Progress at Over The Wall Camp in Ockbrook
We are excited to share the latest developments at Over The Wall Camp’s Ockbrook site! As we begin the preparatory work throughout the grounds, our main objective is to create an ideal space for our campers to have fun while ensuring a medically safe environment.
Bringing the Community Together
This summer, the Ockbrook Tennis Club made the most of our outdoor tennis courts by hosting lessons for local schools, providing an excellent opportunity for young people to engage with the sport. As the weather begins to cool, the activities will shift indoors! Our sports hall will not only serve the tennis club but will also accommodate the Derby Trailblazers, Ockbrook and Borrowash Cricket Club, a local women’s fitness group, and Spondon Cricket Club. Currently, around 150 locals are using the site each week!
Additionally, we have welcomed a local farmer and his rescue horses to the West Meadow.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
We have had the pleasure of hosting alumni tours for former students and teachers, which have become emotional and nostalgic journeys for many. Some attendees even brought their old school photos, and during a heartwarming moment, we reunited a former student with their long-lost lab coat! Moments like these remind us of the deep connections so many people have with this site.
Our first Heritage Group meeting has also taken place. Our goal is to preserve the school’s rich social history and its connections to the Moravian Union, Over The Wall Camp, and the SeriousFun Children’s Network. We are committed to keeping these legacies alive.
More events like these are coming soon!
To stay updated and hear about future tours and events, sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know.
Corporate Support and Future Plans
We are incredibly grateful to our corporate supporters, including the Lord Lieutenant, Liz Fothergill, and John Forkin, the Managing Director of Marketing Derby. Their enthusiasm for our plans and their excitement about how we will transform the site has been truly inspiring.
We are also discussing with Derby Colleges how we can support apprenticeships. Additionally, we are conversing with the Embark Federation to provide local schools with valuable equipment, particularly in science, from the site.
Exciting Development
On the development front, we are excited to share that planning permission has been granted to convert the old nursery (Mount) into camper accommodation. Additionally, we will extend the dining hall entrance, creating a more welcoming space for future visitors.
Grateful for Your Support
A huge thanks to the Moravian Union for their incredible fundraising efforts. Their annual fete and a recent musical gala collectively raised over £400 for Over The Wall Camp!
Camp 2025
While we’re busy at the Ockbrook site, we’re continuing our core work, and in October, we opened our applications for the next camp season in 2025! If you know a child or family who could benefit from a fun, transformative camp experience, we encourage you to apply or spread the word. The nearest camp will be held at Whitemoor Lakes, offering a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy a supportive and empowering environment.
