'The holiday experience of a lifetime for physically less able children'

Helicopter from Handicamp 2006

Rotary Club of Medway held it's 10th Handicamp at Treloars Special School in Hampshire from Saturday 8th to Friday 14th April 2006, when we took 21 special children on the holiday of a lifetime. Each of the special guest children who suffer from some form of illness or disability were paired with an equal number of able bodied youngsters who befriended them for the week, as well as for a long time afterwards if previous experience is anything to go by.

Preparatory work took place throughout 2005 to plan the event as well as raise the estimated £26,000 that was required to fund the provision of the accommodation, food and mini buses that were used to transport them to the variety of events being staged during the week.

Rotary Clubs throughout the South East of England were invited to sponsor half the cost of their nominated child, with the Rotary Club of Medway funding the additional cost.

Yet again the holiday was supervised by 20 Rotarians and a number of nurses who generously volunteer their time to make sure the event is a safe and happy one.

The range of activities included disco's, live music, horse riding, bowling, cinema, theatrical workshops, swimming and a helicopter ride. The 2006 event was exciting for the children and very well worthwhile for the Rotarians and helpers that took part.

The 2004 holiday demonstrated just how valuable it is to make the lives of our guests so special, when on the very last day of the holiday Elizabeth JOYCE suddenly collapsed and died. Despite resuscitation attempts, sadly recovery was impossible owing to a massive heart attack, but this served to demonstrate to all those involved in organising the event the importance of every minute of our young guests lives while they are with us.

In memory of Elizabeth it was decided by the club to present future 'special' guests with an 'Elizabeth Joyce Award' in recognition of their special courage and commitment to the event.

Guest receives an Elizabeth Joyce Award

A Handicamp guest receives an Elizabeth Joyce Award

THANK YOU once again to all those involved in making this event succeed, and thanks also to all the youngsters taking part.

Download the Handicamp 2006 video