First young campers set to experience charity’s forever home

Over The Wall Camp is set to welcome its first campers at its new forever home in Derbyshire.

Hundreds of children with serious illnesses and disabilities are set for a summer of adventure, laughter and unforgettable memories at the charity’s new base at Ockbrook.

From the end of this month, children and young people aged eight to 17, alongside their siblings and families, will enjoy week-long and weekend residential camps at the newly transformed former Ockbrook School site.

Chief executive Kevin Mathieson said: “We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make this milestone possible.

“From generous funders and supporters whose financial contributions have helped bring our vision to life, to the many volunteers, contractors and partners who have worked tirelessly to transform the site – every contribution has played a part.

“Together, you’ve helped create a place where children with serious illnesses and disabilities can experience adventure, friendship and the magic of childhood. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Over The Wall Camp currently supports hundreds of children living with more than 130 different illnesses and conditions.

Its new permanent home in Ockbrook will enable the charity to increase the number of children and families it supports, expand its programmes to reach children with an even wider range of complex health needs and develop innovative new camp experiences for years to come.

The children’s charity has completed the first phase of the transformation of the former Ockbrook School.

The former early-years school building, known as the Mount, has been reimagined into warm and welcoming camper accommodation.

It features comfortable bedrooms alongside communal areas where campers can gather for activities and downtime.

For many children living with a long-term health condition, childhood can be shaped by weeks or months in hospital, leading to isolation and low self-confidence.

Over The Wall Camp helps these children rediscover the fun and magic of childhood.

Through adventure, friendship and discovery, campers are encouraged to try new things, build confidence and create lasting memories in a safe environment, supported by dedicated staff and volunteers, including an on-site medical team.

Marking this important milestone, 14-year-old Lukass and his 12-year-old sister Milana officially opened the new camper accommodation by cutting the ribbon and had the first sneak peek inside.

Lukass is living with multiple tumours in his head and spinal cord. He and Milana will be among the very first children to experience residential camp at Ockbrook this summer.

Kevin added: “Opening our doors this summer is just the start of another exciting chapter for Over The Wall Camp.

“We have plans to continue transforming the site, including the creation of an adventure park and treehouse, so there is plenty more magic and mischief to come.”