families to create happy memories together, often for the first time since diagnosis," continued Ms Thomas.
"We know that the impact of our camps Is not just the childhood fun of the moment, but the long-lasting positive effect of connectedness, whereby we help build resilience and optimism to improve mental well-being for the journey ahead."
Family feedback data shows that 99 per cent of parents say Family Camps result in a marked improvement in 'family connection and adaptability' and for kids, over 80 per cent said they felt less anxious and more confident after camp.
"Kids with cancer miss out on so much. Our camps give kids a chance to just be kids again, make friends, rebuild relationships with their family and finally have a healthy dose of fun,' says Ms Thomas.
In 2023, 12,902 kids and 5823 families impacted by cancer were registered for Camp Quality programs and services.
Activities organised for the Phillip Island camp include surfing, arts and crafts, lego building and other sports.
To learn more about Camp Quality visit campquality.org.au