Term 4 has marked the final sessions of Buddy Up, joining Sony Camp as the newest addition to the respite care programs provided by St Peter’s College. Volunteers for Term 4 consisted of various Year 11 students and eight Year 10 students to utilise the opportunity for training of new volunteers for 2024. We also welcomed a new guest this term increasing our total to 8 guests.
On Tuesday of Week 8 the Service Learning Buddy Up team invited staff and students who were involved in the program to a BBQ Thank You Brunch. We appreciate all who were able to come for their ability to share stories and reflect on what has been an incredible experience for all. Looking back on the countless number of smiles, laughs, puzzles, basketball games, bubbles and also the challenges together, gave the students who had participated throughout different stages of the year an opportunity to hear and learn of the progress that our guests and the program has made.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend gratitude towards all individuals who have participated in Buddy Up over 2023. Thank you to the many staff who provided supervision, planning, and guidance throughout the year. For the support of parents and families who provided supervision, and extended after hours support throughout the year. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Mission Guild for their financial contribution to allow this program to gain valuable resources and materials.
Most importantly, an immeasurable amount of thanks are to be extended to the student volunteers who participated throughout the year. We had over 60 student volunteers throughout the course of the program, some assisting for one afternoon when we used the sports centre and others being mainstays. Over 800 hours have been volunteered toward the care and connection towards each of our guests, providing much needed and deserved respite to the families.
Invaluable lessons for our students included developing problem solving and critical thinking skills and abilities in real time and relational opportunities to exercise empathy towards another.
Any members of our community who are interested in learning more about the Buddy Up program are welcomed to email ServiceLearning@stpeters.sa.edu.au
Ed Ruediger
Service Learning Program Coordinator
