First Volunteering Experience

First Volunteering Experience

By Ellen Youlden - Volunteer
February 16th 2010

The camp at Coonawarra during the January 2010 school holiday program was my first experience as a volunteer with Interchange Outer East.

Throughout my secondary school years a classmate had continuously talked about this amazing organisation called Interchange that is open, welcoming and accepting to all children and families of children with disabilities. When I finished year 12 I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I thought it would be an amazing experience to spend some time with children with disabilities - not only to volunteer my time for them, but also personally for my own experiences and life’s challenges.

I was nervous as I drove to Interchange in Ferntree Gully on the first day of camp; I had such a vague idea of what was expected of me and how the camp and other rec activities worked. However, I made a pact with myself that I would put everything I had into it, give it my best shot and be as supportive and interactive with the children as I could.

On returning home after one of the most rewarding and incredible weeks of my life, I reflected on my time away. The other volunteers were all so friendly and full of caring energy, the children were an absolute joy to be around and play, interact and hang out with. We had so much fun together doing the activities during the day and at night with our disco and movie events before bed time.

Although only my first camp, I know that being a volunteer at Interchange is something that is going to take up a lot of my life in the coming years!