Inclusive Adventures at Camp Manyung

For international students, experiencing Australia’s unique natural environments offers a chance to connect with nature, discover new skills, and build meaningful relationships. By offering inclusive outdoor activities, our Y Discovery Camps give students from all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to explore, grow, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

The team at Camp Manyung recently hosted a memorable weekend in partnership with the Singapore Experiential Learning Centre. During a four-day, three-night camp, 66 participants from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPASS), along with staff and volunteers from Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of Education, made their visit to Camp Manyung the highlight of their trip to Australia. The program culminated during a six-day Melbourne adventure that ran from September 4 to 9, with students first visiting Melbourne’s iconic parks before fully immersing in activities at Camp Manyung.

Preparations for this international outdoor experience began as early as 2022, with RP’s School of Sports and Health assessing various campsites across Melbourne. Camp Manyung was chosen not only for its scenic location on the Mornington Peninsula but for its accessible and inclusive programming, ideal for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities.

The goal of the camp was to engage young people with cerebral palsy in a range of physical outdoor activities, encouraging them to build confidence, manage emotions, and grow closer to becoming self-assured individuals. RP students, acting as befrienders, played a key role in supporting participants through these activities.

In one way or another, our short interactions were filled with understanding. I’d like to think we helped one another grow. My care became more independent and willing to try new things, while I became more social and emotionally attuned. RP student Ashley Ong Qi Hui

Throughout the weekend, the group took part in Universally Designed Activities that ensured accessibility for everyone. From the adrenaline-filled Flying Fox and Giant Swing to more relaxed activities like Adaptive Cycles and our Kitchen Garden, participants were able to enjoy a wide range of options. One of the highlights was our Universal High Ropes Course, which allowed participants to challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements in the great outdoors. . CPASS student Phoebe Cheng shared her breakthrough, “I felt nervous at first about the flying fox, but after completing it, I felt good about myself!”

A key element of the camp was the "Care for Our Planet" program, reinforcing environmental stewardship. RP staff and students benefited from the new experiences, “This trip equipped me with valuable experiences and taught me essential soft skills," said RP student Ridzuan Shah from the Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science. "It broadened my perspective on problem-solving and shaped my outlook on the world." For many RP students, the experience went beyond volunteering. “I feel like their ‘big brother,’ looking after them so they don’t feel neglected. If there’s any chance in the future, I would gladly in a heartbeat take part in this event again,” said RP student Tan Yi Kai from the Diploma in Outdoor Education.

The partnership between YMCA Camp Manyung, Republic Polytechnic, and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore highlights the importance of making outdoor programs accessible to individuals of all abilities. Jessica Low, Senior Speech Therapist at CPASS, reflected on the power of encouragement: "Watching my CPASS student willingly try new activities with his RP buddy's encouragement was heartwarming. It was great to see everyone bonding, with fist bumps and high-fives all around!"