Last week saw well over 100 Spectrum Care service users and their support staff come together at Camp Morley. Usually held annually, Camp Morley was unable to take place last year due to Covid, so we were thrilled that this year could go ahead. Situated in rural South Auckland, overlooking a white sand beach and the Manukau Harbour, this week will remain in our memories for many years to come.

With both day-trippers and campers from CICL, a number of residential houses and Aspirations’ day centres, Camp Morley was a special opportunity for the people we support to enjoy creating new friendships, trying new activities, attending events and connecting with nature.

Activities on offer to all participants included: a challenging scavenger hunt, waterslide, kayaking, disco night, movie night, creative area, wheel of fortune, music production, volleyball, basketball and cricket. Concluded by melting marshmallows over a large bonfire in traditional camp style.

Camp Morley could not have been the success that it was without the tireless effort and energy devoted to the week by a number of Spectrum Care staff. Acknowledgement and thanks must go to Serena Dijkstra for her planning and co-ordination, the Community Facilitator team for overseeing and running the camp and Camp Dad, Mike Smith, for his guidance, knowledge and leadership. Special mention also to Vintage Café for their excellent on-site catering and Service Manager Piri Rutherford for running a hands-on music production class.

We look forward to building on what we have learned this year to create another inclusive and successful Camp Morley in 2022.