Summary
Our Summer camp supported an all-inclusive multi-sport, pan disability residential sports camp. The camp was four days long, very positive and intensive for participants and a great chance for carer respite, directly through time away at camp and long-term through increased participation.
What SDS Junior Summer Camp did
The camp took place on July 4 – 7 2023 at Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore for young people aged 10 – 17 with a physical and sensory disability, who are at risk of increased isolation and low self-confidence. The project supports carers for these youngsters to secure immediate respite and long-term respite thanks to the outcomes of the project. Carers are encouraged to take time for themselves, spend time with their other children or significant others and pursue more leisure time. The location utilised the local area and the Loch Insh Watersports Centre and Glenmore Lodge, a sportscotland National Training Centre.
We delivered a multi-activity four-day residential camp for up to 40 youngsters with physical and sensory disabilities. The activities were inclusive of all participants and included cycling, expeditions, Highland Games and team building activities.
Young people with a physical and sensory disability aged 10-18 years are a significantly under-represented group within our national programmes (17%). The age range is to select youngsters who are ready to try their first residential experience away from the safety net of the family unit. To get the youngsters together on a national basis means we can offer the opportunity to everyone in Scotland and they get a broader experience and be part of a close-knit group with others who have very similar experiences.
This project positively encourages the youngsters to be as independent as they can be in their day-to-day activities. Organising themselves, meeting deadlines, trying new things in an incredibly supportive environment ensures that they leave having multiple new experiences and friendships. The participants gain vital life skills and increased confidence as well as an awareness of what possibilities are out there for them. This in turn reduces their isolation and respite is naturally provided for their carers both for the duration of the camp but also when the participants return from camp due to the successful outcomes of increased confidence, independence and long-term sustained participation in physical activity post-camp.
What Scottish Disability Sport has learned
It is clear to SDS that this project is still essential for young participants with a disability in Scotland. For many of our campers, it is the first time away from the family home and away from their primary carers. Thanks to the funding from Better Breaks, we have been able to offer supported places to families who otherwise would not be able to access projects such as these.
We are constantly evaluating the best methods to access hard to reach, or underserved communities. This project's process allows us to identify any gaps in our communications, and investigate alternatives. We are in the process of employing a communications manager, and this will be part of their remit.
It is important that there is a degree of flexibility for our participants and their carers, it is not a one size fits all and we assess each individual application on it's own merits and adapt accordingly.
We have a policy of not accepting more than 50% of return attendees.
How Scottish Disability Sport has benefitted from the funding
We attended better breaks conferences, which allowed us to connect with other organisations with similar experiences, allowing us to improve our own approaches. We also learned a lot from the presentations and programs delivered by experienced individuals.
Through running the camp, we have engaged with many partners such as Able2Adventure, Loch Insh Watersports, Bikeability, Help for Heroes to name a few, we can then work with these organisations in other areas to cross promote our services and provide ongoing opportunities for the young campers.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
Up to 40 more children and young people will feel more included and confident in accessing sport and physical activity. Wider social networks will be improved.
Results
We carried out a 6 month impact survey and found that 100% of participants are currently taking part in sport.
93.75% found that the camp had a positive or very positive impact on their confidence.
94.45% said that the camp had a positive or very positive impact on the child's independence.
82.4% said it had a positive or very positive impact on their child's mental wellbeing.
Case study
One parent noted "It was a wonderful opportunity and experience, we will be looking to attend again. It has given our family confidence to get outside more and do things we love like walks and water sports."
In meeting other parents and discussing the difficulties with NHS wheelchairs in the countryside, one parent said "we then bought my daughter an all terrain wheelchair which has been a game changer for our family. And that's all from camp."
Outcome
Carers of our participants will feel more supported in their role and will have witnessed positive impacts of the project.
Results
93.75% said attending the camp had a positive or very positive impact on family relationships.
During the period of the camp, an average of 3 carers per child were given the opportunity for respite.
1/3 of carers found it was a great opportunity for a break and some relaxation.
60% of carers said they were able to spend time with the siblings of our campers or with other family members. Carers also found that they were able to undertake activities that may have been difficult for them to do whilst caring for their child.
Case study
One carer said "First time staying away from family so it was a new experience for everyone. They really enjoyed the camp and it was great to hear about it all when they got home."
Another carer said "The camp was an opportunity to give one of the campers respite from their sibling, as they are both reliant on each other. It gave them an opportunity to spend time apart at other locations."
Outcome
Youngsters are involved in regular sport and physical activity and have made a wider network of friends.
Results
6 month impact survey - 100% of participants currently taking part in sport
71% of parents who filled in our 6 month impact survey said that attending the camp had a positive or very positive impact on their child's social skills.
40% of parents asked immediately after the camp, said that their children would be more interested in future sporting activities.
More than 97% of attendees have had further engagement with Scottish Disability Sport since attending the camp.
Case study
From our 6 month impact survey, one parent reported that her son had a brilliant experience at summer camp, noting "my son cemented a friendship that has continued, with them calling each other and meeting up regularly. He had never really had a close friend before."
Outcome
Carers witness a positive impact in the youngster’s physical, social and emotional well-being as a result of the camp which eases some of the strains involved in caring.
Results
The majority of people who completed our 6 month impact survey found that the camp had a positive impact on their child's confidence, independence, resilience, social skills, mental wellbeing and family relationships.
Case study
One parent said "Summer camp is a place where my child feels safe and can develop his social skills. Anything learned gives him support and practice for the world outside of camp."
Another parent stated "summer camp makes my child feel like they belong and that they are the same as others."
One parent said "My child had a really nice time and it was nice for him to be able to share something with the family that he had done independtly of us"
One parent said "It was brilliant,