Celebrating its 7th year, CanSurf Summer Camp, a respite camp for CanTeen’s young people living with cancer, saw their 2020 camp as something particularly special to celebrate. “Thank you for giving us something to look forward to,” one of the CanTeen staff members shared. A tough year for many, being able to bring their members together at the end of a year where many have had to be isolated due to health precautions, ontop of NZ’s lockdown, made the event particularly memorable.
The two-night camp hosted at the Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort welcomed 22 campers and 5 support staff to enjoy what the Waihi Beach community has to offer, and for a few days invites them to experience the community spirit that has supported the camp since it began.
Surf lessons with Waihi Beach Surf School are undoubtedly the highlight of the trip, however, the food takes a very close second: mini quiches from Rabbit Moon, pancakes at the Surf Shack, Italian dinner from Flat White cafe and Waihi Beach Bakery, icecream from Waihi’s Indulge, and a bountiful supply of locally baked treats. A full cooked breakfast and tour at the Mayor View Fire Station is followed by a beach (or poolside) BBQ to round off the menu. Side servings include morning yoga, plenty of down time at the pool and the beach, and most importantly, connecting with old and new friends.
CanSurf relies on the generous contributions of community partners and every year the camp is fundraised for by a small team of trustees and volunteers. If you would like to support CanSurf, find them on Facebook at CanSurfNZ, Instagram @cansurfwaihibeach, or email cansurfnz@gmail.com.
