For 15 year old Keeley Hensley of Coffs Harbour, attending a respite camp run by Northcott Disability Services gives his mother a break from his care needs.

“I’m being honest, I come because I have to, but I do like it,” Keeley disclosed.

“I enjoy the time away from mum, just to be by myself, be with my friends, meet new friends and have new experiences,” he said.

Local teenagers with varying disabilities have been filling their school holidays with fun experiences at Northcott Disability Services’ Coffs Harbour respite camp, which provides parents with a break from full-time care requirements.

Throughout January, seven children will attend two camps at Tropic Oasis Holiday Villas, Coffs Harbour - a perfect location for the camp, which also hosts an accessible pool.

One of the main highlights of the camp took place on Wednesday at the Butterfly House, one of Coffs Harbour’s major tourist attractions. The teenagers with disability will be able to interact amongst hundreds of live Australian butterflies. The entrance fee was generously been waived by owners so the young people could enjoy a beautiful sensory experience.

Chris Truran, camp organiser and Northcott Disability Services Support Worker, said the camp offered a chance for children to meet other children with a physical disability, as well as providing carers with a break from continually providing support to their loved ones.