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November Newsletter: Weekend Surf Camps

People Outdoors campers were in for a different type of camp this year and we took a group along to an event run by DSAMP (Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula) and the campers got to participate in the 10 Year Anniversary celebrations at the disability surfing event. It was a few years since this event had happened due to lockdowns so everyone was super excited to be part of the event after so many years.

We were very lucky to find a new campsite Merricks Lodge to host us for the weekend that we at People Outdoors had not used before and the best thing about this campsite was the location only a few kilometers away from the beautiful Point Leo Beach where the event was being held. After going down to check out the site and the beach we knew a great weekend was in store for our campers.

It was a very easy process to register each child for the event on Eventbrite. Lots of extra preparation we made in advance as we wanted to make this a very easy process for everyone involved by taking down twenty-two people, twelve of them being the campers willing and ready to take part in the surfing event.

For this Surf camp weekend, People Outdoors offered a two-night stay in shared cabins in the lovely new venue with all food, accommodation and transport to and from the venue as well as the surfing event. In the afternoon the camper had fun at a local playground where they had some afternoon tea, that evening they all relaxed after a busy day and watched a movie that night.

The next day the campers enjoyed a spot of canoeing at the campsite and had a surprise visit from the local fire brigade who rocked up in the fire truck. They all got to get photos in the fire truck, dress as a firefighter and got a chance the use the hose. After an adventurous weekend, it was finally time to go home so they all had lunch and then headed back to Melbourne.

Comments from the Program Leader for the event:

“The volunteers running the event were very friendly and helpful, they encouraged the campers to surf in the most compassionate and patient ways. This helped the campers to let go of their nerves and enjoy the experience. It was such a joy to see all campers (even the nervous ones) challenge themselves and see the pride and excitement when they came ashore. It was great to see so many people on the beach with smiles on their faces.”

The feedback after the event was extremely positive and they all seemed to love taking part in something different.

Next year we are doubling up our surfing camps and are planning on attending two surf events. One for adults in February and the other one for kids and teens in March all campsites are booked and we are all very much looking forward to collaborating with DSAMP events again. I hope we get to see lots of smiling faces again next year.

Please apply now for these fantastic camps to save disappointment as the numbers fill up quickly.