"We are humbled and honoured to belong to this wonderful organisation which enables children who live with cancer to have fun in a positive stress free environment. We were both introduced to Camp Quality 8 years ago through our involvement in the Lions Organisation, and we were impressed by the calibre of the well trained companions and staff who, as volunteers, give up a week of their lives so happily to help children and families who have been through a tough time.
Having brought up a healthy family of or own, we saw this as an awesome way to give something back to those less fortunate than ourselves.
From our home town, Levin, we coordinate a dedicated & highly organised team from throughout the lower North Island to provide a fun filled camp. Though the planning is long and entailed, when we see the children arrive on the bus, and have an absolutely fantastic time, it is worth every bit of the effort."
Tony & Helen Clifford
Camp Quality Wellington/Central Districts Regional Managers
"I would like, on behalf of our Campers, their families, and the Committee, to thank everyone involved in making this year's Winter Camp so special for our Campers.
A particular thanks to Richard, Rose, Howard, Pauline & Mike, Charles, our Companions and St John's Foxton ~ without your hard work and dedication, Winter Camp would not have been such a wonderful success. Well done!"
~ Tony Clifford
Regional Manager
Winter Camp 2011
A coach filled with excited campers and companions headed to Turoa Ski Resort, for a weekend of fun on the snow as part of our annual Winter Camp programme. Enroute we stopped in Foxton, where we were hosted by the local St John Youth Group for dinner and games, while our driver took a rest break. One of our campers was very lucky, walking away with a fantastic prize of an iPod - what a great way to start the trip!
With bellies full, it was off to Ohakune. Staying at the awesome Venture Lodge right in the heart of Ohakune, we settled in for a good night's sleep - well, most of us did! 4am the first of our campers were out of bed and eager to get up the mountain to play in the snow. At a more reasonable hour we boarded our mountain transport. With blue sky and the sun shining, and an awesome view of the white mountain became clearer as we got closer, it was obvious we were in for a great day.
We were met by our host Anna, from RAL, who arranged for our equipment to be issued and our lessons to be booked. It was fantastic to see everyone having such a great time!
It didn't take long to see many of our campers zooming around the beginner's area, easily identified in their bright red Camp Quality Ski Jackets. Once our formal lessons were over we were on our own - races and jumps! It was a great time and a fantastic day was had by all.
Click the collage for an enlarged view.
Later in the day we held our snowman-making competition, and for some it was onto the sleds for races down the special racing track.
After a long day on the mountain we boarded our transport back to our lodge where we were presented with a fabulous roast dinner, a feast fit for any hungry camper! Following dinner, a hot soak in the hot tub for some, card games for others, sleep for most, and general blobbing out for the rest.
Funnily enough, our campers were not up so early on Sunday morning, many still weary from their day in the sun on the snow. Sadly, we couldn't go up on Sunday as planned as the weather forecast was not in our favour. But our trusty staff had a back-up plan, so it was off to the Army Museum for a guided tour of our impressive military history, which everyone really enjoyed.
With group photos done, we headed to a local park where we had a picnic lunch, and then some gumboot throwing in Taihape at the official Throwing Range!
Homeward bound, we managed to squeeze in swimming and waterslide adventures at the Levin indoor pool. We arrived back at out drop off points with everyone safe and sound, already talking about meeting up again soon and the excitement of Summer Camp to come!
