Information for Parents & Guardians
Safety & Wellbeing
At Camp Charnwood, the safety and wellbeing of every camper is at the heart of everything we do. Our team of volunteers are carefully selected and fully vetted, with all members holding enhanced DBS checks and completing Level 1 Safeguarding training as a minimum requirement. In addition, our leadership team includes volunteers with Level 2 and Level 3 Safeguarding qualifications, ensuring that safeguarding best practice is embedded across all aspects of camp life.
We take a proactive approach to health, safety, and quality. Our Safeguarding Policy is available upon request, and we conduct detailed risk assessments for all activities and venues to ensure a secure, supportive environment for every young person. Our catering team all hold Food Hygiene Certificates, and our medical team are covered by personal indemnity insurance, working within clear clinical boundaries to provide professional care and supervision. Camp Charnwood also maintains comprehensive public liability insurance and partners only with verified suppliers who meet our safety and quality standards.
Together, these measures reflect our commitment to creating a fun, inclusive, and fully supported experience — where every camper can enjoy adventure with confidence, knowing they are in safe hands.
What is expected of parents?
Camp Charnwood is a family camp designed to create a supportive, confidence-building environment for young people living with Type 1 diabetes — and their parents or guardians play an essential role in that experience. While our team provides a safe, structured, and enjoyable setting, parents and guardians remain responsible for the diabetes management of their young people throughout the camp.
Our aim is to provide the space, encouragement, and learning opportunities that help families grow in confidence together. The camp environment is designed to be both safe and developmental, giving every participant the chance to build independence while being supported by a caring community.
Each evening, during the main camp activities, we hold a daily briefing for parents and guardians. This relaxed session gives everyone a chance to reflect on the day — sharing what went well, what could be even better, and looking ahead to what’s happening tomorrow. It’s an important part of ensuring that communication stays open and that every family feels informed, supported, and involved.
We’re also proud to have a dedicated medical team on site throughout the camp. They’re available day and night to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide support whenever needed. Their presence ensures that help and reassurance are always close at hand, so families can focus on enjoying the camp experience with peace of mind.
Our Adult Program
While Camp Charnwood is built around creating adventure and confidence for young people, we recognise that parents and guardians also benefit from time, connection, and support. That’s why we run a dedicated Adult Programme alongside the main camp activities — offering a welcoming space for discussion, reflection, and community.
The adult sessions are designed to encourage open conversation and peer support among parents and carers of children and young people living with diabetes. Through informal group discussions, shared experiences, and facilitated activities, participants can explore both the emotional and practical sides of diabetes management within a safe, understanding environment.
These sessions are not about instruction or judgement — they’re about connection, learning, and reassurance. Parents often describe the adult programme as one of the most valuable parts of Camp Charnwood: a place to talk freely, swap ideas, and realise that they’re not alone on this journey.
Whether you’re sharing stories, asking questions, or simply taking a quiet moment among people who truly understand, the Adult Programme is a space to recharge, reflect, and feel part of a supportive community — because at Camp Charnwood, wellbeing belongs to everyone.
FAQ's
When can I arrive?
On Wednesday morning we are asking you to arrive between 10:30 - 12:30, the closer to 10:30 you arrive the
longer you will have to set up before lunch and the afternoon activities, please avoid arriving before 10:30 as
we will be having briefings for the volunteers on site.
Can I drive onto the campsite?
This is will be dependent on the weather conditions, we will let you know on arrival.
Do I need to bring snacks / hypo treatment?
We will have some snacks and hypo treatment available, if there is something your child prefers to use we
recommend that you bring it with you. Please ensure all snacks are nut free.
Is there a fridge I can use?
We will have a fridge available to store insulin that will be monitored with an electronic thermostat, our fridge
space is very limited and will need to be used by the catering team to store all of the food for the meals so
please avoid bringing other things that need to be stored in a fridge.
How can I charge my phone / my child’s diabetes equipment?
We recommend that you bring portable chargers to charge all devices. There will be large battery packs
available in a communal space for you to charge your devices / portable chargers.
Do I need to pay entry for Drayton Manor and Conkers?
No this is included in the cost you have already paid for Camp Charnwood.
Are there shower facilities?
Yes there are two shower blocks that will remain open at all times for the whole week.
Will there be much free time?
The programme for the week is pretty jam packed full of activities for you and your family to enjoy!
What do parents do whilst children are on activities?
You will do some of the activities with the children such as the walk and Drayton Manor, there are also some
separate parent activities which are detailed in the parent programme.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Parking at the campsite is free for the whole week.
How will we get to activities offsite?
We have hired a coach for Drayton Manor, all of the other offsite activities are within a 10 minute radius, we
will be using the minibus to ferry people to these activities, if you have brought your car you are more than
welcome to drive to the activities yourself, if you choose to drive to Drayton Manor we will not be responsible
for paying for the parking charges for your car.
Can we go offsite during camp?
Yes, you need to ensure to tell a member of the organising team before you leave the site. Camp Charnwood
volunteers are not able to take responsibility for your child/ren at any time, if you are leaving site without your
child you need to ensure another parent is willing to take responsibility for your child/ren, please discuss this
with a member of the organising team before leaving.
How do meal times work?
All meals are provided. Packed lunches will be provided for when we are off site. All evening meals are going
to be on site, everyone will sit and have their evening meals together in the marquee onsite. We will have a
dietician onsite to support with carb counting.
Is there wifi? What is the phone signal like?
There is no wifi onsite, the phone signal is reasonably good.
What group is my child going to be in?
We will provide this information when you arrive at Camp.
What ages are the groups?
The ages for the groups are generally 5 - 8, 8 - 11, 11 - 13, 14 - 17.
How many young people are in each group?
Each group is sized at 12 - 14 young people.
Can I drink / bring alcohol?
You are able to bring alcohol to drink for yourself if you choose to, however you are responsible for your
children so please drink responsibly and be respectful of those that are not drinking. Alcohol consumption for
those under 18 is strictly prohibited so please ensure that you alcohol is stored securely.