Young Carer & Sibling Camps

Breakaway currently holds two Young Carer & Sibling Camps each year for 40 siblings of children with high medical needs, rare disorders and/or disabilities.

Siblings of children with High Needs grow up in families where the dynamics present additional issues. Often, unintentionally, the needs of these children are overlooked. If we support siblings, it is more likely they will adjust more positively themselves, add to the quality of life of the brother/sister with high needs, and the whole family will function more positively.

During camp the siblings will be spoilt and fussed over, they will also enjoy an awesome week of activities and entertainment.

The Young Carer & Sibling Camps are held at Breakaway at San Remo and will be organised and run by our experienced volunteer team.

Key Objectives

To provide an opportunity for siblings of families with a High Needs child to have fun in a safe, caring environment
To provide a range of activities that are new, challenging and exciting and encourage self-expression
To give siblings the chance to meet and form friendships with others, thus enhancing the understanding that they are not alone in their situation
To promote a sense of self-worth and confidence
To enable these children to briefly escape their home environment of care and responsibilities and to just be 'children'
To provide opportunities for volunteers to work alongside these children and broaden the community awareness of the needs of sibling carers

Program

Some of the activities at Young Carer & Sibling Camp include:
Battle Zone, Swimming, Bungie Run, Movie Night, Treasure Hunt, Giant Swing, Cards, Water Slides & Fights, Sports & Craft, Surfing, Archery and Disco Night

Criteria for Young Carers & Siblings Camps

Siblings of a high medical needs child or a carer for a parent with a physical or mental disability.
Campers: 24 campers in primary age group 5-12 years. 16 campers in teenage age group 13-18 years. Those going to high school to go into teenage programme (January Camp only). Flexibility in age groupings to reflect variability of ages in each camp.
Campers can come to camp once a year except in an emergency situation at the discretion of coordinators.
Where possible accept campers from each of the following areas: Central Coast, Sydney area, Newcastle area, Country areas.
Siblings from one family – we will take all siblings at the one camp unless the parents wish to keep one or more at home.

If you would like more information about the Sibling Camps
please phone 02 4390 7624 or email info@breakaway.org.au