Volunteering With DSAQ

(Down Syndrome Association of Queensland)

A friend of mine who regularly works for the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland got in contact with me a week before “challenge weekend” – a camp run at Tallebudgera Creek over a weekend, full of activities and social events for young adults with Down Syndrome.

Apparently, someone had pulled out at the last minute, meaning they needed another mentor group leader to slot in and fill the void. When someone asks me to do something I’ve not done before, with interesting people, involving getting in the water, free food, rock climbing, and acting like a kid, it is very rare for me to turn them down.

There were some tough times, learning what to do in certain situations, and I gained some insight into what it must be like to raise a child with Down Syndrome: the obvious challenges, and the rewards.

With three campers under my constant supervision over the weekend, at times it wasn’t just a “challenge weekend” for the campers. Overall this was a fun, rewarding, and at times, weird weekend of activities with some very interesting characters.

Stay tuned – a story will come forth! 😛

Baz Out