If you are looking at this web page this is the question you will be asking! Welcome! We know that you will leave here informed and excited!

‘Camp Memories’ was originally formed in Taree in 2001. This happened following a successful public meeting in Taree to see if there was sufficient interest and support to develop a voluntary public outreach event that would design occasional events for disabled children ages 0 –16 and their families, including able bodied siblings. The title given to the group at that time was ‘FOPIC’. This stood for ‘Friends of Physically Impaired Children.’ This title stood for one year after the first weekend event held on the convenors’ property at Pampoolah, seven minutes South of Taree off the Old Bar Road.

Whilst handing out flyers during the second year for the fun weekend, joint coordinator, May Sharp was asked, “What about intellectually challenged children?” The automatic and heartfelt reply was that all were welcome on site. Hence the name changed through the committee and the removal of any conceived ‘lines in the sand’ or ‘barriers’ were melted away. The main requirement of the ‘Camp Memories’ convenors is that each child is socially happy in a busy setting. This is confirmed during phone contact with the convenors for the welfare of all children attending.

‘Camp Memories’ is now in its seventh year of service. The smiles on faces of both children and parents on the Pampoolah site have been wonderful to witness as they undertake a busy program during the one day in May annually, or the two day weekend in November. Families remain together with parents staying on site at all times. Volunteerism from within the community is the glue that makes this all work.

Family groups are formed numbering up to ten children so that each team may undertake the activities without long line up time and frustration. Trained team
leaders from the community lead each team throughout the program. Normally there are 4–5 teams This can consist of Archery, Art and Craft, outdoor games and table games, motor bike side car and vintage car rides, concerts, puppet shows, exhibitions of martial arts or gymnastics, balloon tying, kite flying, baby animals, horse and cart rides, swimming and much more.

The one-day event in May is not a sleep over event. The November event is for families who so choose. Personally owned tents and bedding may be brought and erected or placed on site. Vans also. ‘Camp Memories’ is able to supply good quality tenting and bedding for families who require. There is no extra charge out for this.

It is now ‘normal for up to 14 families to choose the sleep over option in November, some local but many from distances of up to two hours plus away.

Costs are kept low due to kind subsidy amounts gained over the years throughout the community. This leaves the token amount of only $15 per day per family with $30 for the two days in November. Both events are annual and normally fall at the end of May and the end of November. Bookings are initially by phone with a small amount of paper work to follow by mail out. Families are welcome from all districts.

To contact the convenors: Phone and Fax - 02 6552 6547.
Email - kmesharp@bigpond.com

Kevin and May Sharp of 16 Jonnel Heights Place, Pampoolah 2430
Just seven minutes south of Taree in the Manning Valley.