There are ten Vinnie Camps in England and Wales giving holidays and fun to children aged between eight and twelve years. They offer a week of fun, excitement and friendship to children who may well be in need of a break away from school and family life.
Safe and caring
SVP Vinnie Camps have a wonderful heritage: for 100 years they have provided safe, inclusive and caring holidays for children in need of a break.
Vinnie Camps are staffed by dedicated and caring volunteers, offering a high ratio of adult-to-child supervision. This means that each and every child receives a great deal of time and positive attention, perhaps more than some have ever known before. Summer holidays offer, first and foremost, fun and enjoyment. But they also provide an opportunity for respite, new learning experiences and personal growth.
All Camp helpers must undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) against the children's barred list before being allowed to join our SVP camps, two references and interviews in line with the Safer Recruitment process. As well as completing Safeguarding training and Camp contextual training.
Fun and games
Activities include swimming, archery, climbing, football, arts and crafts, and talent shows. With the aim to help build independence, decision-making, social and emotional skills, character building and values- all in an atmosphere of creativity and enrichment under the supervision of positive adult role models.
Camp insurance disclaimer for parents/carers
The St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) does not provide Personal Accident Insurance for children under 16 attending camp.
By allowing your child to go on Camp, you acknowledge and agree that:
- You are responsible for arranging your own Personal Accident Insurance for your child, if desired or required.
- The SVP accepts no liability for any injury, loss, or damage your child may sustain while undertaking activities related to this Vinnie Camp, except where required by law.
- Nothing in this disclaimer limits or excludes the SVP’s statutory duties or liabilities that cannot be lawfully limited or excluded.
NB - The SVP does carry out certain checks and risk assessments for all activities to ensure the safety of children that attend camp and has public liability insurance in place for everyone regardless of age.
Volunteer
We are always on the look out for more wonderful people to join our Camps. Vinnie Camps are based on Vincentian values but we do not expect the helpers or children to be Catholic and people of all faiths or none are welcome to take up this volunteer role.
Helper Criteria:
- High levels of energy
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Patience
- Complete online safeguarding training
- A sense of humour
- Provide 2 references
- A team player who is willing to ‘muck in’
- Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check
- A flexible attitude
- A good communicator
- An ability to communicate with children
- Able to be on Camp for 5-7 days in the summer holidays (July- August)
- Has to attend Camp training
To express interest in this voluntary role- Express interest
To discuss this voluntary role further, please email youngvincentians@svp.org.uk or call on 07917923605
Find out more
Click on the links below to take you to the pages for each of the ten Vinnie Camps.
