Recently, I have been asked the question, ‘How do you measure character?’ It is an interesting provocation given character is a somewhat intangible quality – especially if we consider the old adage that the true test of character is what someone does when no one is watching. How do we measure something that no one is there to witness?
Luke 12:48 says “to whom much is given, much will be required”, which, when we consider the notion of character, suggests we need to use the strengths and resources that we have not just for personal gain, but for the benefit of others. So perhaps character is not something we measure in isolation, but rather in patterns of integrity, kindness, honesty, and service over time. It is the cumulative weight of our actions and how we respond to the needs of others.
Sony Camp, a weekend dedicated to providing respite for children with disabilities and their families, serves as a good illustration of this principle. For those unfamiliar, Sony Camp is a residential camp where over 100 students from Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College volunteer their time and energy to care for children with disabilities. For many of these children, it's their first experience away from home, a milestone made possible by the unwavering kindness of our student, staff and parent volunteers. And for their families, it's a precious respite, a moment of relief from the demanding responsibilities of caregiving.
Initially beginning through previous Executive Principal Garth Wynne, who brought the idea with him from Australia, where there are many iterations of Sony Camp occurring, the solitary New Zealand version of Sony Camp is now beginning planning for its sixth edition. The joint venture between Christ’s College and St Margaret's College is underwritten by the Sony Foundation of Australia, with additional generous support by Ovation Hospitality Services to ensure the camp is sustainable. Led by a group of key staff within each school, who also volunteer to be part of this endeavour, the camp works through a series of processes to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The impact of Sony Camp extends far beyond the weekend itself. It leaves an indelible mark on the lives of everyone involved. The children experience joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging. Their families find much-needed relief and reassurance. And for the student volunteers, they undergo a transformative experience, gaining invaluable insights into themselves and the power of service. The smile on the face of their camper, or the departing hug, reward enough for the student volunteers to know first hand they have made a difference in the life of someone else. Whether as a companion who looked after the campers, a media and memories volunteer who created beautiful scrapbooks and videos, or an operations volunteer running activities, all the student volunteers are part of a life-affirming experience that brings our values, virtues and what is important in life into sharp focus.
Sony Camp's success is a direct result of powerful community collaboration. Beyond the dedication of our school staff and students, the camp thrives thanks to invaluable contributions from parent volunteers acting as medical support, partners like Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Ben & Jerry’s Christchurch, Fulton Hogan, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand and many others who help provide activities, and the critical partnership with Ovation Hospitality and the Sony Foundation Australia. Their generosity and example of giving what we have for the benefit of others creating the platform that without Sony Camp would not be possible.
So in response to the original question of how to measure character, I would encourage you to look at the countless small acts of kindness, the willingness to sacrifice personal time and the desire to make a difference in someone's life that exists within one Sony Camp weekend to provide your answer. The fact that such a large number of students volunteer to give up the first part of their summer holidays, and many hours preparing and training for the weekend, to take responsibility for, care for, and support a child with a disability is a great measurement of character. It takes a huge amount of courage, commitment, humility, and compassion, and shows that the students understand it is about others not self.
You can watch our 2024 New Zealand Sony Camp video here.
If you want to know more about Sony Camp and how you could make this work in your school, please feel free to contact us.
Matt Cortesi (Christ’s College)
James Evan (St Margaret's College)
