Support people with learning disabilities or autism to have a fun-filled holiday
What's it like? Where & When Sign UpAn unforgettable holiday for all
The Summer Camp is an inclusive, exciting and (inter)active holiday for people who have a disability. Wherever possible we link two volunteers per person, a level of support that ensures that anyone who wants to come can come, whatever their disability. For many this is the only holiday away from home and family they have. In turn, this means it's the only time in the year where the relevant families can relax and have a holiday themselves.Rebecca (13): "When I go on the camp, Mum and Dad go to Cornwall. When they phone me some of the evenings I can tell them all the things I've done. They did not believe that I'd walked in the woods when it was dark and we only had a torch and we saw bats and a owl. So I put my volunteer Sarah on and she said it was true. They had to believe it. Now Sarah and me keep in touch – we write cards and emails. I would like to go on camp a lot more."
What do we do on the camp?
Just about anything the participants take a fancy to. A day trip to the seaside, campfire evenings, treasure trails, sports and games, barbecues, lazing in the sun, swimming, forest walks, arts and crafts, pub visit… and whatever fun ideas you may have. We also take turns cooking for ourselves, a challenge that without fail becomes an enjoyable highlight.
Support
We divide ourselves into two groups, each supported by an experienced group-leader, and the camp-leader offers additional support wherever necessary. We make sure that volunteers can take breaks, which we know is vital to both the safety and overall enjoyment of the camp. This is an intensive time, you will get tired even with taking breaks. But last years' volunteers ensured us "It's a good tiredness, because it's enjoyable and you get a real sense of achievement. And the splendid atmosphere just keeps you going". Prior to the camp there are two full training days for volunteers; in addition families meet and brief volunteers around the specific needs of the person they're linked with.
"The camp is both the most exhausting and best thing I've ever done. The camaraderie and good will was so refreshing. I really enjoyed my time with Rebecca and my fellow volunteers. I keep in touch with all of them. By the way, now I've started my social work course I realise just how excellent the training before the camp was, and how valuable the experience of the camp itself. See you next Summer!"
Amanda (Volunteer)
If you would like to join us and volunteer on our Summer Camp, then please Sign Up
below.
Please note:
● We'll be holding regular informal online interviews from 22nd April
● We'll be holding face-to-face training from 10th May with lots of date options
Sign Up Now! and we'll send you details later of how you can:
● Book a 30-min informal online interview with us
● Send us info for your free DBS check
● Access our bite-size online training modules to get you started
Please note that volunteers applying to work with us need to be UK-based with a UK address - we are unable to support with sponsorship for UK visas. Do please contact us once you're living in the UK.
In-person Training
We'll be running a series of training sessions starting 10th May; there will be a few different
date
options.
We'll ask you to come to two of these; at the second session we hope you'll meet and get involved with some of
our participants.
The next training session takes place at:
Treehouse School
The Pears National Centre for Autism
Woodside Avenue
Muswell Hill
London
N10 3JA
Treehouse School is a 10-minute walk from Highgate underground station on the Northern line.
Please note minimum age for Summer Camp volunteers is 18 years old.
New volunteers must complete a free DBS check with us before taking
part in any of our projects and activities - we'll explain how we do this when we meet you online. It's free
for volunteers too!
Remember to check out our Facebook page to
see lots of photos and updates of Kith & Kids activities
throughout the year!
We can offer travel expenses to volunteers.
