HDYO and our European HD Association partners are excited to host the European HD Youth Camp for 2016. The goal of camp is to offer young people the chance to meet other young people impacted by HD, to learn about HD through educational workshops, to share experiences through sharing sessions and to have plenty of fun participating in the many on-site activities, such as ropes courses, archery and much more. We hope young people attending camp will benefit by feeling less isolated, more supported, as well coming away from camp with an improved understanding of HD and strong peer connections with other young people in similar situations. There will be an experienced HD team of professionals and volunteers on-site to support young people at all times.

Who can attend: Young people impacted by HD between the ages 15-25 that live in the following European countries can apply:

• England & Wales
• Scotland
• N. Ireland
• Ireland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Belgium
• Germany

You must also be able to speak and understand English as that will be the language for camp.

How many spaces are available: There is the capacity for about 40 young people to attend the camp.

When will it be: Arriving Sunday, August 7th – Leaving Saturday, August 13th, 2016

Where will it be: Grosvenor Hall, Kent, England – South of London

Cost: Free!!!! The camp, food and travel costs are all covered. Campers should have some money for airport snacks and incidentals.

How to apply for the 2016 European HD Youth Camp

Any young person can apply using the online application form here

Not sure if camp is right for you? See highlights from a previous Euro camp:

Application Process: Please note that each country has a maximum number of campers they can bring, not everyone who applies will get a place.

The online application will be open from February 1, 2016 until April 30, 2016. Decisions for each country group for camp will be made by the HD Association in that country, with assistance from HDYO.

Applications will be reviewed by the camp team during the first two weeks of May 2015. If there are more applicants than places we will prioritize those young people who may not have a lot of support in their local community. If you are selected to attend the camp you will be notified in May by either HDYO staff or your local HD Association contact person for camp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will I/my child get to Kent, England?

If you are selected to attend camp, we will arrange travel for you. Young people will travel in groups from each country to the camp.

Who is running the camp?

There will be staff from HDYO and partnering European HD Associations will be supervising the camp, HD professionals from around Europe and a trained and trusted group of young adult volunteers from the HD community in Europe to form the volunteer support team. All camp activities are supervised by certified staff that are employees of Kingswood camps.

• Insurance: All campers are required to have medical insurance. You should check your policy for travel coverage. The camp is fully insured and there will be extra event coverage organized by HDYO as well.
• All families will be required to sign a release alleviating HDYO and our partners responsibility in the case of an accident or injury.
• Medical Treatment: Qualified first aiders and trained medical professionals will be on-site.

What experience do the staff have with supporting young people and camps?

HDYO has organized several camps in Europe and North America for young people, we will bring a wealth of experience in this area, as will a number of our partners who have done their own camps in their own region of Europe in the past. Our staff team will be one of the most experienced team of HD youth workers we’ve ever had for a camp.

What will each day look like?

The days will start with breakfast as a group. After that, depending on the day, there will be a mix of recreational activities, educational sessions and some sharing sessions. A full agenda will be provided to each family prior to the start of camp.

What support is available to my child before and after camp?

Young people will receive support before and after camp through the contact person at their local HD Association. We feel it is important to offer pre and post camp support for every young person who attends.

Who is funding the camp project?

The camp is funded mainly through a grant from Erasmus+, and also from our partnering HD Associations.

Have a question/query about the camp that isn’t answered above? Contact HDYO’s Project Coordinator, Matt Ellison, at matt@hdyo.org

This camp is supported by:

• Erasmus+
• England and Wales
• Scotland
• N.Ireland
• Ireland
• Sweden
• Norway
• Belgium
• Germany