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Order of Malta Australia

News

2021 Asia-Pacific Youth Camp Highlights

29/09/2021 


For over thirty years the Order of Malta has a tradition of hosting youth camps that bring together young people with disabilities, volunteers and carers for a once in a lifetime experience of fun, friendship and adventure.

In September, our attendees came together at a premier sporting facility on the Gold Coast for the 2021 Order of Malta Asia Pacific Youth Camp. The camp programme provided challenges, games and unique experiences for the participants who, as a result, have formed lifelong friendships.

“The preparation for the first Order of Malta Asia Pacific Camp in Australia has endured countless disappointments and frustrations created by COVID-19” said Danny Higgins, North Eastern Regional Hospitaller for the Order of Malta. “I am thrilled that it was all worthwhile as I see the excitement generated in our attendees. Many are experiencing their first time away from families who look after them faithfully. The freedom and excitement they are achieving is the pandemic we should all be exposed to.”

The camp, initially scheduled for 2020 was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, was scaled back due to the current outbreak in Australia.

“Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented, the 2021 camp was a huge success” said National Hospitaller John Murphy. “A special mention to the Camp Coordinating team for constantly adapting to pull off a camp that provided so much joy to all who attended.”

“We are so delighted with success of the camp and the impact it has made on the participants and their families. As a result we are committed to expand these works to become a regular fixture here in Australia in addition to participation in the wider Asia Pacific program.

We now will begin planning regular mini camps in addition to this longer format to bring this life changing opportunity to more young adults with disabilities and also give our OMV volunteers and wider membership the opportunity to serve others.

For those guests who, as a result of restrictions, were unable to attend we hope to be able to offer some smaller day camps in their regions as restrictions ease” John went on to explain.

The objectives of the Order of Malta Youth camps

  • Help young people overcome personal barriers
  • To forge a sense of community
  • An opportunity to serve

 

Highlights videos from each day of the 2021 camp:

“During my 14 years of membership of the Order of Malta I have had the privilege of involvement with many Order Outreach activities. But here at the Order’s Youth Camp I have experience the joy of being a part of something so much greater than anything I have ever done. The joy we have brought to our guests, the gratitude expressed by their carers and the enthusiasm of our volunteers demonstrates how worthwhile the Order’s efforts have achieved.” Camp coordinator, Danny Higgins (second from left) with camp guests.

“Matthew’s 24 years old and this is his first time spending a week away from home. He’s normally super shy. I think everyone has seen him blossom. He’s been the centre of everything. Involving himself in everything! He won’t normally go near sand, won’t go in the beach. But he did today. He got sand between his toes, patted the dolphin and is still smiling! Anthea, Centacare carer for camp guest Mathew (both pictured)
“It’s my first time away from my parents. I’m so happy to share this camp with my best friend Emma! I’d love to go on another camp like this!” Camp guest Shannon, aged 26 (right) with guest Emma.

The Australian Association

The Australian Association, formed in 1974, currently has in excess of 300 members and aspirant members across every State and Territory of Australia. We also have ongoing and strong links with the Order’s National Associations throughout the Asia Pacific Region including in Singapore and the Philippines and with members of the Order in New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand and Korea. The Order of Malta is committed to serving Our Lords the Poor and Sick worldwide and has done so for over 900 years. This website shares with you the history, mission and current activities of the Order of Malta in Australia, and provides links to the work of the Order world-wide.