Camp Quality Marks 25 Years and 150,000 Hours of FREE Volunt

Camp Quality Marks 25 Years and 150,000 Hours of FREE Volunteer Training

For 25 years, Camp Quality NZ has recruited and trained thousands of volunteers.

A not-for-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to bringing fun, hope and happiness to children living with cancer, Camp Quality last year marked its 25th anniversary in New Zealand. It provides week-long summer camps for youngsters aged 5-16, as well as year-round support for the children and their families.

Since the first camp back in January 1985, more than 10,000 people have participated in Regional Training Days, with approximately 650 going through the programme this year. With volunteers completing a minimum of 15 hours training, more than 150,000 hours of volunteer training have been provided FREE by Camp Quality.

The training is based on experiential learning, creativity and good humour and not only prepares individuals for the role, but provides “life learning” elements such as relationship building, teamwork, leadership skills and self development.

Jacquey Neilson, Regional Volunteer Training organiser and Independent Trustee of Camp Quality NZ, says “the aim of training is to equip the volunteer with the skills and knowledge that enables them to engage with both the campers and their families.

“They are held in each of the five regions and include combinations of initial training for first time volunteers and refresher and advanced exercises for experienced and returning volunteers,” she says.

Every individual involved with Camp Quality does so on a voluntary basis, either as a Companion, Staff, Committee or Board Member and must participate in the structured training programme prior to attending any of the five camps.

Each camp would also have around 150 additional volunteers from outside the organisation who assist with programme activities, practical help and other services, such as Lions members and other service clubs.

The Regional Volunteer Training Days will be held in Waikato/Bay of Plenty on June 25 and 26 and September 24 and 25, Auckland/Northland on August 14, 20 and 28, Wellington/Central Districts and Christchurch on September 3 and 4 and South on October 14 and 15.

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