Update from the Families Committee
Applications for families for the 2025 camps have now closed and the Family selection committee are gearing up for the very hard task of selecting families for Camp Jojo this coming summer. As ever, we have had way more applications than there are places for. We do appreciate that it will be disappointing for some and we want to share our heartfelt thanks to all that applied and shared their family circumstances. Please do rest assured that we take the family selection process very seriously.
As we look ahead to the 2025 camps, we would love to share some thoughts from the families that attended in 2024 as a reminder of the magic of Camp Jojo.
'A massive heartfelt thank you to everyone at Camp Jojo. We will forever be grateful for the wonderful experience we had. My husband and I went for a wonderful walk along the beach whilst the volunteers played with our kids in the sand. It’s the first time in a long time we have enjoyed some couple time together, although a 20 minute walk might not seem much, to us it’s huge.'
Parent, 2024
'I have not stopped smiling since coming home. It made me feel a way I’ve never felt before. Pure magic!'
Sibling, 2024
'Loved my time at camp, it was so nice to see my little brother be himself with no judgement and my mum relax and enjoy herself too.'
Sibling, 2024
'It allows children to be just children without their disabilities getting in the way or making people overlook who they are.'
Parent, 2024
Volunteer News
Calling all volunteers!
With the number of camps growing and hopes for growth in the future, we need more volunteers than ever! We love to see volunteers return to camp, and we encourage as many to do so as possible. Please do spread the word and encourage friends and family to volunteer. You definitely won’t regret it, it’s an unforgettable experience! Please visit www.campjojo.org/volunteers for more information about how to apply.
Young Volunteers Group
Teenagers can get a bit of bad press these days, which is most certainly NOT our experience at Camp Jojo! Our young volunteers are an essential part of Camp Jojo and bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the camping weekends. We have a brand new steering group - the Young Volunteers Group. Lead by Sophie Langley with guidance from Volunteer Manager, Paul and Communications Manager Fay, our team of young volunteers will be taking on specific projects this year, helping to document the weekends and running activities. We encourage new young volunteers to join us too. Young people aged 14 and over, accompanied by an adult over 18, are welcome to join our team of young volunteers.
Camp Jojo Northern Site
Exciting developments at Nags Head Farm, Cumbria
For some time, Camp Jojo have been working behind the scenes to explore the possibility of opening a second campsite in the North of England. We have listened to feedback from families who live a long distance from our Essex site, who have told us that travelling so far with of children with complex needs would be stressful and difficult, and that a Northern site would make a big difference.
The campsite, Nags Head Farm, in Appleby-in-Westmorland is now in development with a view to host the first camps in 2026. In the meantime, Camp Jojo is hosting open days on 21st & 22nd June 2025, for families, volunteers, supporters and potential donors to experience a taste of what is to come, and the essence of Camp Jojo.
Fundraising News
Colchester Light Switch-on
In November, Glenys and Pip Diebelius once again very generously offered to support Camp Jojo the annual switching on of their spectacular Christmas Light display. They then collected donations throughout December. The total amount raised was £1068 which is fantastic! Here at Camp Jojo we are so grateful for the support, which helps make it possible for families of children with complex needs to keep enjoying unforgettable camping experiences.
Quay Church Coffee Morning
Local residents of Quay Church, Woodbridge, Suffolk were able to enjoy a wonderful coffee morning in support of Camp Jojo in February. A total of over £400 was raised. Young and old gathered to share a chat, a cuppa and delicious cakes. Events such as this make such a big difference to Camp Jojo and enable the charity to reach and support more families. We are so thankful for the support!
Tesco Stronger Starts
Camp Jojo came out on top of the Tesco Stronger Starts in West Mersea Tesco Express and Tiptree Tesco Extra following the blue token vote held in November, December and January. As a result, Camp Jojo will recieve £1500. Thank you to all the local residents who took the time to vote for Camp Jojo. We are so grateful! tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
Mersea Island Lions Club
Thank you so much to the Mersea Island Lions club for a very generation donation of £750. This local charity are long-standing supporters of Camp Jojo and we are very grateful for the ongoing support. Camp Jojo is very proud to be much part of the local community in Mersea, Colchester and the surrounding areas, and the support of local organisations such as Mersea Island Lions Club helps ensure that Camp Jojo can grow.
Thank you to our donors!
A special thank you to the following organisations who have joined our wonderful supporters. Their support is invaluable and we are so grateful.
New fundraising pages on website
Camp Jojo have recently launched new fundraising pages on the website. There is now so much inspiration and information about how to fundraise, donate and support us! If you are thinking about taking on a challenge this year, look no further than www.campjojo.org/supportus where you will find a wealth of ideas, from skydiving to running, corporate fundraising to school event ideas. We rely on your support and love to hear stories of the challenges and events that you generously take part in, on our behalf.
With good wishes,
The Camp Jojo Team
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