Annual Family Day and Camping 2011
For a number of years now Special Kids in the UK have hosted an Annual Family day. All verified Charity members are invited to join us for a fun day and an opportunity to meet with other members and their families. For the first two years many members chose to camp for a few days either side of the family day making it a longer break. This quickly became a very popular idea amongst members and last year Special Kids in The UK decided to extend the fun to an official week long camp. Trustees and volunteers worked together to create a unique experience subsidised by the charity and supported by many other others. We are pleased to report it has been a huge success and each year more and more families join us at summer camp.
Special Kids In the UK Camp 2011 saw us revisit the Lower Lacon Caravan Park, in Wem, Shropshire. With exclusive use of a rally field with over 60 electric hook ups we were able to accommodate forty one families. A total of 176 people joined us, consisting of 83 adults and 92 children. A further 34 joined for the fun day only on Saturday.
Communal BBq’s and tea tent with free refreshments and boiling water available 24 hours a day were particularly nice addition to this year’s camp. Meaning those very early risers were easily able to access much needed caffeine / hot drinks to start the day.
In the evenings families gathered in some larger and small groups around bbq’s and fire pits and some tucked away in their nice warm caravans growing friendships old and new.
On Friday the 5th August the majority of families from camp were treated to a wonderful day out at Alton Towers many thanks to Merlin’s Magic Wand, an amazing charity who once again donated tickets for our very special families. Children with Special needs, siblings and parents all had a wonderful time.
Saturday 6th of August was our fifth annual family day, as well as our campers; day visitors arrived from all around the country, including two who travelled all the way from Scotland to join us.
Staff from R82 came along and displayed some of their new products with us. They also serviced and maintained many wheelchairs throughout the day. Thanks again to Jon and Kieron from R82, we look forward to seeing you next year!
Thanks also to James from THERAPLAY who also attended bringing lots of tricycles for children to test drive and many families are now hoping to purchase a trike for their child to use in the near future. The children had great fun riding around the family day and many faces were lit with joy as children experienced a new and unique kind of independence.
Face painters, bouncy castles added to the fun and volunteer children’s entertainers Mark and Donna juggled and taught children to spin plates amongst other things.
Member’s feedback has shown that many felt this was the most successful camp we have organised to date and we hope to be able to grow and improve this event for next year. Many families are already counting the days.
We look forward to greeting families and friends old and new at Special Kids In The UK Summer Camp 2012. To join us next year visit our forum and look into how to become a verified charity member .
