On Thursday 19 January, children and staff from the Children and Family Services team at the Association had their first sleepover for 2012. We spoke to expert and budding writer Bethany (15) about the event.

'On Friday members arrived at the Association for the first sleepover of the year and my first. A morning session of sailing on the Swan River had been planned for the group, although changes had to be made. Firstly, was the bus having a flat battery and the passengers having to catch the train. Secondly, the weather forecast predicted storms and rain.'

'So our plans changed and the session turned into a whirlwind of laser shooting and a maze of mayhem. We all looked hilarious in our packs and with our laser guns! After the crazy game had come to an end, we headed back to the Association for lunch. Subway was bought on the way home, and was demolished in ten minutes flat! It was fantastic and was washed down with a cup of cordial.'

Above: Images taken by the Children and Family Services staff at the January Children's Sleepover.

'When everyone was full we all walked to the Handa Hall and were greeted by Jean Eastland and Dianne Craig who are Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. We were told lots about how they train the dogs and what the owners have to do to take care of them. We then split into three groups one had Zandi, one had Hillsy and one had Esky, who are all Guide Dogs-in-training. We were then allowed to groom the dogs and later we walked them. We all enjoyed the presentation and thanked the two ladies for their time.'

'After the excitement of the dogs had died down, the group designated to dinner duty made potato salad, garden salad, pasta salad and sausages were barbequed. It was excellent and after dinner had been cleared away the best bit came....dessert. It was jelly and ice cream and fruit sticks. Again this was lovely though after everyone had done we were all stuffed and couldn't eat another thing!'

'Dessert was cleaned up and a movie was put on in the mega theatre where the girls were sleeping. It was Kung Fu Panda, though some of us fell asleep part way through.'

'On Friday 20 January, everyone woke up fairly early except for a few. Bacon, scrambled eggs and toast was for breakfast, it was so good. We all laughed at Seb who was eating dry cereal and making a real mess.'

'Once again the weather changed and a storm was brewing, the rain poured so again the plans changed instead of the Great Escape in Hillarys we ended up at SciTech and we all had great fun. Ryan managed to shock himself with one experiment that made the shock by turning it. There was another experiment it was like a bike but attached to the front were lights representing appliances, peddling made it light up. Our session ended at 11.30 and we headed back to the Association and made lunch. There was lots of free time as the group waited to be collected by their parents.'

Learn more about Growing Up with a Vision Impairment.

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