Support people with learning disabilities or autism to have a fun-filled holiday
What's it like? Where & When
An 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 three
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 week in the year where the relevant
families can relax and have a holiday themselves.Rebecca (23):
"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 four 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 week, 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 sessions 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)
We are sadly unable to run our Summer Camp this year; please check back in spring 2027.
