Margie Maccoll
Survivors of trauma, burns and life-changing injuries converged on Noosa last weekend as part of the Kids in Dangerous Situations (KIDS) Foundation’s Together Achieving New Goals and Opportunities (TANGO) Equine Camp.
Eighteen young people aged 13 to early 20s and eight mentors travelled from across Australia for a weekend packed with activities and the chance to be and grow together.
After a show on the Gold Coast and an equine centre visit to experience the power of human-horse connection at Eumundi, the group headed to their stay at Ocean Breeze on Hastings Street from where they visited local restaurants, had a dip in the ocean then tested their artistic skills at a Sip and Paint session.
One participant said “just being here with everyone“ was the best part of the weekend for her.
The camp is one of a number of injury recovery programs initiated and managed by the KIDS Foundation which was established 30 years ago by Ballarat and now Noosa resident Dr Susie O’Neill.
“TANGO responds to the transition from teenage years to adulthood which is particularly hard for children affected by injury and burn trauma. Surgery is necessary to help young bodies accommodate growth.
“There are matters of self-image and personal esteem unique to the individual that also arise in these important years. The program provides a comfortable haven for young survivors to set goals and create their own opportunities,” Susie said.
One of those survivors achieving a long-held goal was Spencer who recently realised an ambition to be an actor.
Through a connection, Susie was able to recommend Spencer for a role in a blockbuster movie and he got the part, acting alongside some Aussie stars.
“It was amazing,“ Spencer said.
“I got to meet some very famous people and made a best friend, Sean, out of it. Hopefully it’ll lead to a career.“
KIDS Foundation ambassador Matt Theile, 27, comes along to the camps every year, to enjoy the camaraderie, re-connect with old friends and make new ones.
He said it was good to see the little ones build their confidence through the camps.
“You see a change in their perspective. When they first come to the camp they’re very shy and won’t open up. After the first camp there’s a dramatic change in their confidence,“ he said.
Susie said a lot of the young people had similar injuries and could support each other and share advice.
She said it was the tenacity and courage of survivors that continued to inspire KIDS Foundation staff and supporters.
“The ability of survivors to move forward in their lives has given the KIDS Foundation the resolve to develop programs aimed at assisting recovery and at preventing childhood injury in the first instance,“ she said.
The camp was made possible thanks to the support of Ocean Breeze, Smile for a Child, Consolidated Property Services and the Petstock Foundation.
“The work of KIDS Foundation is heartfelt. This camp is enabled by the generosity of individuals and business, that support Smile for a Child and by the energy of founder Susie O’Neill, the KIDS committed staff and local volunteers working with the KIDS Foundation”, said Smile for a Child’s, Glenn Puckeridge who presented the foundation with a $5000 cheque from the Noosa charity during the weekend.
After the retreat the young people will engage in an ongoing mentoring program.”
