Meet Jo and her family
Jo, a mum of three, has attended Family Camp multiple times with her family. Her son Oscar has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, and asthma—three of the 130 long-term health conditions we cater for at our residential activity camps. We spoke to Jo about her first camp experience, from initial expectations to her most cherished memories.
Expectations vs. reality
Before arriving at camp, we didn’t know what to expect. We’d been on family holidays but had never attended an event organised for us. We thought it would just be a nice weekend away, but it was truly wonderful—not just for the kids but for us parents too!
Favourite memories
Choosing a favourite moment is tough because everything about camp was great! But our volunteer was amazing. He put us very much at ease. It felt weird to be looked after by the volunteers as we’re so used to doing everything ourselves. He would make us hot chocolate, and we would sit around in the evenings and play board games together. Our daughter, Belle, still asks about him and whether he’ll be joining us for dinner anytime soon…it’s hilarious, but it’s also a huge testament to her experience that she remembers him and the other volunteers so clearly.
There were so many things to get involved with and for our children to try. It didn’t matter that Belle was only three years old or that Oscar has a physical disability. Everything about camp was inclusive, from when we applied to when we left. It boosted their confidence so much. I never thought Belle would be comfortable going off to play with volunteers, but she was! Neither of our children gave us a second thought; it showed how happy and relaxed they were at camp.
A confidence boost for Oscar
Oscar’s confidence has grown tremendously. Like many families during the pandemic, we were isolated for much longer than expected, and his interactions with other children were limited. Camp allowed him to meet new people outside his usual support bubble, which he’d never experienced. He made lasting friendships and felt included because everything was accessible to him. Being around other children with similar health needs boosted his self-esteem and showed him he wasn’t alone in facing restrictions.
Before camp, Oscar had tried rock climbing with friends but struggled due to his physical disability, a difference he was starting to notice more and more, knocking his confidence. At camp, though, he did amazingly well, making it halfway up the wall with a huge, heartwarming smile. Inspired by camp, Oscar completed a six-week rock climbing course and can now reach the top of the wall—something he hadn’t thought possible. Camp reignited his confidence and willingness to try again.
Stronger together
Camp strengthened our sense of being together as a family. Camp created a rare sense of togetherness where we could all relax and make memories without worrying about managing Oscar’s health needs. We get to see each other do things we wouldn’t normally do, and it’s really special watching our children challenge themselves and surprise us!
The volunteers were incredible, ensuring everything was seamless. We didn’t have to worry about equipment, medication, or judgment—just enjoying our time together. It’s hard to replicate that level of understanding and support anywhere else.
Connecting with other families
Being surrounded by families who truly understood our experience was transformative. For the first time, we weren’t the only ones bringing extra equipment or researching nearby hospitals—everyone else had similar concerns, and there was no judgment or questioning. That sense of peer support, often missing in daily life, made us feel less alone and more connected. We’ve even stayed in touch with some of the families we met, which has been a lasting source of comfort.
Family Camp was so much more than a weekend away—it was where we felt safe, understood, and supported. The focus on positive mental health for the whole family was incredible. At camp, we could relax, knowing everything was taken care of. That level of understanding from staff, knowing they were there to support us and how safe we felt, can’t be replicated.
A change in perspective
Before camp, we were reluctant to get involved with charities, feeling we managed okay on our own. Camp showed us the value of community and peer support beyond doing things independently. But it made me realise it’s not just about doing things on our own as a family, like camping. As a parent, camp helped me realise I can let go and trust that others could care for us.
Now that we’ve met other families like us, I feel validated. I feel more confident accepting my natural anxieties about Oscar’s health. I think less about those who might be questioning or judging us and more about the families we met who would empathise and react the same way. It’s a comforting thought.
Camp in the Cloud
We’ve done Camp in the Cloud as a family twice now, once during lockdown–both experiences were great fun! Getting the SeriouslyFun box delivered brightened our time during the pandemic, especially when we were indefinitely isolated. It really helped us feel part of a community. The t-shirts reminded us of those happy memories from Family Camp, so putting them on made us feel like we were back at camp.
The grandparents were surprised when they popped in and found us covered in face paint. They even got involved with the family quiz, so in the end, they got to experience camp life, too. It shows how inclusive the programme is and how it can bring the whole family together. Camp in the Cloud is an excellent alternative for campers who still need to isolate or shield, as it brings the spirit of residential camp into your home!
Advice for new families
If you’re considering applying to camp, do it! Embrace everything and take part in as much as possible. Trust the process. The experiences you’ll have at Family Camp can’t be recreated at home. Even now, we’re still dancing around the house to camp songs!
