A Letter From the CEO – Deborah Thomas

As this year comes to an end, I am looking back with a deep sense of gratitude. While it has been another tough one for so many, Camp Quality is looking forward with optimism. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we continued to be there for so many children and families facing cancer and for us, that is the most important measure of a great year.

This year we were able to substantially increase the support we provide to the Child Life Therapy program in children’s hospital oncology wards in NSW and Victoria to help children cope with scary and often painful treatments.  In 2022, we look forward to increasing even further by funding six full-time Child Life Therapists at specialist children’s cancer treatment centres across Australia.

Our Primary School Cancer Education Program (PSCEP), performed by the Camp Quality Puppets, has been active in schools live, when restrictions permit, or live streamed directly into classrooms. Our Kids’ Camps, Family Camps and Family Fun Days/Experiences have been in full swing, wherever and whenever COVID-19 restrictions have allowed us to deliver them safely. In 2022 we look forward to increasing the number of Family Camps to meet the increased demand.

When lockdowns started up again, the digital services we developed last year (that remain part of our core program) put us in a strong position to continue supporting children and families isolated by the threat of COVID-19. Our Puppet Digital Playdates live-streamed to children in hospital and at home; our Virtual Camps with Camp In a Box activity kits were delivered to all participating kids across Australia; and the Happiness Hub website provided online, age-appropriate, positive entertainment for kids and their families, 24/7.

The new Parenting Through Cancer counselling service and community platform has also gone from strength to strength, providing immediate counselling help for parents and a safe space to connect with others also dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or a family member’s diagnosis.

I am especially pleased we were able to continue providing access to respite accommodation for families, many of whom were at breaking point, through our Camp Quality Retreats.

Thank you to everyone who helped us brighten the lives of kids facing cancer this year.

On behalf of us all at Camp Quality, we hope this holiday season brings you and your family joy, and I look forward to connecting with you again in the year ahead.

Kind regards,

Deborah Thomas

Chief Executive Officer, Camp Quality