The renowned charity Over The Wall Camp has launched a major recruitment drive, calling for more than 300 dedicated volunteers to help deliver its life-changing 2026 camp programmes. These residential camps provide transformative experiences for children and young people aged eight to 17 who are living with long-term health conditions, along with their siblings and families.
Creating Magical Experiences for Children
The charity is seeking energetic, enthusiastic individuals with a strong sense of fun to help create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where children can rediscover childhood's magic and mischief. Volunteers will enable campers to try new activities, have impactful experiences, and reflect on their achievements in a supportive community setting.
Emily Corrigan, Assistant Camp Director for Volunteering, emphasised the profound rewards of participating. "Volunteering with Over The Wall Camp is incredibly rewarding and worthwhile," she said. "Alongside learning new skills, increasing your self-confidence, and making lifelong friendships with other volunteers, you can make a big difference to the lives of children and young people in a magical environment."
Diverse Camp Programmes and Locations
The 2026 season will feature a variety of specialised camps including Health Challenge Camps, Siblings Camps, Family Camps, and Home Education Camps. Most programmes will take place at the charity's new permanent home in Derbyshire, with additional camps running in Perthshire, Scotland.
Volunteer roles are diverse and include:
- Teammates who work directly with campers
- Activity Leaders who bring programmes to life
- Media Crew who capture the camp experience
- Clinical Volunteers including qualified doctors, nurses and paramedics
The presence of medical professionals allows the camps to safely accommodate children currently receiving treatment or managing health challenges related to over 130 different illnesses.
Life on Camp and Volunteer Impact
Volunteers commit to either three-day or five-day residential camps where no two days are the same. They work together to deliver or support a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, team games, campfires, archery, and dance parties.
One volunteer shared their transformative experience: "It's the best new thing I've done in years. I gained so much and had a great time. I feel so much more confident in myself and my ability to respond to challenges. I would love to volunteer again."
Another volunteer echoed this sentiment, saying: "I have genuinely had the best week at camp! I felt so welcome and super supported by all the volunteers and staff throughout the week. Through giving my time, energy, skills and abilities to camp, I know I'm making a difference and that's epic!"
Full training and support are provided to all volunteers, along with accommodation and meals during their camp commitment. While volunteers must be aged 18 or above and complete an enhanced DBS check (for English camps) or PVG certificate (for Scottish camps), no previous experience working with children is required.
Emily Corrigan concluded with an enthusiastic call to action: "From bringing activities to life and being the spark that keeps the camp buzzing to providing home-from-home nursing and medical care, there really is a role for everyone at Over The Wall Camp. It's a unique experience and we can't wait to see your application to join us on camp!"
Prospective volunteers can find more information and apply through the charity's website at www.otw.org.uk/volunteer.
