Edinburgh-based charity SuperTroop, which provides residential breaks for children with learning disabilities, will hold a summer holiday camp on the grounds of Fettes College thanks to the school’s generosity.
The event is a community effort, with students, teaching staff and the operational team involved throughout the week, meaning Fettes is much more than just a host for the holiday camp.
Around two dozen students will give up the first week of their summer break to volunteer with the holidaymakers and help give them support and friendship. Fettes teaching staff also volunteer to organise and support the holiday, with some taking the lead in activities throughout the week.
In just 24 hours, Dalmeny House – a boarding house on the Fettes campus – is transformed into the perfect accessible location for attendees to SuperTroop’s week-long camp.
Dalmeny House is a modern, accessible building with dorm bedrooms, shared bathrooms and lots of relaxation space. 16 children and young people with learning disabilities take part in the holiday week, receiving 24/7 one-to-one support. Many of the participants have never had a night away from home before.
Student Louisa said: “The relationship between SuperTroop and Fettes has not only provided incredible holidays but also a transformative learning experience for us as Fettesians. We all hold SuperTroop dear to our hearts and hope that future Fettesians can continue to support this beautiful charity in the future.”
The holidaymakers stay on campus, sleep in dorm rooms with their peers and 1:1 helpers, and eat meals as a group in the dining hall. Fettes provides a high-quality and accessible residence, catering for the week, and facilities such as outdoor spaces, swimming pool and sports hall.
Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop said: “We are thrilled with the efforts from the students and staff at Fettes College towards SuperTroop’s residential break. Their generosity will make sure that this residential break is truly special for all involved and make for some very happy campers.
“SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holiday makers feel surrounded by friends. The support we have from Fettes, as fundraisers, hosts and volunteers, is vital to provide the best experience possible.”
Mr Rhys Rowlands, Director of Service at Fettes College said: “The work that SuperTroop do to bring a fun break to these young people is truly remarkable. Fettes is proud to be able to support this charity in any way we can and help provide a fun summer for everyone taking part.”
£10,000 raised from a log-carrying challenge will allow SuperTroop to provide travel, admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo, fun activities and art supplies for 16 young people.
In March, every Fettes College student took a turn carrying a 100kg metal log up and down the school’s drive for 24 hours, taking it in 15-minute shifts.
To find out how you can join the troop or lend your support, go to supertroop.org/
Images: Young people with learning disabilities are helped by Fettes student volunteers to decorate cakes on their SuperTroop holiday
Images taken by Chris Watt Photography.
