The Order of Malta has a tradition of running Camps for Disabled Youth for over 30 years, however it was only 10 years ago that this tradition reached the Asia Pacific region.

This year’s Asia Pacific camp was held at the Redemptorist Centre in Pattaya Thailand. The centre has wonderful facilities for the disabled and excellent accommodation for camp participants.

Attending the camp were guests, volunteers and carers from Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Australia. There were over 80 participants, and the Australian contingent comprised three guests and their carers and six volunteers.

The camp involved numerous activities at the centre and some excursions. The aim, as with every Order of Malta Camp,  was to get participants to mix, have fun and provide them with challenges in a supportive environment.

One day was spent at a local beach club where the Christopher Cup (a croquet tournament for guests) was contested with guests from the Philippines coming away triumphant. There was also a day trip to an amazing local park with spectacular gardens, a huge array of dinosaur statues, elephant rides, a Las Vegas style Thai cultural show.

Mass was celebrated each morning to start the day in the beautiful Thai style church and one evening there was a rosary and mini candlelit Marian procession.

Each day was concluded with a themed party in the evening and participants were provided with an abundance and variety of excellent Thai food at each meal.

The magic of these camps is that it is a rare time in the life of the guests that they feel treated the same as everyone else. There is no differentiation between guest, carers or volunteers and strong bonds are formed.

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