Making a difference
for local kids
#DKC2026
Derby Kids’ Camp is an entirely volunteer-run charity which provides free holidays for over 300 of Derbyshire’s most deserving children each year.
These children face huge challenges in their day-to-day lives: from poverty to bereavement; social interaction difficulties and the challenges of being a young carer. Their week at Derby Kids’ Camp gives them the chance to try out new activities, explore new surroundings, make new friends – and more importantly, enjoy being a kid!
Our holidays help to build children’s confidence and independence: giving children the opportunity to enjoy new experiences and leave with lifelong memories of an amazing childhood holiday!
Much-needed breaks…
Children are nominated by around 60 local primary schools. There aren’t any specific criteria – we simply ask that schools nominate the kids who are most in need of a break. Over the years, this has been for a huge variety of reasons, including challenges at home; children living in poverty; and to provide respite for families.
Try something new!
One of our big aims at Derby Kids’ Camp is to give children the chance to try out something new. For many children, staying in a tent – or even away from home – for the first time is a massive experience. With a week jam-packed full of crafts, music, sports, walks, campfires, magicians, swimming, animals, playgrounds and much more – there’s something to suit every personality, and plenty of opportunity to try something different!
Our kind of ‘glamping’
Many children who stay with us haven’t camped before, so our canvas village is designed as a home from home!
The cosy kids’ tents are equipped with comfortable camp beds – complete with mattresses, duvets and snuggly blankets! Across the rest of the site is running water, electricity, a fully-equipped kitchen and plenty of space for a whole range of activities!
Money well spent…
We’re a 100% volunteer-run organisation – there’s not a single salary in sight!
Thanks to our incredible ‘army’ of around 200 volunteers each year, this means that every penny raised goes directly towards a child’s holiday.
Each holiday costs us around £245, and we’re able to deliver over 300 holidays each summer thanks to the generous support of our local community, corporate sponsors and grant-making organisations.
