JCA runs a range of activity days and residentials for schools and a host of other youth groups, faith groups and other organisations. We sat down with Dan and Rebecca from the Childhood Tumour Trust, to understand the role their JCA camp plays for their families.
They explain how JCA’s adventure activities, delivered by friendly instructors, in a supported setting can sometimes be exactly what young people need. This kind of camp can be the key to discovering who they are and what they’re capable of.
Can you tell us a bit about the Childhood Tumour Trust?
Dan: “Childhood Tumour Trust was founded because Vanessa, our founder, saw how her daughter Nicole Martin, who has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), grew up feeling incredibly lonely and isolated. She didn’t know anyone else with the condition and struggled without peer support.
As a teenager, Nicole discovered a specialist camp in America for children with NF1, and with her mum’s determination and support, she was able to attend several times. Those experiences were life-changing.
Our founder realised there must be children and young people in the UK who would benefit just as much from meeting others who truly understood what living with NF1 means. At the time, the only way to access funding and make this happen was to establish a charity, and that’s how Childhood Tumour Trust was born.
Our very first camp welcomed just nine children, around half of whom were siblings. Today, our residential camps support between 40-60 children, all living with NF1, providing a safe and supportive space where they can build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
Beyond camps, we support families at the often-overwhelming time of diagnosis, bring families together to reduce isolation, and campaign for better care, improved awareness and greater understanding of a little-known but highly complex condition. Everything we do is rooted in ensuring that no child or family affected by NF1 feels alone.”
“Camp gives me friends who support me in everything inside and outside of camp.”
How do camps like yours support families?
Dan: “From the point of diagnosis, many of our families’ next thought is, ‘Now what?’. They are given the diagnosis of NF1 and then suddenly face a big step into the unknown.
Quite often, families hear the phrase ‘watch and wait’ or something similar. Understanding what this means and how to cope with this period of uncertainty is a challenge many parents and caregivers struggle with, as it can feel vague at a time when all you really want is answers and clarity.
One of our parents summed it up beautifully:“
“I didn’t realise how much we both needed it until I saw a happy smile on her face – something I hadn’t seen in a long time. Camp gave her time to connect with people who truly understand. Camp was also good for my other child; it gave us a form of respite. We could give her our undivided attention and have some time away from NF1 too. Camp benefited the whole family.”
“I don’t have to fake a smile at camp; it’s real.”
Rebecca: “Group trips at JCA Adventure go far beyond a fun weekend away. They give young people the chance to see positive role models in older campers and leaders with NF1. For parents, they offer reassurance, connection and the powerful reminder that their child is not alone in this journey. The confidence gained at camp often carries back into school, friendships and everyday life long after camp ends.“
How long have you worked with JCA?
Dan: “This year will be our fourth year attending with our 12-17-year-old group, and we are looking at around 60 campers, which will be our biggest attendance yet. It feels like a lovely way to celebrate 10 years of CTT. We have also booked for our Young Adult (18-30) group for the second year running.
We are always made to feel so welcome, from the moment we begin organising until the last person leaves. The whole JCA team looks after us and truly understands the wide range of needs our young people have. Nothing is ever too much trouble.
Vanessa and I always say that Fiona and the team say ‘Yes, no problem’ even before they’ve heard the question. The warmth and compassion we are shown is incredible. All the instructors take the time to learn about us and NF1 and adapt activities to ensure everyone is included.“
How does a JCA day typically pan out?
Dan: “I don’t think we’ve ever had two days that are the same. The day usually starts with our leaders going around the dorm block with a speaker playing a wake-up song from our camp playlist, followed by a group dance outside the dorms to get everyone moving.
It’s then on to a full day of activities, with our campers trying new things, conquering their fears and having the best few days in a judgement-free environment where they feel understood.
There is almost always a buzz of excitement and anticipation (and sometimes fear!) as campers share stories about the activities they’ve done and what they’re like and it’s amazing to witness the friendships that form.“
“Camp helped me be my more confident self.”
What role do the JCA instructors play in your experience?
Dan: “The instructors and team work tirelessly to make it fun. They don’t mind getting a little bit wet, or if the egg hasn’t survived the egg protector challenge, having it cracked on their head (which is always a great incentive to save the egg!).
Everyone takes the time to learn about our group and the additional needs we have so they can include everyone in activities. The warmth, kindness and empathy they show cannot be overstated. Everyone goes above and beyond to make it the best weekend possible.“
Which JCA activities are your favourites?
Dan: “I think we’ve tried nearly everything now! The zip wire is probably the favourite for most and is usually number one when picking activities. Campfire is another favourite, as it’s another chance for a song and a dance. We tried aerial trek for the first time with our 18-30 group, and it’s definitely one for our younger group to try in the future.“
Talk to us about how the young people deal with the camp experience?
Dan: “Watching them try new things is incredible. Everyone leaves having achieved something new.
For some, this might be spending their first night away from home. For others, it’s facing a fear or doing something they didn’t think they could do. Every achievement or win is amazing, and we celebrate them all equally.
We’ve had campers attend for the first time and not want to stay overnight, and they now return as trip leaders because camp has given them so much confidence.“
Rebecca: “It’s not just about the activity itself; it’s about rewriting the narrative they may have built around what they can and can’t do.A JCA residential allows them to redefine their limits in a supportive environment, which has a lasting impact on their self-belief.“
Dan: “Last year one of our campers had a really difficult year and initially came to camp just to see everyone rather than take part in activities. They went from sitting at the side of the pool watching Wet & Wacky to jumping in fully clothed with the biggest smile on their face. It was amazing to see.”
How do you feel our JCA team supports your group?
Dan: “The whole team does so much for us. From the moment we send in our registration forms, they make sure they fully understand individual needs and ask questions where needed.
Once on site, they work hard to include everyone, whether that’s pairing someone in a kayak or canoe with a camper who can’t propel themselves or winching a camper in a wheelchair up the outside of the abseiling tower so they can experience abseiling down.
The catering team are also fantastic at ensuring everyone is well fed and that all our dietary needs are met.
Knowing our groups are in safe hands makes our lives easier. It’s reassuring to know that our volunteer leaders are supported during activities.
Each time we return, it feels as though the team at Condover Hall knows us better. They’ve taken the time to understand our needs and make each trip as positive as possible.
Everyone goes above and beyond to ensure our young people feel safe and included. They take the time to listen and show genuine interest in what it’s like living with NF1, offering a range of solutions or alternatives to include everyone. They celebrate and acknowledge achievements equally, truly understanding that what seems small to one person can be huge to someone else.
A special mention must go to Nathan, who organised a team at JCA to create a video to help launch this year’s camp.“
How important is it that our environment is inclusive and sensitive to diverse needs?
Dan: “This is probably the most important part of camp for us. Quite often, our young people experience isolation and loneliness. They may be the only person in their school with NF1, and sometimes it’s the first time they’ve met someone else with the same condition.
A JCA weekend is an opportunity to be with people experiencing similar challenges. They don’t have to explain why they can’t do something. It gives them a chance to speak openly about their condition, judgement-free, with people who truly understand.
A JCA residential is their safe space, a supportive environment where they can be themselves, away from hospital visits, medical concerns and the daily challenges of feeling different.“
Do you notice any changes in the children after their camp?
Dan: “The friendships that are formed are incredible. Watching them go from not knowing anyone to having a close group of friends is heartwarming.
Seeing them try something new, or something they didn’t think they could do, is incredibly moving.“
Rebecca: “We often see quieter campers find their voice, anxious campers become more independent, and returning campers step naturally into leadership roles for those attending for the first time. The growth in confidence is visible, not just during the weekend, but in the way they carry themselves afterwards.”
“I liked camp because I can be with people who accept me; thanks for camp.”
Dan: “Camp provides a safe and supportive environment where teens can engage in a variety of activities. It’s a place to make new friends who just ‘get it’, learn new skills and have lots of fun.
They join a community that truly understands them and create memories that will last a lifetime.“
What do you personally enjoy most about leading these JCA residentials?
Dan: “It’s my favourite weekend of the year! The smiles, the laughter and seeing everyone having the best time makes all the hours of planning and organising worthwhile.
Some of the comments we received last year included:
- “The camp stories didn’t stop the whole way home, and they stayed awake until 3am reliving the weekend, they are already making plans for next year.”
- “One tired but very happy camper is back, she had the best time making new friends and reconnecting with those she met last year. She has truly lived her best life this weekend.”
- “I love hearing all the stories and the campers’ ‘best bits’ – what they are most proud of is always amazing to hear. It makes the sleepless nights completely worth it.”
Any advice for other groups bringing people with additional needs?
Dan: “Do it! Share as much information about your group’s needs as possible. If the instructors don’t know, they can’t help or adapt activities for you.
Trust the team: they are there to support you and to make your trip as successful as it can be.”
If your group or charity is interested in booking an activity day or a residential with JCA, please get in touch. Our friendly team will make sure we tailor your stay to the needs of your group and ensure you all have a brilliant stay!
