New Team Members
March was an important month for Camp Jojo, as we welcomed three new paid team members – Gemma and Helen, our new fundraisers. Plus Daniel, our Volunteer Co-ordinator. The growth of our team has been significant this year, going from a team of 2 paid team members, to a team of 8 part-timers in the space of 6 months! We are proud to say that the majority of our team have lived experience of parenting a child with complex needs, or have a disability themselves. Their knowledge and insight helps us to keep the needs of families at the centre of everything we do.
Alongside our paid team and our wonderful volunteers, we have our very dedicated trustees and special advisors, who govern and make decisions in the best interest of the charity. We are currently seeking a new trustee, who could take on the role of treasurer. The treasurer will take responsibility for oversight of our finances, in conjunction with our Finance Committee. We are looking for someone who has a background in Finance, possibly as an accountant or in banking or investment. Experience in the third sector is desirable, as is any experience in the disability world. For more information about this role, please email information@campjojo.org.uk.
Fundraising Events
At such a pivotal time for Camp Jojo in terms of our development and expansion, we need your support now more than ever! This could be an opportunity to bring your community together to raise money by hosting an event such as a coffee morning, or perhaps achieve a goal, such a completing a run. That’s exactly what Tracie, a parent who attended camp with her son did. Tracie and the ‘bootcamp warriors’ raised £2790 for Camp Jojo, by completing ‘Only the Brave’, which is a 10 mile cross country course with many obstacles - through rivers, mud, over/under hurdles, inflatables etc. This significant amount of money could pay for a new tent, big enough to fit a gantry and hoist. This equipment is essential to the running of camp, so is very much appreciated. Thank you to Tracie and the bootcamp warriors!
Not all fundraising events have to be as gruelling as this, so please email fundraising@campjojo.org.uk for more ideas of events that could be possible. We are also able to provide materials such as posters and leaflets to support you at your event.
A Special Thank You
The Camp Jojo team would like say a special thank you to Kathy Dines-Bowman, who has supported Camp Jojo for 4 years by organising fundraising events on Mersea Island. During this period she has raised over £11,500 and brought in many volunteers. Kathy’s final event for Camp Jojo, a musical evening with the local singing group, ‘Lost Direction’, attracted an audience of 80 people and raised £1500. She even auctioned off a pottery session with her husband, Steve, who also helps at our camps, for £500!
We asked Kathy what her advice would be to people thinking of holding a fundraising event. She said ‘Never be afraid to ask!!! The joy is in finding out and then talking through possibilities with performers while spreading the Camp Jojo word. It is such a brilliant, special charity.’
Thank you to Kathy and Steve for everything they have done for Camp Jojo.
Family Applications
After receiving 7 times as many family applications in 2024 than we can provide places for, the selection panel had a challenging day ahead of them. Families will know whether we can offer them a place this month. Sadly, there will be many disappointed families. Whilst this fills us with regret, it drives us forward to reach more families each year. This map shows the spread of applications across the country, highlighting to us the uniqueness of what we are able to offer. Families from as far as Scotland are willing to travel all the way to Essex to have a truly accessible camping experience.
Highshore School
In March, our Operations Manager, Louise, and Special Advisor, Ralph, visited Highshore School in inner London to meet families who were interested in coming to camp this summer. They gave a short presentation and showed a couple of our informative videos. We are pleased that we now have 8 families from Highshore School signed up to come to camp this summer. We are looking forward to giving them a new experience, which is far removed from the realities of day to day urban life.
With good wishes,
The Camp Jojo Team
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