A Scout Camp like no other!
Scouts Queensland is once again hosting its inspiring camp for children with special needs called Agoonoree. Starting Saturday (22nd September 2018) 470 Scouts, Guides and special Guests will converge at BP Park for a week of fun and excitement. For 38 years this camp has provided children with varying abilities and special needs the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement the Scout Movement offers. Together with able bodied Scouts and Guides these young children with special needs camp, sleep, eat and partake in activities together.
“It is truly amazing to see young kids who would be normally wheelchair bound being carefully lowered down an abseiling tower with their guide for the first time. Their smiles and enthusiasm are so heart-warming. Other activities the camp offers includes things cooking, camp craft, water sports, movie night, a disco and opening and closing ceremonies. This Agoonoree is one of the biggest in many years with over 470 campers ascending on BP Park Samford” said Camp Chief, Shaun Sandilands.
Each year Scouts Queensland invite a minimum 75 special needs children as ‘guests’ to the camp free of charge thanks to generous sponsors. Some ‘guests’ may have disabilities ranging from ASD, ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Impairment, Down Syndrome or could be vision impaired.
Agoonoree is the Scouting term used to describe this unique camp, where the Scouts provide mentoring, guidance and carer support to the ‘guests’. For many of the ‘guests’ attending camp it’s the first time they have ever been away from mum and dad. The camp not only provide an amazing opportunity for the Scouts attending the camp but it also provides some much needed respite support to the families at home.
The campsite is set up like a mini Jamboree and houses its own radio station, newspaper, hospital, central catering and night activities arena.
Chief Commissioner for Scouts Queensland, Daryl Scott, said “Agoonoree is an inspiration and the chance that our Scouts get to share their Scouting with children with special needs. It provides a personal growth opportunity for them and it’s a real highlight for Scouting. The Agoonoree reflects what Scouting is truly about and the ethos of the camp underpins all our values, traditions and beliefs”.
Scouting’s fundamental aim is to encourage and promote the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people and is the largest youth Movement in Australia.
AGOONOREE IS ABOUT ABILITY NOT DISABILITY
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For further information contact:
Shaun Sandilands
AGOONOREE CAMP CHIEF
0403 143 955
Email: chief@agoonoree.scoutsqld.com.au