My experience of DKC 2022!
Kieran – Week 4
Kieran, who works with our supporters at Cosy, joined us for his first year as a Summer Camp Volunteer in 2022. Here’s how he got on…
“This year I swapped Cavtat for Kids Camp. I know what some of you might be thinking – why? Why would I swap a relaxing break in the rural, relaxing sunshine in a villa in Croatia for one camping in a field with 30 something kids?
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to go on holiday once a year, and although I don’t remember everything about those holidays, I recall vague memories that reflect a happy time where nothing mattered except the adventures those places bought with them. I was looked after and I had the love of my family that enabled me to feel safe.
Why am I sharing this? The reason I’m sharing this is because some children don’t have any of this and they don’t get to go on holiday. Their lives are often infected with negativity, fear and trauma which leaves them with nothing to look forward to other than the repeating cycle of conflict and uncertainty they have no part in changing.
That’s where Derby Kids Camp (DKC) come in. They provide free holidays to kids who are in most need of a break and they are run entirely by volunteers. There is no Government funding and instead they survive through the generosity of locals business, grant giving trusts and the local community.
I heard about DKC through Cosy when Chris came and gave a demonstration about the benefits camp had and the happiness it imprints on the children who attend. His enthusiasm and passion for the Charity immediately struck a tone with me and I signed up the same day along with two other members of Cosy.
Now, I am going to stress that signing up was completely out of my comfort zone. I don’t particularly like camping and I had no experience either working or looking after children. I wouldn’t be lying to say that I became quite anxious and apprehensive the closer it got to the date. This is important to mention because these feelings are normal for some people and it’s really easy to retreat and give up on opportunities when you work yourself up to a point where you feel there is no other option.
However, I battled through those emotions and what followed was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. So much so that I won’t be able to express it enough writing this. You really have to be there to see the happiness generated by amazing likeminded volunteers – both returning and new – to appreciate how special and important the week is to the wellbeing of those children.
I’m not going to go through the activities individually because they were all just so, so good. There was a mixture of walking, exploring, interacting with animals (both at a farm and on the campsite) indoor crafts, outdoor games (including more football than you’d believe) and even a talent show to round off the week.
It’s worth noting that you’ll only benefit if you make the effort to get involved. There has to be a part of you that really wants to support the children for a week because they will feed off your energy and you are there to give them memories that will last a lifetime. Except for that, don’t worry about not knowing what to do. There are so many people that do and you’ll feel supported and empowered to tackle the week feeling like you’ve been doing it for a lot longer than you have!
It’s also worth noting that it’s tough. It’s tough and it’s tiring and there are situations that will test you (Including for me a 3am – 6am night shift that bought with it it’s own level of tricky situations for a new volunteer) but again, you have support and you learn how to deal with it. You’ll read stories to the children so they can fall asleep, and it may seem so trivial but some of these children won’t have had this at home so you’ll do it and you’ll be tired and conscious that another early starts looms upon you, but you’ll get through it and you will feel such a sense of happiness when you finally get to your sleeping bag that you’ll be ready to tackle it all over again the following day.
You will make new friends and forge bonds with people you’re never met through shared responsibility. I have met several people I want to stay in contact with through this experience. These are people I already cannot wait to meet again next year to give a new group of children the same experience and positive influences I did this week.
Since I’ve come back from camp, I’ve relaxed, caught up on a bit of TV (and sleep) and felt like something is missing. I already cannot wait for DKC 2023 because I’m actually a little bit bored now. The week at camp is so full on that you won’t get to sit and reflect on what has happened because there’s always something to do.
What I really want to take away from this frankly emotional experience is that you really just need to take the leap of faith and do it. You cannot change their lives but you can be sure they’ll grow up with the same happy memories that you have also taken away from the week. The impact it has had on me is life changing. And I don’t want you to think this is an over exaggeration. I have an enhanced desire to work with young people in my spare time so as many young people as possible have something to look forward to and enjoy growing up in this very challenging world we live in.
I would like to take the time to make a special mention to Lisa, Cath and Rob. They were the camp leaders and deputies respectively for Week 4 and they made sure all the activities ran flawlessly. They also made time to address any concerns you had throughout the week. I would also like to thank Chris for coming to do the presentation and really hammering home the importance of the charity to Pete and Amanda who first mentioned DKC and bought it to my attention.
To close this off, I just want to say the following: Do it. Volunteer for DKC 2023, find out from the charity how you can fundraise and be a part of something that has the potential to carry on growing to help even more children. You won’t regret it.”
Inspired to start your own DKC experience? Find out more and apply here!
