Introduction
Oxford Mencap's Hill End summer holidays rely on a wonderful team of volunteers and every year we are looking for new people to join in. Our volunteers include people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience. All you need is an open mind, plenty of energy and a can-do attitude to join in with the rest of the team.
What do the volunteers do?
Each volunteer will be paired with one camper for the week, and if you volunteer, you will be responsible for:
- Accompanying the campers on lots of outings to theme parks, swimming, special events, pub trips or the cinema.
- Joining in with a game of football, going swimming or just relaxing with some colouring books and a jigsaw at the campsite.
- Helping your camper with meals, bedtimes and personal care as needed.
- Enjoying a chat around the campfire in the evenings.
- Having a great fun time with your camper.
What is each week like?
Each week of Hill End has its own character.
- Mencap I is in Wales
- Mencap II - Older adults is pretty chilled-out. Many of the campers have been coming to adults week for years and are happy to show their volunteers how things work. This week is all about having a fun and interesting holiday.
- Mencap III - Young adults is for slightly younger people - 18-25 yrs and is very much the same as above, but you'll need a bit more energy!
- Mencap IV - Elite is for campers who require 2 to 1 care. By offering this level of care it means we offer a holiday to more demanding campers but volunteers are not overwhelmed by their requirements. It is a smaller week and close teamwork in smaller groups is the key to what makes this week work.
- Mencap V - Teens ....... well the energy levels get higher! It is for people with lots of energy and a great sense of fun. The young people (12-16 yrs) may be hard work but are also very rewarding. If you like madcap games and wild adventures, this is the week for you.
Every week is about the campers becoming more independent. They appreciate hanging out with friends their own age, going on trips, playing sports, having a go at new activities and ........ getting ready for that all-important disco.
I've never done this before. Will I cope?
Yes! Every year we welcome new volunteers and take care to give them the support they need to both enjoy the holiday and contribute to it.
Before Hill End starts, everyone involved is nervous, even the experienced volunteers. But once it gets going, everyone is too busy to have time to worry. Every Hill End camp is organised by an experienced camp leader and supported by a cook and a nurse. Each volunteer is usually allocated to one camper for the week, so you will have a chance to get to know that person well.
As well as the support of the leaders and his or her time, every volunteer has a 'buddy' - another volunteer you can turn to for advice and support. Everyone on camp is expected to help out and help each other, so if you need a break there will always be someone to lend a hand. There is a full briefing on all the campers before their arrival at the beginning of the week.
The emphasis on Mencap holidays is very much on fun and friendship. Although the holidays do require a lot of energy they are immensely rewarding for all involved. Testimony to this is that campers and volunteers return year after year. For many of the visitors to the camp, this is their only chance to get away from home and experience some freedom and fun with their friends.
I want to know more
If you are interested in volunteering, you can read the Hill End page, download the information sheet and get in touch with your questions. We also run an Orientation Day for new volunteers to meet some of the people involved in Hill End and find out more. The 2008 orientation day is on 7th June 12.30-4pm for volunteers, 2.30-4pm for campers, and takes place at Hill End camp in Oxford.
Finally, if you want to see what you are letting your self in for, take a look at the photos from previous years.
This page was last updated in February 2008