MORE than 50 families affected by cancer spent a day at Enchanted Adventure in Arthurs Seat on 23 May, as part of a Family Fun Day hosted by children’s cancer charity Camp Quality.
Families enjoyed the high ropes course, tube slides and mazes at the park, which has supported Camp Quality for four years through complimentary and discounted entry – a contribution of around $30,000.
Enchanted Adventure owner, Michael Savage, approached his team five years ago about increasing the business’s charitable support. The partnership with Camp Quality has since welcomed more than 130 families through the gates.
Camp Quality Family Program Coordinator, Nigel Dewar, said the days had made a lasting impression on families.
“These days have become incredibly popular, with many families eagerly waiting for their turn to experience the park,” said Dewar.
“For families living with cancer, these experiences provide more than just a day out; they create lasting memories during incredibly difficult times. Last year, one family reached out to thank Camp Quality and Enchanted Adventure, sharing that it became one of the last special family days they were able to enjoy together. Their gratitude highlighted just how meaningful these opportunities are for families facing cancer.”
Among those attending on the day were Stephanie Theobald and her husband Mark, along with their sons Liam, three, and Noah, five. Stephanie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and has since undergone chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgeries and ongoing hormone treatment.
The day held particular significance for the family, coinciding with Noah’s fifth birthday.
“They were quite young when I was diagnosed. When I was having chemo, they just knew that mum was a bit sick. After the mastectomy was probably the hardest because my son was only 18 months. I couldn’t carry him, and he wanted to be picked up,” said Stephanie.
Stephanie recently had reconstructive surgery and said it had helped her feel more like herself again.
“Your body changes a lot during treatment, and then you’re pushed into early menopause, which changes your body even more. It’s nice to try to do something to make you feel a bit more like you again.
“The mazes were great and we got lost multiple times. My boys loved the big slide. It isn’t something I would normally do, but when you’ve got a three-year-old dragging your hand to go again and again, you do it.”
Camp Quality CEO Deborah Thomas said the charity’s recreation programs played a vital role for families navigating a cancer diagnosis.
“Every day, two Australian families hear the devastating news that their child has cancer. A diagnosis turns life upside down, bringing hospitals, exhausting treatments, and uncertainty. Our recreation programs give children and their families crucial post-hospital support, a chance to take a break from cancer, reconnect, have fun, and be part of a community that truly understands them,” said Thomas.
“These moments allow families to create joyful memories together, often for the first time since diagnosis. The impact of our camps goes beyond the fun of the moment – it helps build resilience, optimism, and stronger family connections, supporting mental wellbeing for the journey ahead.”
Camp Quality research shows 99 per cent of parents report a clear improvement in family connection and adaptability after attending a camp, while more than 80 per cent of children say they feel less anxious and more confident.
Camp Quality supports children aged 0–15 years dealing with their own cancer diagnosis or the diagnosis of a sibling, parent or carer. For more information, visit campquality.org.au
First published in the Mornington Peninsula News – 2 June 2026
