Camp CLAPA weekends make their return in 2025
Camp CLAPA Activity Weekends are a chance for young people aged 8 to 13 to meet and spend time with other young people born with a cleft in a safe and supportive space.
They will have time to enjoy lots of activities on Camp, including team building games such as raft making, or seeing new heights trying out abseiling or rock climbing.
Camps also include plenty of free time to relax or play games with new friends
We will encourage young people to take part in all of the activities, but this is their weekend, and the most important thing is that they make positive memories and have fun!
CAMP CLAPA through the lens of a volunteer
“I have been lucky to volunteer on many CLAPA residential weekends over the past 6 years, and while the young people greatly benefit from these trips away, I too have had weekends full of fun, adventure, and personal development.
“As the adventurous young people get dropped off on Friday afternoons, it’s always interesting to see that the parents are probably more anxious than their children.”
“Even in the first few hours of a weekend, it is amazing to see quiet young people come out of their shell, and new bonds are quickly formed through a shared excitement for a weekend away from home.”
“Any nervousness from the young people quickly vanishes as they meet new friends, play fun games, sing silly songs, and have their first meal of the weekend. Even in the first few hours of a weekend, it is amazing to see quiet young people come out of their shell, and new bonds are quickly formed through a shared excitement for a weekend away from home.
“Over a weekend, activities will include raft building, climbing, laser tag, and even survival skills. These activities can be daunting even for us grown up volunteers, let alone a young person who has never been on a climbing wall in their life! And while these activities will increase a young person’s confidence and make them proud for overcoming a scary situation, what always stands out to me is the willingness of the young people to help each other and overcome such obstacles together.
“Similar team working is required in activities such as raft building, but this normally deteriorates once someone has fallen in the cold water and everyone is splashing each other in the cold water.
“Over the course of a weekend new friendships form, old ones are rekindled, and there are always silly moments that everyone fondly discusses over dinner.
“One part of the weekends that always stands out to me is completing our shields on the final day. On these shields, people write kind words of advice or support for each other, along with funny memories of the weekend. Young people can then look back on their shields if they are ever feeling down, and they will be reminded of how amazing they are and how much they achieved throughout the weekend.”
“Seeing their confidence increase over the weekend and their genuine kindness and concern for each other is inspiring.”
“As a volunteer, I am always thanked for my hard work and time at the end of the weekend. But for me, the main thanks should be going to these amazing young people who inspire me on every single residential trip I attend. Seeing their confidence increase over the weekend and their genuine kindness and concern for each other is inspiring, and so I believe that I benefit as a volunteer just as much as a young person benefits from the amazing work of CLAPA.”
What to expect:
Each weekend looks a little different, depending on the centre and the activities we can choose from but a typical weekend will look something like this:
Apply now to join us this year for Camp CLAPA:
Camp CLAPA at PGL Boreatton Park in Shropshire from 7th to 9th May 2025
Camp CLAPA at PGL Dalguise, Perthshire from 12th to 14th September 2025.
Filling in our sign-up form does not guarantee you a place at Camp CLAPA. We will send you and your family an email to let you know when your place is confirmed.
