Ballarat children with cancer or life-threatening illnesses have embarked on a weekend filled with adventure and fun.
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Twenty-eight children traveled to Camp Wuyna in Queenscliff as part of the annual Cops n' Kids camp.
Cops n' Kids founder John Moloney said the camp provided the opportunity for the children to enjoy a fun-filled break and talk to other children in similar circumstances about their treatment and experience.
"The other bonus is it gives mum and dad and the rest of family a really good chance to have some respite - they aren’t visiting a hospital or wondering about how their child is going knowing they are well looked after and having a lot of fun," he said.
Children on the weekend camp range from four to 14-years-old.
Program highlights include a bay cruise, helicopters and a visit to the Geelong Adventure Park.
Mum and Dad aren’t visiting a hospital or wondering about how things their child is going knowing they are well looked after and having a lot of fun.
- John Moloney
Mr Moloney described the camp as '48 hours of fun'.
"As carers and volunteers, we get as much out of it as the kids do. Just seeing the smiles on their faces and the enjoyment they get from it is so rewarding," he said.
A second is held in Ballarat in November for children with cancer of life-threatening illnesses from around the state. Around 60 children attended the camp last November.
Cops n' Kids is the only camp of its kind in Victoria. It is run by volunteers in partnership with YMCA and Victoria Police.
The program has helped strengthen Victoria Police’s connection with the community and change public perceptions of the police force.
Both the November and February camps rely on donations, the support of the community and businesses involved.
"From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone who assists in making these camps happen," Mr Moloney said.