Summer Camp

Summer Camp 2023 

Camp is over for another year.  Wow did time pass quickly!

Day 1 already a distant memory with great adventures from the go.  Starting with onsite activities including bushcraft, orienteering and cycling.  Then off to Loch Insh for some on the water sports including sailing, kayaking and canoeing as well as some archery to work on those co-ordination skills.

Day 2 was expedition day which was an amazing achievement for all teams who worked their way from Badaguish, round Loch Morlich, then back to Badaguish.  Almost 13km according to some of our watches !!

To finish off we had some BBQ food including sausages, burgers, chicken kebabs and salad.  We then said a fond farewell to Mark Gaffney.  The most amazing person who has guided and supported us through 10 years of summer camp.  He is moving onto a new role in SDS and we clapped and cheered to let him know how much we appreciate everything he has done for us!  

The final day was extremely busy.  Not as many photos as we had so much packed in.  The morning started a little later for breakfast, but we had to be out by 10am so we all helped each other stripping beds, clearing kitchens, packing and taking our bags up to the final meeting place to be reunited with our families again.   But the action didn’t stop though.  As we waited on our families we had the games part of the programme.  We had such fun including unique ways to knock down a giant jenga tower on wheels.  

At the very end we announced the winning team of the 2023 camp …. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GREEN TEAM – who won the most points over all our adventures over the 3 days.  

The hardest part was saying goodbye to our new friends.  Parents were chatting to parents about keeping going newly formed friendships, camp leaders and staff were updating parents on the amazing achievements of campers, people were hugging and smiling and tired.

Mark made an emotional speech to thank everyone, especially the unique Dave Rhoney for his partnership, guidance, advice and support over Mark’s amazing 10 years organising summer camp – we nearly had them both in tears – nearly.  Mark has been there for so many of the campers passing through camp and watched them grow and even in some cases become leaders.  But with his new role in SDS, he will still be looking out for us and being kept up to date, so not too far away.  He handed over the baton to a new Events team who will take us on new adventures from 2024 onwards.

And quietly behind the scenes, Sharon who dodges every photo, but likes to play the Good Morning song to wake everyone up, supports the administration of the camp, and write this blog every night (using the worst wifi ever!), who recently and sadly moved on from SDS would also like to say thank you to everyone who takes part in this camp and allowing her to come back to finish administering what she started. The families, staff, partners and especially the campers are just the best group of people that make your heart sing from day 1!   She won’t be too far away and maybe you will hear that song again soon 😂

But in the finishing words of our camper Luca this year – 1. Have Fun. 2. Do your best. 3. Never Give Up!  

Roll on 2024! 

Scroll down below to see blogs of each of the coloured teams by clicking on the links below.  See if you can spot in any of the blog photos one of the black team eating a very large lunch, or Mark scratching his head deep in thought…

Thank you to Better Breaks Short Breaks Fund for their support each year and to the amazing volunteers, care and medical staff for making these camps so special.  

If you have any questions or want to get in contact please contact events@scottishdisabilitysport.com.