I have been a member of Lions International, belonging to the Forrestfield/High Wycombe Lions Club since 2002. My passion for inclusion and advocacy has earned me the position of Disability Projects Officer. In this position I have been able to turn a dream into an ongoing and important project.

My dream has long been to create an environment where children and adults with disabilities and their families can come together to share knowledge, learn new skills and enjoy each other in a spirit of friendship, fun, sharing and personal growth.
What we have created is something quite magical!

The Family Mentor Camp provides a unique opportunity where all people are welcomed, involved and nurtured. The camp allows everyone to show their skills and talents, to share their stories. Camp is a place where laughter abounds and tears flow, where parents can watch their children play freely, where adults with disabilities pass on their knowledge, tips and hints.

The project would not be possible without the support, dedication and faith of fellow Lions and the dedication of the Forrestfield/High Wycombe Club to supporting our local community, as well as the enthusiastic support from the Forrestfield Community Bank for their valuable grant support for camps from their Community Grants programme. Support for the Family Mentor Camp is a great example of how community spirit perpetuates. Other businesses and community groups now proudly support this project. We thank the Forrestfield and Districts Bowling Club, the Forrestfield Cricket Club, Foodbank, Spotlight Linen, Forrestfield Woolworths and Foodworks Forrestfield, Hooked on Hessian, Banyan Creative and all who sponsor or contribute to the ongoing success of the Family Mentor Camp.

The Lions Club of Forrestfield/High Wycombe has held week long camps since 2004. The "Family Mentor Camp" is now an annual project during the April School holidays.

The camp is a unique opportunity for selected children and adults who have a range of disabilities, and their families and carers to spend a week of recreation, inclusion and build mentoring relationships with each other, at no cost.
The camp has evolved into an annual event by demand!!

The families who attend are often under enormous pressures for most of the time and truly value the opportunities that this project offers them.

The appreciation of families who live with disabilities to have a holiday in an environment that is safe and welcoming of all people is overwhelming. Comments at the end of camp are resounding "You must do it next year, we look forward to camp so much", "Camp has become part of our coping strategy" "We never laugh as much as we do on camp", "as adults with disabilities, camp allows us to share what we've learnt on our journey".

I am privileged to have seen my dream turn into a valued project through the support of Our Lions Club, particularly, the camp committee, my husband Ray, my daughter Sally and my boys Nathan and Scott who continue to contribute to and enjoy each Family Mentor Camp. Thanks guys.

Kerry Allan-Zinner
Lion Kerry Allan-Zinner
Disability Project Officer
Forrestfield/High Wycombe Lions Club