The new school term is only a week old, but Sebastian Pike is already counting the days until the next school holidays.
The seven-year-old will be joining five other Cub Scouts from the Epping North Scout Group at the Victorian Cuboree – a five-day camp for Cubs – from October 2-6.
Sebastian, who has autism, will be attending the camp with his mum, Emma.
However, without the support of the Epping RSL, he would not be able to attend.
The RSL has paid Sebastian’s $600 camp fee, as well as $200 to allow his mother to attend as his carer.
It is also paying for Sebastian’s sister Hailey to attend a school holiday program while he and his mother are away.
Ms Pike said the family was extremely grateful for the RSL’s support.
“Sebastian needs a familiar adult with him as a carer to attend the cuboree and financially we wouldn’t be able to afford it,” she said. “This means Sebastian gets to do things all the other Cubs are able to do, and he gets a big adventure.”
Ms Pike said that while Sebastian was a bit anxious about attending the camp, the experience would be great for his confidence.
“He can practise his social skills with kids who are not his school friends, which we have been working hard on,” she said.
