When reflecting on their time at Camphill School Aberdeen, many of our young people, staff, and volunteers recall trips to visit new places as some of their favourite memories.

At Camphill School Aberdeen we provide day and residential services to young people with complex additional support needs and learning disabilities. We empower learning, taking part in meaningful work, developing life skills, building friendships, and growing in confidence and independence. 

We love taking our young people on day trips and overnight excursions to help with their development. Everyone has the opportunity to go on at least one trip throughout the year and they are catered to all different abilities to ensure no one misses out. Recent trips we’ve made include Glenshee, Badaguish, Landmark, Crathes Castle, and to see Bluey at P&J Live!

These trips are so important - they help boost confidence, strengthen relationships, create lifelong memories, contribute to personal development, and allow students to learn in a practical setting.

For many of our young people, stepping outside their usual environment can be a big challenge. But these trips provide a safe and supportive space to explore and try new things while being surrounded by people they know and trust. Trying new activities helps students see their abilities and potential, improving self-esteem and promoting independence.

Interacting with their peers and teachers outside the classroom also helps students to connect. Whether it's working as a team or sharing a fun moment, these moments help build friendships and improve communication skills. Interacting with the world outside Camphill School Aberdeen is crucial for our young people to practise social cues and language skills. Trips away also encourage teamwork and teach empathy, all of which are essential for social development.

And let’s not forget the most important part of our trips, the fun! Every young person deserves to experience the joy of exploring Scotland’s amazing wildlife, history, and thrilling outdoor activities.

We always strive to ensure students feel a sense of belonging and purpose, setting them up for happy and healthy lives, now and into adulthood. Taking them on trips and holidays around Scotland is one of the many amazing ways we’re able to achieve this.

We’re currently aiming to increase our capacity by 60% and support more young people through our Building Futures, Transforming Lives campaign. The campaign aims to raise £10 million over 10 years and includes the construction of three new residential homes, the construction of a sustainable social enterprise that will provide meaningful skills development to our young people, and the improvement of our onsite facilities.

Find out more about the campaign and how you can support our vision, here.