30/09/2026
CMT Aussie Kids Kiwi Kamp – More Than Just a Camp!
CMTAK Leaders Peter and Jillian Critchley tell the story of this months first Kiwi Kamp for kids with CMT held in New Zealand.
What an incredible few days we had at Camp Adair, Hunua, about an hour south of Auckland, for our CMT Aussie Kids Kiwi Kamp!
We welcomed 7 Aussies and 3 Kiwis to camp for an action-packed few days of adventure, laughter and plenty of challenges. The kids took on the Flying Kiwi, Super Fox, Team Challenges, Archery and Air Ri**es – trying new things, pushing themselves and, most importantly, having fun!
But Kiwi Kamp isn't just about the activities.
It's about friendship.
It's about sharing the ups and downs of living with CMT.
It's about understanding that sometimes things are hard – and knowing there are other people who get it.
It's about supporting one another, encouraging each other and having a place where you don't have to explain yourself.
One of the kids summed it up perfectly when they said:
“This is CMT Aussie Kids. You just give it a go.”
And that's exactly what we saw throughout the camp. Kids trying things they may never have thought possible, encouraging each other and celebrating every achievement – big or small.
For one of our new campers, Kiwi Kamp was something completely different. He had never met anyone else with CMT before.
On the very first morning, in the middle of an activity, he called me over. He was so happy to be at camp.
I asked him why.
His answer stopped me in my tracks:
“Because I don't have to pretend… everyone is the same as me.”
What a powerful reminder of why CMT Aussie Kids exists.
And then there was another little moment that captured the spirit of camp beautifully.
After a games night run by our amazing mentors and mini mentors, it was time to settle down for bed. We needed to move a couple of campers from one room to another. No fuss. No asking. Some of the more able-bodied kids simply jumped in and started moving luggage, beds and clothing.
They were tired too. But they didn't think twice about helping their friends.
It was such a simple thing – but it said so much.
These kids and young adults live with CMT and its challenges every single day. Yet at camp, they get the chance to be just like everyone else. They get to have adventures, take risks, laugh, compete, make friends, be silly, support others – and simply belong.
And sometimes, it's those quiet moments between the big activities that remind us just how special this group really is.
We feel incredibly proud and privileged to be part of this unique community of young people.
Thank you to our amazing mentors, families and everyone who made the CMT Aussie Kids Kiwi Kamp possible.
Bringing together Aussies and a kiwis with shared experiences and a place where you don’t have to pretend.
