Kidney Kids Camp Diary - A week in the life of a Kidney Kid Camper

DAY 1 - Tuesday 14 April 2009
'Mayday, mayday!'  The Big RED airline reported a missing aeroplane somewhere in the South Pacific after a freak tropical storm. On crash landing, local natives were reported to have found the passengers and crew of the LOST aeroplane – location unknown! Aloha!  The friendly natives looked after all stranded passengers. After they unpacked and settled into their huts we prepared for a week of activities packed full of fun. The children explored the new land called Tallebudgera with all their new and old friends. In the afternoon everyone enjoyed games together (kite building, sand sculpturing) and then welcomed by the island’s tribes.
DAY 2 - Wednesday 15 April 2009
'Beat your chest – can you hear the sound of the drums?’  After breakfast it was time for all the survivors to band together and plan their rescue and on the side, experience what this newly found land had on offer; tribal challenges, raft building, bouldering, catapulting  and lots more! After lunch the Polynesian drums were inviting as they called all the children to participate in tribal tradition and music. When the sun set, neighbouring natives gathered to partake in a Luau (feast & celebration) and celebrated with Polynesian rhythms and dance. With faces painted they put on grass skirts and listened to the Haka!
DAY 3 - Thursday 16 April 2009
‘Adventure to the other side’  Venturing deeper inland the survivors and crew searched for a new world, Dreamworld!  A whole day passed with not a worry about being LOST as all the survivors forgot where they were and enjoyed the thrills and spills on all the rides at Dreamworld.
DAY 4 - Friday 17 April 2009
‘Sound your war cry and gather your tribe for some friendly rivalry’ Back by popular demand - the traditional ‘Kidney Kids Camp Concert’. The natives helped all the bedraggled survivors summon up the strength to fight till the end as they battled the contest to be the first ones found. All the survivors were encouraged to join in the tribal traditions and making the biggest Luau yet. Were the natives friendly or just plain wild?
DAY 5 - Saturday 18 April 2009
‘SOS - LOST now found’ The survivors packed their belongings and made sure to leave no trace. The SOS signals had been spotted from above. Queen Kukana on Ruapehu Mountain had spoken -the rescue planes and vehicles were on their way and were ready for boarding. Until next we meet - Aloha!

Our Special Thanks! On behalf of our Kidney Kids and KHA we thank the following supporters: Our Co Host - Queensland Child & Adolescent Renal Services

Hospital management and staff - paediatric renal units
Monash Medical Centre, Victoria
Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane
Royal Children's Hospital,Victoria
The Mater Children’s Hospital, Brisbane
Women's & Children's Hospital, South Australia

Related renal services with significant contribution
Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd
Eli Lilly Australia Pty Limited
Fresenius Medical Care
Genzyme Australasia
Gold Coast Health Services Management and Paediatric Unit
Robina Dialysis Unit, Robina Hospital, Gold Coast Health Services

Community Supporters
AAC ID Solutions
ACP Magazines Ltd
Action Printing
Corporate Express
Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Fuji Australia Pty Ltd
Mind Challenge
Neverfail Springwater Ltd
Pacific Magazines
Taylor Props
Woolworths Pty Ltd - South Melbourne Branch, Victoria
Yamaha Motor Australia
ZART Art

Volunteer Carers
Griffith University, School of Nursing & Midwifery and School of Medicine, Gold Coast Campus

Updated 1 July 2010