February 27, 2020
Jam-packed camp for young injury and trauma survivors’
KIDS Foundation’s Camp TANGO (Together Achieving New Goals and Opportunities) rolled out in Anglesea this weekend, thanks to Commonwealth Bank’s Community Grant Program
A super-charged weekend of zip lining, rock wall climbing and stand-up paddle boarding combined with leadership and team-building sessions for a group of Camp TANGO participants, volunteer mentors and staff on behalf of the KIDS Foundation.
Camp TANGO (Together Achieving New Goals and Opportunities), the first of five Injury and Trauma Recovery camps to be delivered by the KIDS Foundation throughout 2020 was a unique opportunity for young survivors to share experiences with one another, set personal and financial goals and build strong connections so that long-term friendships can be made.
KIDS Founder and CEO Dr Susie O’Neill, says that in the 27 years that the KIDS Foundation has been operating its focus has not changed from educating and empowering children to prevent and recover from injuries.
“Every day our small team devotes time and resources to help survivors rebuild their lives, as well as educating children and their families on ways to prevent the emotional and physical injuries and trauma associated to events that put children in dangerous situations. That’s what KIDS stands for - Kids In Dangerous Situations.
“Our camps are for children, adolescents and young adults who have experienced severe burns or life-changing injury and trauma; survivors of accidents or terrible events including fire, abuse, neglect, family violence and crime.
“Camp TANGO is a kids-only camp for young people who are learning how to live with life-changing injuries. Activities at camp are designed to help build confidence and set goals so that kids can live strong lives and create connections with others who may have experienced similar life events” ” says Dr O’Neill.
Volunteer mentors attend camp with the support of their workplace and for Teagan Cleary this is an opportunity she looks forward to each year.
“I am lucky enough to work for a company that supports the KIDS Foundation, Consolidated Property Services. They have been a supporter KIDS for many years and through this partnership, staff are able to apply to come on camps to support the kids.
“There is an application process and I’ve been lucky to have applied three times and attended three camps. Each camp experience has been absolutely remarkable and the things you learn about yourself and the people there, is absolutely priceless.
“You’re allocated a buddy who you get to share most of your camp experience with; not only do we get to undergo a jam-packed three days of fun activities, like high ropes course, stand-up paddle boarding and team-building exercises, we also get to share and make connections unlike any other” said Ms Cleary.
Thanks to the generous support of Commonwealth Bank’s Community Grant Program, the KIDS Foundation delivered this Camp TANGO in Anglesea.
Camp TANGO provides a combination of recreational activities, leadership and educational opportunities in a fun environment, as well as social connection and crucial support to assist participants in developing their self-esteem and confidence. Activities included a zip lining at Live Wire in Lorne, Stand-up Paddle Boarding with Go Ride a Wave on the Anglesea River and a three night stay at Camp Wilkin.
Media and interview inquiries:
Janine Buesnel, COO, KIDS Foundation
0438820160 | janine@kidsfoundation.org.au
Dr Susie O’Neill, Managing Director and Founder, KIDS Foundation
1300 734733 | 0419508866 | Email: susie@kidsfoundation.org.au
What is the KIDS Foundation?
Our mission is to keep children safe and create a better life for those living with serious injury, trauma and burns. The KIDS Foundation has been operating since 1993 and has an amazing story to tell, with a number of highly successful programs making a significant positive impact on the lives of many children and their families.
- Injury Prevention programs educate and empower children to keep themselves safe while still allowing them be kids. Educating preschool children through the SeeMore Safety Program is our focus. Other programs include our YAL (Youth Ambassador) Program and IF (Injury Free) Day.
- Injury Recovery programs support young people to cope with the physical and emotional after-effects of living with burns and other serious life-changing injuries. We host injury recovery camps, leadership workshops and the National Burn Survivors’ Network.
- Research clearly demonstrates that when children are given the right learning opportunities and experiences, they build a foundation of knowledge that equips them with capabilities they need to become competent risk-takers and manage their safety in everyday life and activities.
- KIDS Foundation is an active member of the Childhood Injury Prevention Alliance (CHiPA).
What is CHiPA?
- CHiPA is a high profile team of clinicians, researchers, industry partners and funders have joined to create the Childhood Injury Prevention Alliance (CHIPA). CHIPA’s mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of childhood injury across Australia. The expertise of CHIPA’s members spans all aspects of the injury journey, from prevention to reintegration. We have a detailed strategy to reduce childhood injury through evidence, research and public engagement.