Ground-breaking first camps for kids whose parent has cancer
Camp Quality pilots Kids Impacted by a Carers Cancer (KICC) Camps
This Friday August 30th, 49 kids who have been facing the terrifying prospect of their parent's cancer, will get the chance to just be kids again on a ground-breaking new camp developed by Camp Quality.
Kids Impacted by a Carer's Cancer (KICC) Camps, for 7 -13 year-olds, are the first recreation programs to specifically support Australian children with a diagnosed parent. The second of two pilot camps will run outside Perth this weekend from Fri 30th Aug – Sun, Sept 1st.
Camp Quality CEO, Kylea Tink, says the children's cancer charity has identified an overwhelming need to support children facing a parent's diagnosis.
"At Camp Quality we became aware that there are at least 40,000 kids facing a parent's cancer," Ms Tink says. "These children are not getting the vital chance to be kids, to meet others going through a similar situation and to have a break from what can be a frightening reality."
"We secured funding to pilot two camps based on the successful model we deliver to kids facing their own or a sibling's diagnosis. The first KICC Camp pilot was a resounding success."
Michelle Bean whose daughter Scarlett attended the first KICC Camp had been struggling with what her diagnosis meant for Scarlett and her older sister.
"They've always seen me as the strong mum. It was hard for them to see me like that," Michelle says. "I don't take them out as much because I just physically can't. Camp Quality let her be a kid, that's the main thing. She still talks about the camp. That's amazing. She has had a shit time, but she's got that."
Camp Quality is now calling on the Australian community to help fund these much-needed future KICC Camps. Donate at https://www.campquality.org.au
Interviews are available on request with:
· Kylea Tink– Camp Quality CEO
· Michelle – Camp Quality mum diagnosed with cancer, whose daughter attended the first KICC camp Pilot
· Pina – Camp Quality Mum of four, whose two youngest kids are attending the upcoming KICC pilot camp on Aug 30th
High res images available.
