Ngāruawāhia was descended on by around 100 camp-goers in February, eager to connect with their bleeding disorder family. The experience was everything you would expect from a big family reunion, but it might have been a bit challenging to work out the family tree.

This year's camp, held across Waitangi Weekend, was a success from both the fun and education perspectives. Following the success of the family camp in 2023, we decided to return to the same venue and run a similar educational format with various activities. We covered ‘haemophilia 101’, exercise and nutrition, impacts of a bleeding disorder, and a ‘meet the experts’ panel. The panel was the most valued among all the educational sessions.

For the parents of people with severe and moderate haemophilia A, being able to discuss the experience of using emicizumab together was invaluable. Families also appreciated understanding the pipeline of therapies available for other factor deficiencies.

Alongside activities such as kayaking, flying fox, quiz night, and tearing up the dance floor on disco night, a visit to the Hamilton pools, zoo, and gardens was also an option, which led to a very eventful few days.

Member feedback is always valued and beneficial to planning the next event. Below are some highlights:

• ‘Honestly! I enjoyed every single part about this CAMP!’
• ‘Everything was the best! No doubt’
• ‘We are super grateful for the opportunities, activities and education that was provided for us. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in!’
• ‘We really appreciated how seamless and smooth it all went. Everything seemed very well thought-out’
• ‘We really appreciate all the effort put into making camp a great experience for all of us’
• ‘Keep doing what you’re doing!’
• ‘ME AND MY FAMILY WILL MOST DEFINITELY SEE YOU ALL AGAIN ON OUR NEXT CAMP!!’
• ‘You guys do a fantastic job organising and planning for us and I really appreciate and am glad I could somewhat take part to help give back’
• ‘Great teamwork, they looked out for each other's safety and that of the members and their families’

Suggestions for the future included more information on von Willebrand Disease, making sure the adults stay out of mischief (rather than the kids!), and convening with the weather gods to turn down the heat!

Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Roche for its support of family camp 2025.