One week in the school summer holiday, we held a summer fun camp for children. This was a new initiative for Manchester Occupational Therapy Services and, as such, required an entirely new approach.
OT Team Work
Always collaborative, we worked as a team to devise and provide an enriching and therapeutic environment for the young people who joined us. A whole host of new ideas were needed to ensure that we would achieve this.
We brainstormed and worked hard to make sure that we developed a comprehensive plan for the whole week. The carefully thought-out plan delivered a range of diverse and enticing activities. With some of us having not met the young people before, we had to be sure that we could offer a variety of activities which would suit everyone’s individual needs.
Getting to Know You
Day 1 focused on getting to know each young person. We discovered what they enjoyed and identified where we could support them to develop their skills. This way, we were able to work to meet their individual needs throughout their time at summer camp. Whilst enjoyment and having fun were the main priorities, it was vital to tailor activities to support the development of fine and gross motor skills alongside fulfilling sensory needs.
For example, two children shared an interest in Minecraft and Pokémon. We supported them in an activity to develop their fine motor skills through painting paper plates to create masks. Both children then worked together to create Pikachu masks which they could play with and then take home. Fine motor skills were also worked on through other craft activities such as making playdough and icing cakes. They were happy to be able to take their creations home.
Fun as Therapy
One child was observed to seek out high levels of vestibular and proprioceptive feedback during their time with us. Vestibular sensory-seeking activities involve actions that move the fluid in the inner ear, such as jumping, spinning or tumbling. Proprioceptive sensory-seeking activities include actions that put force on the joints and muscles like throwing and catching or pushing and pulling.
To appropriately and safely meet their needs, we incorporated sensory circuits into each day. This allowed them to gain this input through the use of various specialist equipment such as spinning cones, trampolines and the indoor swing. Tactile feedback was also offered through sensory toys and fun theraputty activities.
“A Wonderful Environment”
Another therapeutic aspect of the holiday club was creating and navigating obstacle courses. The children used their imaginations and problem-solving skills to make themed courses using a range of equipment. These obstacle courses also incorporated the alerting, organising and calming elements used in sensory circuits to promote sensory regulation.
It was good to see how the children could develop and rapport with the staff team, and also with each other in a safe, fun and therapeutic manner. Their parents all reported how pleased they were with the outcome over the week. One parent said: “Our child was so excited to come every day, and you have provided a wonderful environment for him to develop his skills”.
We aim to continue providing this enriched sensory environment for many more children to enjoy in future school holidays. Summer Camp was a huge success. Children’s needs were met, their skills were developed and, crucially, fun was definitely had – by all!
