Brandon Trust supports children and young people through play schemes, summer camps and forest schools. For many children and young people, the summer camp may be their first experience of life and adventure away from their family.
Luke has been supported through Brandon’s play schemes since he was nine years old and his experiences at summer camps, where he has been tested and challenged in a safe and supportive environment, has given him confidence and helped him to overcome his fears.
Life changing experiences
Luke has been attending play schemes since 2017 before moving up to the teenage workshops. He has become more confident in the different settings and in 2022 Luke attended his first summer camp. He was nervous about being away from his family, but he knew some of the staff from play schemes and he enjoyed the freedom and independence camp gave him – through the activities he even started to overcome his fear of heights.
In 2023 Luke started to access the buddy scheme with a playworker as his 1:1 support. They used this time to try a range of activities and locations. Luke loves trains, so often they would go for walks and train spot. They have also been to the cinema, air hop and day trips to the seaside!
Luke attended summer camp again in 2024 where he overcame his fear of heights and increased his independent living skills.
Moving towards independence
Luke’s mum said: “Luke has benefited hugely from his time with Brandon. He has formed some lovely relationships with the staff and other children and he is much braver these days meeting new people.
“Summer camp has massively changed his perspective towards possible independence. He feels so grown up being away from us for a week, he loves all the activities, meeting new people, he is so excited the weeks before he tells everyone who will listen what he’s doing.
“We think the Brandon Trust is amazing, the communication is excellent, and it is very fair in spreading the sessions so as many families as possible get the benefits. Help is always available by email or phone. The work you do, and the service provided, it’s of a high standard and beautifully varied. Our personal experience as a family has been excellent.”
‘I would recommend it’
Luke said: “I love it, I like the staff, Vanessa (Luke’s buddy) is like a best friend.
“Summer camp is amazing, sometimes the kids are silly but the staff sort it out and are always very kind, even if they’re really naughty. I like the activities and I would like to do more baking and outdoors stuff.
“I would recommend it because there is lots to do, the staff are fun, and always keep us happy. I would like to see them more. I would really love another summer camp and try more adventures.”
Find out more about Brandon’s support for children and young people.