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Calling all Buddies!

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Calling all Buddies!!!!! 
 
It’s time to register for our 42nd Life Gets Better camp- May 14th to 16th.
 
But first, some important updates…
 
As you know, Life Gets Better Camps are a vital part of CHIPS’ support to children.
 
This year we are trialling smaller, age targeted camps (similar to our iBelong days, as we can do a lot more with a smaller group), so we can continue to give children an opportunity to have a fun, safe and connecting experience.
 
So, please note the following:
 
• The May camp will be for Grade 4 to Grade 6 students ONLY
• The September camp will be for Grade 1 to Grade 3 students ONLY
• There will only be 16 children (and 16 Buddies) on each camp
• NO parents/guardians will be able to attend the camp
 
We would love you to be a part of the May camp, so if you are interested, please follow the guidelines below to register (now through our online platform)-
 
Registering for the Life Gets Better Camp On-line:
2. Create a User Profile by filling in the required fields and click Register
3. Check your emails for a link to confirm your email address
4. Once your email address has been confirmed, follow the prompts to log in. (You will need to have your: Driver’s Licence; WWCC card; Medicare Number; Health Fund Number; Emergency Contact Details and Dr’s Details handy, in order to be able to completely fill your form in.)
5. Once you have filled in your application form, tick the Consent box at the end and press Submit, then Log Out. (NB: Payment will only be required once we have confirmed your place on camp.)
 
ALL FORMS TO BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN THURSDAY 22ND APRIL.
 
We'd LOVE to have you join us as we continue to Change Little Worlds in BIG Ways together.?
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Join our team!

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Would you like to Change a Little World in a BIG Way?

Then why not join CHIPS’ admin. team!

If you relate well to others; are an empathetic listener and problem solver; are able to build and maintain a positive rapport with Volunteers and Staff; are able to effectively manage and use Data Bases (such as Access and WordPress); have the ability to create and manage engaging on-line content and complete various other admin. tasks in a timely manner, then we’d love to hear from you.

The position would initially be for 6.5 hours per week (during school terms) with the possibility of increased hours during peak times.

To apply for this position, please send your current CV and a Cover Letter to Cathy Wieckmann, via email: enquiries@chips.org.au.

Applications need to be received by 5pm on Friday April 23rd 2021.

 

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Why has CHIPS created a shop?

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“Why has CHIPS created a shop?” we hear you ask. Great question!

Here’s the answer…

This year, due to Covid, CHIPS’ support for children and families in crisis has been needed more than ever, as (apart from the effects of Covid and the extended Lockdown) police reports of domestic violence in the area have jumped between 25-30% on the same time last year.

During the past 6 months, CHIPS has provided support for over 2,000 children (through our in-school wellbeing program), 1,000+ home activity packs (for isolated children), PD’s for over 400 teachers, as well as dedicated crisis support to families and school staff.

Everything we do relies on volunteers and the support of amazing people like you, but because we haven’t been able to run our “usual” events, speaking engagements or fundraising activities this year, we needed to think of another way to generate funds.

Enter CHIPS’ shop!

When you purchase a product from CHIPS, apart from being a quality item and supporting other local, Australian businesses, the profits made will be going back into CHIPS’ programs which assist children and families in crisis.

So please, support CHIPS. Buy something from our shop and spread the word…EVERY little bit helps.

www.chips.org.au/shop

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21 Years of Life Gets Better Camps

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LGB Letter
Today, one of our long-term office volunteers (Russ) quickly popped into the CHIPS office to drop off a gift to commemorate 21 years of our Life Gets Better Camps.
 
The gift is a beautiful cross-stitch of a little child and their Grandfather, walking down to a lake (with their fishing rods and old, faithful dog), along a narrow dirt track. Across the bottom of the picture are the words- "Changing Little Worlds in BIG Ways"...CHIPS' motto.
 
Sometimes it's hard to know how much we can truly change a little world in a BIG way when our time with children is so short, but then we receive beautiful letters like these below (and pic):
 
"Hey Cathy. Sad that I can't be at the upcoming Life Gets Better camp but I'm thinking about you all and praying for a great camp. As I write this I am bumping down the highway in a big, old American school bus in New Jersey USA. For the last 10 weeks I have had the privilege of working at summer camp, with a group of 8 and 9 year old boys. My time here in the U.S comes to an end in a few weeks’ time and I have been reflecting on my journey to this point.
 
Back in 2002 I attended a Life Gets Better Camp and a few years later began volunteering on camps. I can say without a doubt that without Life Gets Better camps and the countless amazing program's that C.H.I.P.S does I would not be the person that I am today.
 
All the way from New Jersey USA I just want to say a huge thank you to the C.H.I.P.S team for the amazing work they do in encouraging kids to be kids. I can't wait to hear about the camp when I get back."
"I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the CHIPS team for the amazing experience they enabled my boys to have during camp over the weekend. It melted my heart to see such joy & happiness from both of them. It's certainly a credit to you all for doing such a great job. I cannot thank you enough for giving two boys the best experience of their life. Thank you."
 
Oh, how we've missed seeing all of those little faces, and catching up with our amazing team of volunteers this year and how sad we are that we aren't able to celebrate the positive impact that we've ALL had in these precious little ones lives, over the past 21 years.
 
BUT...how grateful we are that we have been given the opportunity to be "present", to "see, hear, understand and accept" the children JUST AS THEY ARE, because each one is of intrinsic value.
 
So, today we say- THANK YOU! Thank you to EVERY ONE who has supported CHIPS' Life Gets Better camps over the past 21 years and for going on this amazing journey with us.
 
You truly are continuing to Change Little Worlds In BIG Ways.
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R U OK? Day 2020

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'THERE'S MORE TO SAY AFTER R U OK?'

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. This year R U OK?Day is helping Australians know what to say when someone says they’re not OK and guide them through how they can continue a conversation that could change a life.

You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life.

Learn what to say after R U OK? and download their FREE resources for tips and ideas to help you share the message in your community: https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

 

*wording taken off the R U OK? website*

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FREE Student Well-being Resource

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!! ATTENTION PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS !!

 

FREE Student Well-being resource as your little people prepare to head back to school.

Written by a School Counsellor, this story aims to help primary aged children with the transition back to face-to-face learning, after a period of uncertainty, and learning to find comfort in different ways.

‘Coming out of hibernation’ follows the journey of a little echidna, as everything starts to change due to Covid-19. From going into isolation at home, navigating remote learning and his transition back to school, this story captures a child’s feelings and point of view, as the world around him changes drastically.

(Feel free to download and/or share.)

 

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