WFDYS: Melbourne, Australia (April 2017)

In April 2017, I was thrilled to know that the next WFDYS board meeting would be in my own country, Australia.  The board flew in to attend and support the junior youth camp. All of the board was in attendance except for our outgoing secretary, Laith, so I delegated the task of taking minutes and notes.  The role is significant, but I was willing to step up.  

In our meeting, we discussed how we could improve our communications through social media, a review of the year to date, and documentation of ideas for the action plan for 2015 – 2019.  We also had to begin planning for the following children’s camp in Argentina in 2018.  Another significant part of the discussion centred around fundraising to support WFDYS delegates from developing countries who could not otherwise afford to attend the camp.  We recognise that this type of event helps them engage in discussion with others and then share information in their local communities.  So we strongly encouraged participation for them to learn and gain the skills they need.  We also presented reports from our board members who represented WFDYS at various events worldwide.

We then worked with the Camp Organising Committee to ensure that all plans and preparations were on track for the junior camp for children aged 13 – 17.  We checked off logistics, camp programming, and other details, such as the expectations of the camp.  

The camp represented an inspiring time for Deaf youth in Australia.  It provided a chance for many young people to travel to the land down under for the first time. The camp theme followed themes in the famous movie The Wizard of Oz and was apparent throughout the many workshops, presentations, fun, and team-building activities.  The themes were courage, wisdom, passion and partnership.  Juhana Salonen from Finland talked about identity and how young people can actualise their own identity.  Sonia Pivac from New Zealand spoke about thinking creatively and not allowing barriers to stop you, which is linked to the theme of following one’s passion.  Then Erika Jones from the UK talked about wisdom (use the same word in the sentence above re themes) and how one can develop this through work and volunteering experiences, and how this leads to confidence.  We next heard from an American woman, Angela Nardolillio, who spoke about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and how this technique can help to develop courage, independence and self-defence.  The interlinking themes were great. 

We then had the Finnish president of the WFDYS, Cecilia Hankikoski and the WFD president, Colin Allen, talk about the future for Deaf youth worldwide.  Food for thought. The presentations and activities showcased the Australian style of doing things.  By that, we taught the kids how to play AFL and netball, cooked up an Australian BBQ, and handed out Tim Tams to eat. The best thing, though, is seeing the kids grow.  They arrived not knowing what to expect, they were a little nervous and anxious, but they were full of confidence by the end.  It was easy to see that some would become future leaders in their own countries.  We divided the kids into groups and assigned them each an adult.  Watching them relate well with their groups was also very rewarding.  Aside from a few hiccups, the camp was a very positive experience.  

Finally, a massive vote of thanks goes out to our support crew. They generously donated their time and energy to the success of the camp.  A special mention to the organising committee who made the camp with the possibility of grant funding, outstanding leadership and encouraging participation.  It was a jewel in the crown for Deaf Youth Australia, and the WFDYS viewed this as a hugely successful event.