For 18 boys living with or beyond a brain tumour diagnosis, this summer’s Better Together Camp was far more than a weekend away. It was a chance to make friends, try new adventures, grow in confidence and simply enjoy being children together.
Held in a safe and supportive environment, the camp brought together young people from Newcastle and Liverpool who share similar experiences, but who may never otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
The impact was clear. Every young person who responded to our post-camp survey said they would recommend Better Together Camp to another child, while every parent rated their child’s experience as “excellent.”
Across all feedback from young people, parents and professionals, the strongest themes were increased confidence, new friendships, trying new experiences and having fun. Parents also highlighted lasting benefits beyond camp, including greater independence, improved self-esteem and a willingness to take on new challenges.
Throughout the weekend, the boys took on activities including canoeing, ziplining, high ropes, climbing and archery. But for many, the biggest achievement wasn’t completing an activity. It was discovering what they were capable of.
Parents spoke of children returning home happier, more confident and more willing to try new things. One parent told us: “It has been an amazing experience and gave him a much-needed confidence boost.” Another described camp as an important milestone in helping their child develop independence and confidence away from home: “Thank you for this exceptional opportunity. You supported us with a key family milestone of independence and confidence.”
Friendship and belonging were another powerful theme. Many boys told us the best part of camp was spending time with others who simply understood. After years of treatment, appointments and feeling different from their peers, camp offered a sense of connection that can be hard to find elsewhere. The camp created a powerful sense of belonging, with 89% of young people saying they felt part of the group all the time.
Those connections are continuing long after camp ended. Many families report that the boys have stayed in touch through group chats and, following our in-person reunion earlier this month, plans are already in place to meet up online again soon.
Professionals and volunteers witnessed the transformation first-hand. They described seeing children overcome fears, build friendships, develop independence and grow in confidence. One volunteer reflected: “It enabled the children to just be kids.” Another simply described the experience as “life-changing.”
One young person summed it up beautifully when asked why they would recommend the camp: “Because I want people to feel joy like I did.”
The feedback from families, young people and professionals paints a powerful picture of the difference Better Together Camp can make. Through adventure, friendship and specialist support, children living with brain tumours are given the chance to challenge themselves, feel less alone, build confidence in who they are and create memories that will last a lifetime.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, healthcare professionals, supporters and funders who make our Better Together Camp possible. Together, we’re helping children with brain tumours build confidence, find friendship and discover that they are stronger than they ever imagined.
Every child with a brain tumour deserves the chance to build confidence, make lasting friendships and discover what they’re capable of. Find out more about Better Together Camp and how your support helps us create life-changing opportunities for children and young people across the UK.
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Contact: kirsty.keegan@tomstrust.org.uk