From Saturday 10th of August to Friday 16th of August, Share Discovery Village hosted the inspirational families, therapists and volunteers from Adam’s Camp NI.
This one-week residential included intense therapy sessions for young people within the Autistic Spectrum and the opportunity of a respite holiday to the rest of their family members.
About Adam’s Camp NI
Adam’s Camp Northern Ireland is an intensive therapy and recreational summer camp for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The camp is long established in the US and was launched in Northern Ireland in 2016 by founder, Grainne Ashe.
Adam’s Camp realise that whenever one member of a family has special needs, it is not just them who are affected. In fact, everyone in that family has special needs.
Their mission is: “to realise the potentials and develop the strengths of children and young adults by bringing together individuals and families with professionals and volunteers to collaboratively provide customised, intensive therapy, family support, and recreation in a camp environment.”
Adam’s Camp NI Residential at SHARE
The all-inclusive residential at Share Discovery Village followed a timetable that included therapy sessions for the young people, fun activities for family members, day trips to local tourist attractions and entertainment on site.
Therapy Sessions in Function Rooms
Adam’s Camp works from its successful signature therapy model, the 5-5-5 approach. That’s 5 therapists, working with 5 children, for 5 days, for 6 hours of therapy each day. Plus support from three experienced volunteers in each team.
A typical therapy team can consist of speech & language, occupational, behavioral, music and the fifth therapy can be play, art or drama therapists according to the needs of the children.
This summer at Share, Adam’s Camp NI ran three therapy programmes; Pathfinders, Explorers and Trailblazers – ranging in ages 4-14 years old from across the wide and varied autism spectrum of needs and abilities.
There were also two siblings programmes for junior and senior siblings and a parents support workshop every morning. This made for one busy but very enjoyable week of life changing experiences.
All of the function rooms at Share Discovery Village were used for these sessions and they proved to be safe and capable environments for groups ranging in size.
Activities for Family Members
The residential in Fermanagh was a fantastic respite holiday for other family members who, on a daily basis, are helping out their affected child or sibling.
The siblings got to take part in a variety of land and water activities throughout their visit and from feedback received from founder, Grainne Ashe, Big Mable was a huge hit with everyone. This water activity is a more stable alternative to Banana Boating where the person taking part is supported by cushioned sides to avoid falling off.
Another well liked experience with the siblings was their camping adventure in the great outdoors at SHARE. This was many of the young peoples first ever camping experience and everyone was delighted having the opportunity to camp outside with no worries about anything else.
Other activities included Rock Climbing, Yoga, T-Shirt Painting, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, a visit from a petting farm, plus much more!
Pool Sessions
The swimming pool at Share Discovery Village was also used for therapy sessions by the kids, therapists and families while on their week long residential.
This was a fantastic addition for everyone as it was a great place for the therapists to work and also a relaxing and fun area for the families to enjoy in their spare time.
Cruise on Upper Lough Erne
Family members at Adam’s Camp NI also gave feedback about their evening cruise on the Inishcruiser and explained that it was one of the highlights of the trip.
The relaxing trip around Upper Lough Erne gave everyone the chance to view the beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands from a different point of view.
On the final evening of the residential, everyone enjoyed a tasty BBQ at SHARE which went down a treat with all.
How to get involved
There are many ways to get involved in this wonderful camp that provides so many opportunities to families.
To donate to support the cause, please click here: Donate
To Volunteer / Work at the Camp, click here: Work / Volunteer
For more information about how to get involved, please email Grainne Ashe on adamscampni@gmail.com
Read more:
Kids affected by the Chernobyl disaster paid a visit to Share Discovery Village as part of their respite holiday to Ireland. Read about it here: Chernobyl Children Visit Ireland
