What's it like for dads who go to camp?
Each year, International Men’s Day provides a powerful opportunity to recognize the contributions and unique challenges of men worldwide.
At our residential Family Camps, we see firsthand how transformative a weekend of self-reflection, camaraderie, and personal growth can be for fathers and father figures. From breaking out of routine to building new friendships, our Family Camps offer men a space to recharge and refocus. This International Men’s Day, we’re sharing the stories of dads Tim and Andrew, who attended Anthony Nolan Family Camp with their families earlier this year.
What's your favourite thing about camp?
Tim: Being in an environment focused on the children, letting them try new things and have fun with the very kind volunteers. We have been three times now, and I have left each time feeling humbled by the kindness of the volunteers and the bravery of the parents and children who attend. Having a few days each year to participate in this event is very special.
Andrew: To be honest, there’s never one favourite thing: Getting to have a break from the day-to-day, watching the children do fun activities, and having the chance to have some fun, too. However, having the chance to share stories and experiences with the other parents is nice and very important.
How did camp make you feel?
Tim: Camp was a positive experience. It was a pleasure to see Austin and his sister Annabelle enjoy the activities and have fun with their volunteers and other children. Meeting other parents with sick children also made me feel supported, knowing that other parents understand the challenges of having a child with additional needs. The camp was also very inclusive. The helpers invited me to join in group games with the children, which was a lot of fun.
Andrew: I’m not particularly outgoing, so I tend to feel a bit awkward in unfamiliar situations. However, everyone is made to feel very welcome, and it didn’t take long to get comfortable at camp. It was a fun time, and I felt very happy and lucky to be there.
How has camp helped or supported your family?
Tim: For my wife and I it has often humbled us speaking with parents of very poorly children. Sometimes everyday life can be isolating as many parents can’t empathise or understand the additional challenges of being the parent of a child with a chronic illness. Being around other families who understand is helpful. For Austin and Annabelle, they enjoy the weekend, the activities (which are tailored depending on energy levels/interests), the parents play, and also sleeping in the dorms on bunk beds…
Andrew: It gives us time to get away from the drag of every day and allows us to have fun individually and apart. It also lets us get to know a whole host of new people with wildly different lives and experiences, who just happen to have a little something in common.
What would you say to other families considering applying to camp?
Tim: Give it a try. The volunteers make you feel welcome the whole weekend and go out of their way to help the families and ensure the children are happy and looked after. It is a pleasure to be part of a weekend away where you meet other families in similar situations, where everything is meticulously coordinated, and the focus is on having a break and having fun together.
Andrew: Do it. Whatever your story, you can come and have a break and some serious fun! The wonderful OTWC staff and volunteers are brilliant and help you make some cherished memories.
International Men's Day 2024
Thank you to Tim and Andrew for sharing their camp stories!
Find out more about International Men’s Day and men’s mental health resources.
Supporting families at camp
Our Family Camps are designed with families in mind – it’s in the name! No matter what your family unit looks like, we foster a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
At Over The Wall Camp, we use a Therapeutic Recreation model to ensure that our campers receive lasting psychosocial benefits from their time with us and have a great experience—this goes for the adults who come to camp, too!
We encourage and empower families to leave their worries at the gate. For many, this may be the first time they’ve had the chance to do so since receiving a medical diagnosis. Every camper has the opportunity to try something new, as each activity is adapted to meet the campers’ needs. Campers will also meet others who share similar experiences, possibly for the first time. A world of mischief and magic awaits, where families can discover commonalities and feel less isolated in their journeys. By coming together at camp, we can help reduce the stigma and loneliness often associated with long-term serious illness.
