Rest and relaxation were top items on the agenda for SIBS families at this year's annual camp, but our stay at Berry Sport & Recreation Park also held so much more for mums, dads, kids and activity buddies alike.

For some it was a chance for a catch-up with friends and have a break from the weekday routine. For others, it was an opportunity to meet new people, have great conversations and learn that there are other families who look and feel like their own. For many, it was a chance to get away from the television, work or a computer screen and spend time with the people who matter most.

We sun-blocked up, braved the hot steamy weather, welcomed the sporadic summer showers and embraced the activities Berry Sport & Rec had on offer.

We canoed the Broughton River, had a turn at archery, cable glilded, climbed a rock wall, fed chickens, entertained a low-ropes course, navigated a dark maze and swung on the giant swing. Our weekend was filled with so many special moments, it's impossible to list them all.

Even though rest and relaxation was high on the agenda, the SIBS, their brothers and sisters with disability, mums, dads and a rather reluctant program coordinator got to explore their 'Courage Zone'.

Some of us ran and jumped at the opportunity, embracing the adrenalin-pumping action whilst others tiptoed rather gingerly out of our comfort zone in search of inner strength.

As our group leaders explained to many of us, the voice inside our head is very powerful and when we are faced with something scary or uncomfortable, it often tells us we can't do it, or that we can't cope. Activities that involve climbing tall towers, leaping off platforms or swooshing through the air suspended by a harness simulate the feelings we often feel when faced with this type of situation.

The group leaders showed us that by learning to switch off the voice inside our head that tells us we are scared, we can actually achieve more than we think is possible, find our courage zone and open ourselves up for a fabulous ride that we might actually enjoy.

The Family and Sibling Support (SIBS) Program is a unique and innovative way to further support families who have a child with a disability.
For more information go to the SIBS page OR call 4227 1122.
If you would like to support SIBS by attending our Annual Golf Day please go to our events page.