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Project Spotlight
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Welcome to Givewell's Project Spotlight. Each month we highlight a project for which a charity is currently seeking funds. We also provide details on how to give directly for this project.
Background Information: Carolyn Smith was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1990. Her two young children Kerrin (5 years) and Gavin (2 years) became her primary carers when her husband, the children’s father left them two years later. Carolyn was soon wheelchair bound, but after talking to schools and churches in her local area she soon discovered that there were many families with young carers who could benefit from a respite camp. The Zonta Club of Melton was so inspired by Carolyn that they asked her to join as a member to co-ordinate the camp and make the project work. The club also provided the funds Meetings began at Carolyn’s home with a small committee of dedicated people and the first camp took place in 1999. It was so successful that word of mouth spread and children started being referred from across Victoria. The Caring Kids Camp idea that Carolyn created has now evolved into The Kids Who Care Foundation and since 2002 has provided a young carers program consisting of a range of support, counselling and recreational services that have been designed specifically to address the physical and emotional needs of the young carer. Project Description: The 2007 Young Carers Camp was held at Anglesea Recreation Camp along the Great Ocean Road, and catered for 36 young carers and 9 leaders to participate in a range of activities including surfing, swimming, high ropes course, giant swing, art ‘n craft, young carer workshops, bike riding, formal dinner, sports, initiative and team building games, and plenty of chill out and relax time. The camps aims are to provide a recreational break for young carers where they can relax, overcome challenges, connect with other young carers, experience new activities and above all diminish their feelings of isolation as a young carer. Returning to Anglesea Recreation Camp for a third year in a row allowed the camp leaders to offer an improved program as leaders were familiar with the grounds and surrounding environment. As the largest young carers camp so far, new challenges arose in the planning and implementation of the camp. However, due to the experience, knowledge, and attitude of the leaders the increase in camp size was seen as an opportunity to improve the camp and increase accordingly the number of young carers able to participate. The expansion of the program also allowed a larger number of peer leaders who were young carers themselves to attend the camp; an invaluable asset to the program. Through attending the week-long camp, the positive changes that occur in the lives of these young people are quite noticeable. As they get involved in a range of activities they have a chance to refresh themselves, talk with leaders and other carers about their feelings, look at new ways of dealing with challenges and of course have fun. Kids Who Care is currently preparing for the 2008 camp which will be at Merricks Lodge on Mornington Peninsula. For the coming year it will be possible to increase the numbers of attendees due to successful funding bids, however, all too often young carers are turned away as funding doesn’t meet the demand for all those who want to participate in such a positive experience. Can donors/grant makers give directly for this project? Yes. All donations to "The Trustee for The Kids Who Care Foundation" are tax deductible. Contact details for further information: Ms Hanna Maxwell The Kids Who Care Foundation Level 3, 766 Elizabeth St Melbourne, 3000 Tel: (03) 9347 2655 Fax: (03) 9348 1273 Email: hanna@kidswhocare Website: www.kidswhocare.org.au Previous Project Spotlights
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