Camp Go Ahead

What is it?

Camp Go Ahead is a joint project run by the Brain Injury Services of The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick. Camp Go Ahead is an annual camp for those children and young people, aged 10-16 years who are facing the challenges of recovery from and living with a brain injury. These acquired brain injuries may be as a result of an accident, illness or stroke.

Why run Camp Go Ahead?

A brain injury may cause physical difficulties ranging from minimal to severe, and may result in specific language, cognitive, memory, behavioural and emotional difficulties. These difficulties may not be obvious but can still have a significant impact on the lives of the child / young person and their family - learning new things, keeping up at school, making and keeping friends, learning to be independent and participating in sporting and recreational activities. Children attending the camp are encouraged to become actively involved in all aspects of camp life and staff are available to address issues common to children with a brain injury such as teasing, shyness and low self-esteem.

Why is Camp Go Ahead special?

Camp Go Ahead is a camp with a difference because it provides the opportunities to:

• "Have a go" at activities which they wouldn't normally have the opportunity to participate in.
• For the child / young person and family to have a break.
• Be away from parents and siblings.
• Be in a supportive environment with staff who understand brain injury.
• No longer be the one that is a bit different but being "one of the crowd".
• Camp Go Ahead is the place where funny scars, a limp, slowed speech or being forgetful is not out of the ordinary.
• Make new friends and meet up with old friends from Camp, when friendships in everyday life are often difficult.
• Have fun!

These children / young people are a special group and it is an inspiration to see children with severe difficulties have a great time. Camp Go Ahead also provides a well deserved break for families. Campers bring back with them a new confidence in themselves and their ability to participate in a range of activities.

Some facts about Camp Go Ahead

• 50 campers attend for 3 days and 2 nights.
• Unfortunately, demand is always greater than places available. Ideally we would like to offer two camps each year.
• A high staff to camper ratio is necessary for the camp's success.
• Activities can include abseiling, archery, orienteering, challenge course, canoeing and sailing.
• Physical disabilities, including wheelchair dependency and weaknesses are no barrier to participation. There are usually several wheelchair users at each camp.
• Camps are held at sites with purpose built facilities.
• Each camp costs around $20,000 to run, a cost of approximately $400 per child.

How can my child attend?

Families can contact the service to express interest. Unfortunately, because places are limited, staff members will contact those children/young people who may benefit the most from camp. Priority is given to those who have not attended before. If more applications are received than available places, a ballot will be conducted and children / young people selected at random. This is the fairest way possible. We would eventually like Camp Go Ahead to be held twice per year so more children / young people can benefit.

Daniel's story

Daniel had a severe brain injury when he was 2 years of age, when he was a passenger in a motor vehicle accident. This resulted in significant physical, visual and cognitive difficulties. Because of his perseverance and determination, and with the help of his family, he learnt to walk unaided by his 10th birthday. In 2000, Daniel was chosen to carry the Paraolympian torch.

"Hi! My name is Daniel and I survived Camp Go Ahead. I really enjoyed going to Camp Go Ahead because my brother Thomas stayed at home and I made new friends. I had a great time at Camp. I did rock climbing, abseiling, swimming, canoeing and playing football. It is terrific to be independent and able to spend time with other young people and have lots of fun! Please support Camp Go Ahead."

Who supports Camp Go Ahead?

Friends of Camp Go Ahead would like to thank these generous supporters for their greatly appreciated help:

• NRMA Insurance
• Wayne Pearce of Rugby League fame!
• Carlingford-Dundas Lions Club
• Anonymous donors

How can I help?

Running a camp is dependent upon donations. Assistance with fundraising from families, schools and businesses is greatly appreciated. For more information about ways to help with Camp Go Ahead, please contact the Brain Injury Service.