The Holiday

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The holiday that we run is staffed entirely by volunteers (all of whom have been appropriately vetted with the Criminal Records Bureau). Many of the staff have been working with the charity for a number of years, with 3 of our current staff having helped on their first holiday over 20 years ago as teenagers. Indeed some of our current and previous staff first came to the holiday as children themselves.

The aim of the holiday is to provide children with the opportunity of experiencing a fun holiday whist gaining from the element of independence. It gives them a chance to learn to work as a group, understand the things that are important about living with others as part of a group and try out a wide range of activities in a safe environment. It provides them with the opportunity to mix with people of all ages outside their family and allows them the opportunity of talking to supportive adults about anything that is concerning them. Parents and schools also comment on how the holiday brings children out of their shells and helps them feel more confident both with other people and their own abilities. They say that they are often far more willing to try new things and contribute to the community.

Obviously the number of children that we are able to offer holiday places to, and the amount of other activities that we can organise, depends on the amount of money that we can raise. As a charity we would like the opportunity to extend the work that we do.

Our Typical Week:

Saturday
This is the day were friendships flourish, as the majority of children do not know one another there are few inhibition. A team game such as football and the naming of your group is always a great ice breaker.

Sunday
Fun for all with a visit to the local lido. There is always a party atmosphere with a picnic lunch and games to play in and out of the water. It is a great chance to burn off some of that energy due to holiday excitement. This is carried forward to the evening, when birthdays that week are celebrated with your typical party food and games before joining in the on site entertainment for that evening.

Monday
As long as the weather isn't awful we take a walk into the nearby town via the beach. The children get to do a bit of souvenir shopping and test their skills with a round of crazy golf. The afternoon is spent on the beach, with appropriate games and a picnic lunch. If funds permit a boat trip around the coast is taken before the much slower walk back to camp for tea. The on site evening entertainment is again taken part in.

Tuesday
The morning normally consists of a visit to the nearby market and a trip to the indoor swimming pool if weather is not so good. Tonight is the on site fancy dress competition so preparations are made and outfits put together by staff and children wishing to take part. The afternoon is spent at Dawlish Warren where fairground rides are enjoyed along with a number of team sports and games, leaving all completely worn out! An early tea is required in order to get ready for the evenings fancy dress. Costumes are put on and all have a great giggle at one another!

Wednesday
An early start as we are off to Woodlands Adventure Park. This has been a great favourite for many years and has something for everyone rain or shine! We leave as late as possible as it is always a task to get the children to leave! Then it’s back to camp for a take away tea before joining in the evening’s entertainment or if too tired a DVD before bed.

Thursday
Swimming tends to be on the cards for today, another popular activity amongst the children and then it is pretty much up to them what the afternoon consists of - normally shopping for the girls and sports for the boys. An early night from the entertainment allows the children chance to have a Midnight feast (although it isn't quite that late!).

Friday
It has been carnival week so there are lots of last day events to take part in. If the fair is in town then we normally spend the afternoon on rides. Also a last chance to by gifts for home. Normally a late party night at the on site club.