South Windsor resident Jahra Balgowan beamed with pride as her 11-year old son, Denzel navigated the rock climbing wall at camp YMCA, Yarramundi.
‘‘I was proud of him and the activities he took part in at the camp. He has definitely come a long way,’’ she said.
Denzel, who has autism and ADHD, and his mum were among the 13 families who attended the local camp hosted by Brainwave Australia from May 15-17.
Camp participants were given the chance to have a go at the giant swing, flying fox, alpine rescue, rock climbing, bushcraft, capture the flag, swimming, singing and roasting marshmallows around the campfire, as well as other activities.
Brainwave supports children with neurological conditions such as autism, epilepsy, ADHD, cerebral palsy, brain tumour, stroke, seizure disorder, global developmental delay and acquired brain injuries. It also helps their families via events and fundraising for therapy and other medical expenses.
‘‘The camp was fantastic. Denzel looks forward to the activities and camps they hold every year,’’ Ms Balgowan said.
‘‘It’s also an opportunity for parents to talk with and support each other, as we are all in similar situations.’’
Ms Balgowan said from an early age she knew ‘‘something was amiss with Denzel’’.
‘‘As a baby he would scream for eight hours straight and when he was two he was diagnosed with autism. He also had minor epilepsy and absent seizures, but luckily he grew out of that,’’ she said.
Ms Balgowan said she was grateful for Brainwave and the opportunities and happiness the organisation had given her family.
‘‘I have two other children aside from Denzel (Mariah and Braith), so the camps and other activities they hold give Denzel a chance to participate. That would otherwise be impossible,’’ she said.
‘‘I encourage the community to give this organisation as much support as possible.’’
Details: https://brainwave.org.au/