Camp Quality focuses on providing camps for children aged 5-16 who have had cancer at any stage of their lives. This year’s camp was held in New Plymouth and included six campers and 10 volunteers from Taranaki.
“The real focus is on fun, hope and happiness, so that’s what we measure – the smiles on their faces. It’s not a tangible measure, but that’s what we want to see,” said Sam Fellows, Interim General Manager.
“We connect the kids one-on-one with volunteer companions, then we take the cotton wool off and let them just be kids and have a whole lot of fun.”
Camp Quality relies entirely on community support, including fundraisers and donations. Funds raised cover accommodation, food, activities, and volunteer training and support.
“We plan a baseline camp on site, and then add to it when we get extra support. It could be businesses donating food or experiences in the area, or extra funding like the grant we received from Toi Foundation,” said Sam.
This year’s Taranaki camp included swimming, classic car rides, and elective days with sports, cooking, and other activities.
“Parents place massive trust in us to care for their kids. But when I talk to them, they say Camp Quality is the highlight of their year and they’re often amazed at the things their kids can do. Many of them return year after year.
“We often invite the siblings along for the camper’s first camp, so they know what it’s like. But after that, parents often take the opportunity to spend quality time with them and make them feel really special too.”
Overall, 55 children, 51 companions, 18 volunteer staff, and 5 nurses enjoyed the 2026 experience. Next year’s camp will be in New Plymouth again, and Sam hopes that even more Taranaki children and volunteers will join in the fun.
