By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
SPLASHING about in Torquay’s waves and filling the Surf Beach air with laugher this week was a far cry the previous traumas of 15 Camp Tango burns survivors.
The children were in town for surfing lessons as part of KIDS Foundations’ first injury recovery camp in Torquay on Monday.
Charity founder Susie O’Neill said the children were “not long out of hospital” after suffering horrific, life-changing injuries.
“Some of them still have a full body suit, they need dressings changed, they worry about how they look and what life holds for them,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Camp Tango gives them a chance to feel normal, to do that other kids do, to realise they’re not on their own.”
Camp Tango stood for “together achieving new goals and opportunities”, Ms Neill said.
“It provides encouragement, hope and an opportunity to restore self-belief and build self-confidence.
“Many of our attendees describe Camp Tango as life-changing, providing a sense of belonging to a larger family.
“Torquay is known for its picturesque coastline and the start of the renowned Great Ocean Road. It’s the perfect location for such rewarding experiences.”
Ms O’Neill said local businesses had strongly supported the camp.
KIDS is an acronym for Kids In Dangerous Situations, with the organisation working to redress Australia’s startling childhood injury statistics.
“Every day more than 5000 children are injured unintentionally and of those more than 100 require hospital attention,” Ms O’Neill said.
“More children die from injury than from disease.”
