Launceston Sony Camp Includes Regional Children for the First Time

Thanks to Quest Apartment Hotels and Sony Foundation

Date: 13 March 2021 

Gracy, Matilda and brothers Harry and William, were the first children with disability from regional Tasmania that were supported to attend Launceston Church Grammar School's 16th Sony Camp. Travelling from regional areas of North West Tasmania, the four children were able to join a weekend of jam packed activities, fun and new friends - the holiday of a lifetime.

Making the journey with the Campers were their families, whose travel and accommodation costs were funded by Sony Foundation, allowing them to be close to their children, and access valuable respite at no cost; enjoying a weekend at Quest Apartment Hotels. 

Elizabeth Poland, Camp Coordinator said the accommodation was a wonderful gift to these families- after a difficult year of navigating significant disruptions.

"Without the accommodation, they most likely would have chosen not to send their children to the camp as they would have had to spend too much time and money on transport. One parent commented that for them it was the highlight of their year and a way of ending the year in a positive manner.”

Providing better access for regional children, and their families, to take part in Sony Camp is an important step in the growth of Sony Camps nationally. 

The 2020 Launceston Grammar Camp welcomed 20 Campers, between the ages of 7 and 14, who were each cared for by two senior students over the three days.

“The Campers and their Companions had a blast! We decided due to the restrictions not to go off-site- and had all the fun that we could pack into three days on our senior campus - including swimming, a slip and slide, baby animals, a formal dinner, a talent quest, an indoor play centre, carols, art and messy science activities, and even putt putt golf- we installed a set!” said Elizabeth. 

With the money saved from bringing the activities on site, Launceston Grammar gifted back to the families, organising a gift voucher to a local restaurant, to make their weekend of respite that little more special!