More than 30 senior students from two Adelaide high schools have taken on the role of full-time carers for children with disabilities during a recent school holiday program. Year 11 and 12 students from St Peter’s College and the Wilderness School participated in the Sony Foundation’s Holiday Camp Program, providing support and supervision for 16 local children with special needs over a three-day period.

Under the guidance of teachers and program staff, the student volunteers engaged the children in a variety of recreational activities while offering their families much-needed respite. The camp’s activities are designed to create an enjoyable and inclusive environment, giving both the children and their caregivers a positive experience during the school break.

One of the campers, 13-year-old Mia Piro, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attended the camp for the third consecutive year. Her mother, Trudie Piro, praised the students involved as “amazing” and commended their dedication to ensuring the children had a memorable and enjoyable time.

The Sony Foundation has been sponsoring the Holiday Camp Program since 1998, aiming to provide ongoing support for children with disabilities and their families. According to CEO Sophie Ryan-McPhee, the program’s success is largely attributed to the exceptional commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the student volunteers, which contributes to making it a distinctive and valuable initiative in the community.