Bonnie Camp 2006
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In 2005, the Respite Breaks Project expanded its service to include Bonnie Camps with the aim of providing more specified respite breaks for children and young people. Named after our Co-founder Rebecca Handel’s daughter who died of AIDS, CWAC will work alongside other organisations and hospitals to provide residential and day trips for those most in need.
At the beginning of August, 18 young people aged from 11-14 years old joined a week long summer camp that took place in Somerset. The camp offered young people a break away from their home environment where many have roles as carers for family members and other responsibilities. The Camp also provided an opportunity for personal development within a challenging but supportive environment, offering activities that promoted team-building abilities and initiative. The Camp took place at a youth hostel situated in the heart of the Exmoor National Park area.
Special thanks go to Steve McKenna, Debra Tomlin and Katie Ward who provided hands-on assistance and encouragement to the group.
Debra Tomlin gives her personal account of a week at camp:
Campers Log – Day 1
I have been so excited I did not sleep at all last night. I have had the pleasure of taking children and young people away for respite breaks before, and my experience spans 6 years however I have not seen some of the young people on this trip for over two years.
It’s a wonderful day. We set off from Kings Cross station and the coach is quiet as some of the campers are not familiar with each other. Already we have requests for music and movies. Stopping off for lunch, the coach is still quiet but the mood is good. ‘Ooh, there’s Stone Henge’, they all look at the structure - this sparks a round of questions. One person shouts out, ‘Look at those pigs!’ and Steve replies, ‘Those are sheep, dear.’ I look at Steve, who looks at Vanessa; she looks at Katie…we laugh.
‘Are we there yet? Are we there yet?’ We hear this for the last half hour before arriving at Exford in the late afternoon. The campers waste no time asking questions of the staff. The boys waste no time outside playing football. The girls are busy making their beds and unpacking. I can see alliances forming.
The group are given rucksacks containing a t-shirt, water bottle, torch, wash-kit, wristband, pen, pencil, notepad and a journal to be completed at leisure. The rucksacks look cool; one child would not be seen without it. After dinner the group are split into two teams and throughout the week work together to obtain points for their team which are given for tasks completed, good teamwork, and for winning the competitive activities. They were asked to think of a name for their team. The group I was in was called Green Group or G-unit. I was really proud of the camper who offered up this name and how well the group accepted it. G. Unit would prove to be a very driven bunch of individuals who were not afraid to compete, enjoyed winning and were good losers.
The ice breaker games were a chance to see how the campers worked as a team. One puzzle made the campers use problem solving skills and communication whilst the yoghurt feeding game, using a blindfold, concentrated on co-ordination, listening and directional teamwork. This game was hilarious because if the directions were off, then that person got a face full of yoghurt!
Campers Log – Day 2
All the youngsters were interested in survival skills and had a go at building shelters and making fires. Discussions raged around what you would eat and how you would make a good camp fire. One camper, referring to the free-range cockerel and chickens that meandered around the outside premises, was sure he would ‘kill that chicken and cook him if he ever woke me up in the morning!’ This was greeted by a burst of laughter.
The rope skills activity was met with equal enthusiasm and the campers learnt how to make different knots. The double 8 knot, being the strongest, was successfully fashioned by all G-unit members.
That afternoon the group were introduced to traversing and prusiksling, a mountaineering method using a sling that allowed participants to climb a tree.
In the evening we went to the field to play sports. First up was a friendly game of football played by both teams. Both teams were so skilful that it ended in a tie and could only be settled by penalties. Next up was rounders. This game really showed off some of the campers’ leadership skills; the way they communicated to team mates and encouraged them was amazing. When we left the field, the campers were having such a good time. Some asked if they could be on the list to come next year. These games really brought the two groups together.
Campers Log – Day 3
After a hearty breakfast the groups met outside to listen to the instructor talk about map and compass reading and how this ties into survival skills. G-unit answered the questions put to them well. We were driven to the start of the hike. The campers started talking among themselves, sharing the map and making decisions. The pace was fast and the campers were in an excellent mood, chatting in the fine Exford countryside. Just before lunch, two of the campers fell behind a little to the detriment of the group who complained, telling them to’ speed-up, you’re going to let them beat us’. We stopped for lunch by a little brook; some of the campers took their shoes off to cool their feet. Others sat on the bank. It was a wonderful moment when we saw three wild horses, a mare, colt and a stallion. The counsellor asked the group to remain quiet so the horses would come closer, and they did – magic. I only heard two complaints about the hike from the two who took it at their own pace.
That evening they participated in a scavenger hunt, assault course, hopping race and wheelbarrow race. That night campers slept soundly…. everyone was tired… including me.
Campers Log – Day 4
I am in pain, that hike was more than a gym session - just shows you how out of shape I am. Luckily the group are in great shape and ready for the next adventure - raft building - where they will put to use the rope skills learnt on Monday. ‘I don’t want to get my hair wet’ sang one camper. She didn’t. Proving you don’t know what you like until you try it, they all loved it…fascinating!
That evening was a group quiz. All campers contributed and there was a minor argument between the girls and boys. One chap felt the girls controlled the paper and pen, which was unfair as none of the boys had had a chance to write down any of the questions. This was quickly rectified to the satisfaction of all. The spoon and string race was funny; really you had to have been there to see it. The Weetabix eating competition was a scream!
Campers Log – Day 5
First up was First Aid skills and stretcher building - they looked funny carrying their team-mates over the little river. Some plainly refused to be the victim and the ones that did ended up in the water.
That evening was the outdoor overnight stay.
‘I’m not going camping!’
‘Why not? Have you ever been before?’
‘No.’
‘Well how do you know you won’t like it if you don’t try?’
They loved it and wanted more. With a tree house and nice camp fire burning, the toasting of marshmallow and sausages (not in that order), it was marvellous and despite the rain, they made their own shelters to sleep in and laughed and talked into the night.
Campers Log – Day 6
‘Can we do that again?’
‘Do what again?’
‘Camping!’
That was from the person who didn’t want to go. Back at the hostel all they wanted to do was hog the showers! They’re in good spirits, and working on their ideas for the talent competition taking place that evening. The campers worked tirelessly to improve their performances for the evening entertainment. We were treated to a Big Brother sketch, dance routines, a song composed by the campers and a juggling act. It was amazing to see them put so much effort in and interesting to see how they listened, took advice from each other and worked as a team.
The award ceremony saw the campers receive their certificates and some of the youngsters got presents for outstanding accomplishments. Some looked as though they had never received a certificate in their lives. This event was by far the happiest time at the camp. Free time found them listening to music and teaching each other dance moves whist some took advantage of the outside garden.
Campers log – Last Day
It’s time to go home but some want to spend another week. It always hits you like that when everyone is just getting to know each other. They happily swap telephone numbers and email addresses. Most get their t-shirts signed by all the staff. The coach arrives and as we take our seats and wave goodbye I reflect on the week.
The young people I have met, those I already know….they have grown and matured in their thinking and problem solving. I have witnessed disputes settled by these mature young people without the intervention of mediation by adults. I have watched them communicate with each other, and afford each other a type of respect one rarely sees. I think about the girl who said she was going to build a shelter in her back yard and invite her friends over for a sleep-out. I think about the young man who said he would finish his journal when he gets home. I think he will. I think about the girl who said she is starting secondary school in September and how excited she is. We haven’t reached London yet…but I miss them already and wish them well.
If you are interested in volunteering as part of our Respite Breaks Project and have experience or an interest in working with children, please email vanessa@cwac.org to find out more.
Camp Feedback
Here are some of the responses from the participants when asked what they liked most about Exford Summer Camp:
Sports day & quiz night.
The food and the hike.
Meeting new friends and doing new activities.
Activities, food and staff.
I liked the hike.
All the activities.
Learning new things, making new friends and trying things I have never done before.
I liked the staff and meeting new friends.
Rafting, sports and rope skills.
Making new friends.
The staff were friendly and I met some new people. We also did things I hadn’t done before.
I liked all the activities that happened at camp.
The raft building and the rooms.
I liked the sports day and games.
Here are some of the responses from the participants when asked what they gained from their experience at Exford Summer Camp:
I learnt how to save someone’s life.
I gained new friends and leadership skills and how to survive in a summer camp.
I learnt to stop being lazy and work hard, especially during the hike.
Learning how to build a tent.
I gained teamwork and the ability to contribute to every activity.
I learnt how to make fires and how to use my rope skills effectively.
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