“Our guests are the heart of this camp, and it is a privilege to welcome them each year and share in the joy that defines the Sony Camp experience.”John Anderson, Deputy Headmaster and Camp Coordinator
For two decades, the Toowoomba Grammar School Sony Foundation Children's Holiday Camp has been creating unforgettable experiences for children living with disability.
At the same time, it has shaped generations of young men through one of the School's most significant service learning opportunities.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sony Camp at Toowoomba Grammar School, a milestone that reflects far more than the longevity of a successful program. It represents 20 years of friendship, compassion and service that have enriched the lives of campers, families, students, staff and volunteers alike.
Introduced to the School in 2007 by former staff member Tim Kelly, Sony Camp has become one of the most meaningful traditions in the School calendar. More than 1,300 Year 11 students have volunteered as companions over that time, providing support, encouragement and friendship to young campers while sharing in a weekend filled with fun, laughter and adventure.
Current Sony Camp Coordinator John Anderson said the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary relationships at the heart of the program.
"At its heart, the Sony Camp is about one simple but powerful goal: providing our guests with a fun, safe and memorable holiday experience," he said.
For Tim Kelly, seeing the camp reach its 20-year milestone is a source of immense pride.
"What makes this milestone so significant is that it represents far more than the longevity of a school program," he said.
“It reflects two decades of care, service and connection that have touched the lives of countless children, students, staff and volunteers.”— Tim Kelly, former Sony Camp Coordinator
Over the years, Sony Camp has fostered strong partnerships between Toowoomba Grammar School, The Glennie School and Fairholme College, with students and staff from all three schools working together to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for campers.
While the camp delivers enormous benefits for guests and their families, its influence on students is equally profound. Each companion is entrusted with the care of a young camper throughout the weekend, requiring maturity, patience, resilience and selflessness. Many students arrive unsure of what to expect, but leave with a broader perspective, deeper empathy and a greater understanding of the importance of serving others.
Former companions frequently describe Sony Camp as one of the defining experiences of their school years. Reflections collected as part of the 20-year anniversary project reveal the lasting influence the camp has had on former students, many of whom credit the experience with shaping their personal values, career paths and understanding of leadership. One Old Boy, now the principal of a school for students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities, described Sony Camp as one of the most impactful initiatives of his time at Toowoomba Grammar School.
John Anderson believes the camp's greatest legacy lies in the relationships it creates.
"It is not the activities, costumes, discos, games or swimming sessions that define the camp," he said.
“Rather, it is the human connection that develops between guests, families, volunteers and staff that gives the experience its lasting significance.”— John Anderson, Deputy Headmaster and Camp Coordinator
The impact extends well beyond the students involved. For many families, Sony Camp provides a rare opportunity to rest and recharge, knowing their child is safe, supported and enjoying a memorable experience. Volunteers, community organisations and local supporters have also played an important role in creating special moments over the years, from visits by emergency services personnel to unique experiences made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community members.
As Toowoomba Grammar School celebrates this significant anniversary, the focus remains on the values that have sustained the camp for 20 years: kindness, inclusion, compassion and community. While campers may remember the activities, costumes, discos, games and adventures, those involved consistently point to the relationships formed during the weekend as the program's most enduring legacy.
Twenty years on, Sony Camp continues to demonstrate that some of life's most important lessons are learned through caring for others. For generations of Grammar boys, it has been a powerful reminder that leadership begins with service and that genuine human connection has the power to change lives.
Latest News
news
Read More
100th anniversary of the TGS Old Chem Lab
It remains a very important and significant building within our School, even a hundred years on. The year 1924, was a little over five years after the end of the World War I, Australia’s Prime Minister was Stanley Bruce, the Queensland Premier was Ted Theodore and the State’s Governor was on hand for TGS’s prize giving and to officiate the start of works on the new chemistry lab. The School had 174 students and after a highly satisfactory Inspector’s report, it was printed in the ‘Toowoomba…
news
Read More
The Gold Standard of Strength and Conditioning
At 26, this is a massive achievement and catapults him into a community of the gold standard of Strength and Conditioning worldwide. With this ASCA qualification he's accredited to provide expert coaching skills, knowledge and leadership for dissemination and application within high performance sport and elite level performance. He joins a very small cohort of accomplished elite coaches from around the world and we're lucky to have him as the School's Head of Athletic Development. Mr Stone…
news
Read More
Jeremy's Road to Paris 2024
During Jeremy's time at TGS he represented the School in numerous endeavours but was particularly known for his contributions to the Arts, particularly music. On the sports field, Jeremy represented TGS in GPS Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Football. Under the guidance of Mr Mark Oliphant during his Cross Country days, all Jeremy wanted to do was run fast and be like everyone else. However, unbeknownst to many during his time at TGS, he was suppressing a life-long condition.
news
Read More
Toowoomba Grammar School recognised as a 2024 5-Star Employer of Choice
This accolade recognises schools excelling in offering competitive salaries, employee benefits, professional development opportunities and nurturing a culture of inclusion and respect. This award underscores Toowoomba Grammar School's dedication to creating an outstanding work environment. Out of over 80 submissions, Toowoomba Grammar School was one of only 27 schools selected for this distinguished recognition. The goal of the Toowoomba Grammar School Strategic Plan's People Pillar is to…
news
Read More
International Nurses Day: Honouring the heart of TGS healthcare
International Nurses Day serves as a reminder of the vital role nurses play in our lives. Whether that is as frontline warriors in a global health emergency or a compassionate caregiver in the local community, nurses in many ways are the essence of humanity in healthcare. Today we take a moment to shine a spotlight on these everyday heroes who selflessly dedicate their lives in the service of others, in particular the dedicated healthcare professionals who day in and day out look after the…
news
Read More
Sundowners with Mort and Co
TGS Old Boy (1979 – 1983) Charlie Mort’s significant contribution to Australian agriculture was explored during an interview with fellow TGS Old Boy (1985 – 1989), agriculture legal specialist and Beef Australia Director, Trent Thorne. TGS Deputy Headmaster, John Anderson, shared the School’s plans for Design, Engineering and Technology and Agriculture and Industry Centres and the School’s plans for an innovative ag program. This event was a wonderful opportunity for past, present and future…
news
Read More
The future looks bright for Old Boy Will Anderson
Each year up to ten TJ Ryan Memorial Medals and Scholarships are awarded by the Queensland Government to support exemplary students in their pursuit of tertiary studies. With a history dating back to 1927, the award recognises the outstanding leadership demonstrated by nominees in their school and the local community along with academic excellence in their senior high school years. Will has been awarded a $10 000 scholarship over five years to support his pursuit of a Bachelor of Medical…
news
Read More
TGS Old Boy Uses UniSQ Physiotherapy Degree for Career Dreams
TGS Old Boy (2018-2023), Jimmy White is going from strength to strength. The 17-year-old is proud to be part of the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) first Bachelor of Physiotherapy cohort. “The Physiotherapy program is great – it’s new and completely different to anything I did at school,” Mr White said. The Toowoomba Grammar School graduate received a UniSQ Academic Excellence Chancellor’s Scholarship, awarded to students who achieve an ATAR 97 or above. “I decided I wanted to stay…
news
Read More
TGS Student Represents Australia in Ice Hockey
Congratulations to Year 12 student, Hugh Campbell who has been selected to represent Australia in the U18 Men’s Ice Hockey Team. The team will be competing in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Championships from 17-23 March in Puigcerda, Spain. Hugh will fly out with his team mates on 8 March for some intensive training at the AIS European Training Centre in Gavirate, Italy in the week prior to the championships. Hugh Campbell in action
