Meet Saj – a shining Camp Quality Volunteer

Camp Quality relies on the commitment and dedication of more than 800 passionate volunteers to help deliver our programs, and ensure families and children impacted by cancer can thrive in safe and supportive environments.

Saj (pictured above, middle) came on board as a Camp Quality volunteer in early 2022.Since then, Saj has already attended a whopping ten programs – his first being a Sydney Kids’ Camp.

“The highlight from my first Kids’ Camp was hanging out with the most resilient and amazing kids and connecting with the volunteers – both groups are inspirational. To see children laugh, learn and challenge themselves through fun activities, gives you the biggest buzz, with volunteers helping them every step of the way.”

Camp Quality runs programs all across the country, which means opportunities can arise for committed volunteers to support a program interstate.  Saj put his hand up to volunteer at a Queensland Kids’ Camp, and was able to meet volunteers and campers from across the country.

“Meeting volunteers and campers from across the country was a ‘pinch yourself’ experience – it was such a wonderful opportunity to see Camp Quality’s reach and impact. I got to hang out with these awesome Queensland kids and volunteers on the Gold Coast, having fun paddle boarding, participating in an amazing race, playing sports, and dancing at the Kids’ Camp disco.”

This year, Camp Quality increased capacity at our Family Camps and Family Fun Days, as a response from families requesting more opportunities to reconnect and create happy memories together. Saj has attended his fair share of Family Camps, and said: “On one Family Camp, I had a Mum tell me it was their family’s first holiday in two years since her child had been diagnosed with cancer. Since the diagnosis, her child had lost confidence and found it hard to socialise again. Family Camps give her child the opportunity to make new friends and try new things in a safe environment whilst parents are still close by.”

Saj says one of his favourite moments was at a program held at the beach. He said many families live hours away from a beach, and rarely have the chance to see the ocean. “I taught a camper who had never been in the ocean how to jump over and under the waves – they had the time of their life, and didn’t want to get out! At dinner, they couldn’t stop talking about it or take the smile off their face.”

Camp Quality’s Sydney Family Program Coordinator, Mel Barter, says: “Saj has been a legend on camp since day one. His big smiles, super positive attitude, and easy-going nature ensures everyone around him has a great time. He is a very valued member of our Camp Quality family.”

While volunteer recruitment has now completed around Australia for 2023, we recommend you reach out to [email protected] in early 2024 if you’re interested in volunteering.