Mackay Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp

The 2025 Mackay Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp concluded on Monday with the camper presentations, commemorating the beautiful friendships and lasting memories created during this incredible event.

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and the three days of this year's camp were a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the families of the campers for allowing their child to attend the camp.

We also extend our gratitude to the Year 11 companions from Whitsunday Anglican School for the care, patience, fun and friendship they offered to their new friends.

The final day of the 2025 Mackay Sony Camp was an absolute delight, filled with joy and excitement.

Thank you to Mackay Cricket Association, Melinda Dwyer, supported by Luke Dwyer, for facilitating a cricket session focusing on the basics. The session was filled with laughter and learning as the participants honed their batting and bowling skills.

The campers, companions, and student helpers were brimming with enthusiasm as they prepared the first course of morning tea. They decorated approximately one hundred cupcakes, with only a few making it home. Thank you to Arē's Place for the delicious cupcakes and ingredients for decorating.

The annual Show Day was another highlight for Day 3. The rock climbing wall, the inflatable, the petting zoo, face painting, and balloon art were not just there; they were a huge hit! They were all incredibly popular, providing a day filled with entertainment and engagement, and ensuring that everyone had a great time.

We are immensely grateful to NE Food Café for their continuous support and for keeping everyone nourished over the three days. Their delicious and varied menu added to the enjoyment of our final morning tea.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Whistunday Anglican School Parents and Friends Association, who generously supported the Show Day event, playing a significant role in the camp's success.









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The Mackay Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp would not be possible without the support of our community.

This year we had 50 companions, over 90 student helpers, close to 10 medical staff, 20 WAS community volunteers consisting of Old Scholars, parents and grandparents and 35 WAS staff support the campers.

Thank you for your time, effort and expertise is making this year's camp a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Just when you thought that Sunday's program was full, along came police officers from the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station and Qld Fire and Rescue staff from the North Mackay Station.

The good news was that no one was arrested but most of the campers were able to sit inside each vehicle.

Gymnastics was followed by the most deliciate, creative and yet most challenging session of camp - preparing for the disco and the disco itself.

There has never been so much glitter, sequins and glow in the dark accessories in one place as the 2025 Mackay Sony Camp disco.

Strutting the red camp, dancing on the stage, the not to be missed "pass the parcel" were just a few of the highlights of this year's disco.

Thank you to the student helpers for organising such a spectactular night, In the Booth for the photo opportunities and Darcy and William for enhancing the disco with temporary tattoos and balloon art.

Day 2 of Sony Camp continued with a fun and physical gymnastics session.

Campers demonstrated their flexibility, balance, agility and comfort at Mackay Gymnastics. The foam pit, as always, was a big hit with the campers and companions.

Day 2 has been just as busy as Day 1.

This morning, the camp had a memorable dance session, skillfully led by our student helpers from Years 8 to 10. They not only warmed up the students but also taught them the Footloose dance, led a Just Dance session, and organized a fun dance game.

Following the dance session, the campers had the option to participate in a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and netball. This was before we welcomed the Local Heroes.

We may have experienced some wet weather, but that did not dampen the campers' time with our Emergency Services staff from Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station and the Queensland Fire and Rescue (QLD Fire Department).

Thank you for visiting our 2025 Mackay Sony Camp.

Saturday afternoon at the Mackay Sony Camp was busy. Swimming, followed by chapel and ending with the movie night.

What a day! Thank goodness for a soft bed and a good sleep.

Day 1 of the Mackay Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp contained many highlights, including a lovely lunch, swimming, chapel and a delicious Samoan dinner. We finished the day with popcorn and a movie.

Campers and companions had time to get to know each other and start making friendships.

The sensory room, craft and karaoke rooms were very popular. Future painters and performers demonstrated their talents.

We look forward to Day 2.

Day 3 of Sony camp is a happy and sad day. We are happy because our new friends have experienced an awesome weekend. We are sad because our new friends are going home.

Thank you to the campers for making the 10th Mackay Sony Camp a fabulous weekend.