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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

SN campsite

36 replies

DameEdnaBeverage · 09/01/2011 16:25

Dh and I dream of one day getting away from rat race and doing more interesting and rewarding work. We love camping and running our own site in the South West would be our ideal. Have obviously thought of focussing on SN families (bathrooms/sensory areas etc)but would many of you do this or is it too much work to go camping with your dc's?

OP posts:

Ineedalife · 10/01/2011 17:28

We love camping and go as a family, with friends and with Guides.

When Dd3 was little and a runner, I was terrified, but put one of the identitiy bracelets on her for the whole time we were there, actually the freedom seemed to make her less likely to run.

I find her volume difficult sometimes and the expectation that all children want to play with other children and would happily camp where people might "get her" a bit better.

Pixel · 10/01/2011 17:29

Lisa, we've been to Hollands Wood, which was pretty but we did make sure we parked on the side away from the road (right as you go in) to be on the safe side. Also I'd read on MN that it was the least boggy side, which proved to be the case. Good old MN. The side away from the road is open to a huge common where the children can play but it does also mean that the ponies have free run of the site, which is ok for us as ds is used to ponies but might not be for some.

Last year we went to Holmsley which being an old airfield had more wide open spaces. It also has a nice big shop and a very useful takeaway (mmmm, hot bacon rolls on a rainy morning without having to stand outside and cook them was a lovely treat). It is also much more secure with perimeter fencing, so ponies can't come in and much harder for dcs to get out!

Pixel · 10/01/2011 17:32

Oh and both sites were rock hard, despite rain and despite looking lovely and sandy. You will need rock pegs!

purplepidjin · 10/01/2011 17:41

Ooh, Pixel, that's near where I live!

Feel free to message me if you're in the New Forest area - I may be persuaded to babysit so the grown ups can get some grown up time...

purplepidjin · 10/01/2011 17:42

Actually, OP, that might be an attractive option at a specifically SN site - a list of local babysitters with SN experience who will entertain the kids or sit with them for a few hours while Mum and Dad (or whatever combination of adults) has some time off

LollipopViolet · 10/01/2011 19:09

Near a train station, with decent lighting at night, and preferably with a minimum distance between tents (bad sight + darkness + guy ropes = a very nervous LV :))

MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay · 10/01/2011 22:38

Specialkids camping is first weekend in august (provisionally I think!) Some come for the weekend as there is a families day event, other (most) for the week.
The site we are using again this year put aside a (fenced) separate field for us with electric hook ups and extra loos:)

What makes it work is all the siblings... we rope them in (willingly!) to babysit.. entertain the little ones, push wheelchairs and buggies... while we adults crack open the wine

My older kids are now 19, 17 16 and being there is still the highlight of the year...:)

lisad123isasnuttyasaboxoffrogs · 10/01/2011 23:16

Do you have to belong to their group to ho camping? If so can you point me in right direction please x

chocolatespread · 10/01/2011 23:28

Yep, we camp. Sign us up, we'd love to come.

devientenigma · 10/01/2011 23:32

We have never done camping, as son doesn't keep his pj's on all night and has heart and lung problems, a low immune system etc so easily has chest inf etc. He is also in a special needs bed.
We have done caravan hols, he is a bit easier to manage and we have heat!!
Love the idea of the peace and quite for him, ds is a loner, when faced with crowds and noise he tends to hit out, withdraw etc. If you are looking at pools, a hydrotherapy pool would be great.
Also he doesn't do showers so would need a bath! Agree with the good fence. Good security and no judgement!

MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay · 12/01/2011 07:26

www.specialkidsintheuk.org/

Have a look here. The site has a general forum:) It also has a members only section..(that introduced last year because it is an actual charity and subsidizes meet ups etc etc so a life time membership is a one off £10) but don't be put off if you can't afford to join.. the general forum is fine:)

It's a supportive forum the difference to MN being that it has organized get togethers regularly which the membership fee massively subsidizes.. they don't get revenue from adverts like here so it's all charity raised.

I have camped for 6 summers now with Specialkids ..love it. I swore I'd never camp after a horrid experience as a kid but now I am a camping fan (tho I don't go without my laptop or hairstraighteners) Nice bunch of people mostly..and quite a few lurk here too:)

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