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Usher Kids Camp 2025: A Landmark Event for Usher Syndrome
In July 2025, Guide Dogs Queensland had the honor of supporting Usher Kids Australia at their first-ever camp held on Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville. This innovative camp brought together young people with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing both hearing and vision loss, alongside their mentors, hailing from across Australia and even overseas. The event aimed to provide a space for connection, support, and empowerment for those navigating the challenges of living with Usher Syndrome.
Our Orientation and Mobility specialists, Rae Staples and Brenda Harris, played a crucial role in ensuring the camp was accessible and inclusive. They provided an orientation of the Apex camp facilities on July 8th, helping mentors and campers familiarize themselves with their surroundings. This was followed by a special activity on July 10th, designed to foster understanding and open discussions about low vision and blindness, and the resources available through Guide Dogs Queensland and other vision organisations across Australia.
Additionally, on Sunday, July 13th, Rae and Brenda hosted an informative Q&A session with the parents and families of the campers. They provided an overview of the various vision services across Australia , offering support and guidance to families who were seeking assistance. The session, which was intended to last an hour, turned into a 2.5-hour conversation filled with engaging questions, personal stories, and heartfelt discussions.
The camp was truly a unique experience, being the first of its kind in Australia and modeled after similar camps run by Usher Syndrome organisations in the United States. Campers, aged 11 to 16, participated in a range of activities, with mentors – young adults who also have Usher Syndrome – guiding them through the experience. This support structure was vital in creating an environment where both campers and mentors felt understood and empowered.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when a father of a child attending the camp approached Rae after the Q&A session. He requested a referral to our Psychology department, as he and his family felt ready to take the next step in accessing support for their child’s diagnosis. The next day, while traveling to Townsville, Brenda had the opportunity to meet with this same family and discuss how Guide Dogs Queensland could further assist them. Since then, two more families from Brisbane have also reached out for support.
This experience has not only strengthened Guide Dogs Queensland’s connection with the Usher Kids community but also demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of building inclusive spaces for people living with low vision and blindness. We are proud to have been part of such a groundbreaking initiative and look forward to continuing our support for children and families impacted by Usher Syndrome.
For more information about how Guide Dogs Queensland can assist individuals and families living with low vision and blindness, please visit our services page.
