The Oakes Christian camp

[Purplepjs]

Hi,

I am considering sending my child to a four day camp at the Oakes. We have friends going too. But it would be his first time at a Christian camp away from home. He really would love to go.
just wondering if anyone else has used them and would be happy to share a review? We only know what I’ve read around it and our friends’ review and just want to make as informed decision as I can… feel a bit anxious about sending my kid off independently!! Thanks in advance.

I've never heard of it, but taking a look at the Google reviews and their website, it looks loads of fun. If your friend's children have been before then at least yours will have some pals to give some support at the start. They hold open days and coffee mornings, so you could perhaps go and suss it all out before making a decision.

Thank you. It does look heaps of fun! Just an anxious mum-heart learning to let her nearly-big kid go a bit!! Thanks.

My DC’s school used them for residentials and the kids always had a blast. They have young leaders in from all over the world and they bring a brilliant dynamic to it. We’re not a religious family so my kids just ignored that side and concentrated on the raft building and campfires.

Thank you so much for replying. That’s good to hear.

I get it. The first time is hard ... but it's by letting them fly, they return: with new experiences and life-skills to share with their loving and encouraging parent.

I've no experience of the Oaks, but I used to go on similar as a teenager, as did family members, and everyone loved it and some made lifelong friends!

Personally, I wouldn't send my child to any camp like this with an overt ideology.

My lovely 21yo son spent 2 years volunteering on the team at The Oakes. The children have an absolute blast, and many return year after year for the camps. It's fully booked for schools camps throughout the year, aswell as offering its own summer and weekend camps.

The house itself is beautiful and the grounds are lovely and have some great activity options. The staff are really kind and the food is great. They are experienced with children who are away from home for the first time and make sure that everyone gets to sleep and enjoys their time in the day. I'm sure your son would have a great time @Purplepjs.

Sorry I'm replying a bit late, my children are too little to go alone but I have taken groups to the Oakes and know lots of people who've done gap years there.

It's a really brilliant place and I think quite uniquely set up for first time campers, their camps are mostly geared towards the younger end and as it's an established team and site they are very in the swing of things and so experienced. I loved serving on summer camps on the types that rock up to a hired boarding school for a week, they are often amazing but everyone does need to hit the ground running, unlike at a year round set up. The Oakes are so caring and kind- I would really recommend it, or their sister site Yorkshire Camps.

The Oakes I think has a very strict no-phones policy which is great for getting everyone involved in activities and also a huge safeguarding plus (I once had an awful issue involving teenage phone misuse in a dorm at camp) so the children won't be texting you, but they have a phone available if children need to ring home or a safe person/childline etc.