Woodland
Music Camp
is a musically themed event run each September at Woodlarks Campsite in Surrey by
a group of volunteers.
What Is Woodland Music Camp?
It is a five day camp of special interest to disabled people who play musical instruments or just enjoy musical involvement and would like to participate with others in folk music, singing or merely listening. There are also daily craft workshops and other activities such as wheelchair dancing, handbell ringing, percussion workshops, drama, poetry and swimming. Kitchen and other camping chores are run by experienced helpers, but we hope and expect that campers and helpers will enjoy volunteering to assist with these.
It is a five day camp of special interest to disabled people who play musical instruments or just enjoy musical involvement and would like to participate with others in folk music, singing or merely listening. There are also daily craft workshops and other activities such as wheelchair dancing, handbell ringing, percussion workshops, drama, poetry and swimming. Kitchen and other camping chores are run by experienced helpers, but we hope and expect that campers and helpers will enjoy volunteering to assist with these.
When Is It?
From 3pm Saturday 30th August to 10am Thursday 6th September 2025.
From 3pm Saturday 30th August to 10am Thursday 6th September 2025.
What is Woodlarks Campsite?
Situated in twelve acres of beautiful secluded woodland countryside, Woodlarks Campsite was established in 1930. Over the last 70 years it has provided accessible camping for people of all ages with all kinds of disabilities. Hard paths have made the woods and campfire areas accessible to wheelchair users.
Situated in twelve acres of beautiful secluded woodland countryside, Woodlarks Campsite was established in 1930. Over the last 70 years it has provided accessible camping for people of all ages with all kinds of disabilities. Hard paths have made the woods and campfire areas accessible to wheelchair users.
The Facilities
People enjoy sleeping in a bed in pre-erected tents, eating out of doors in good weather, but with the security and comfort of ample indoor space should it be wet. Alternative dormitory accommodation is available. Bathrooms, showers and toilets are easily accessible to wheelchair users. You are not going to go hungry; the catering is provided by experienced cooks. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool with alternative entry facilities. We have a laundry with washing machine and drier.
People enjoy sleeping in a bed in pre-erected tents, eating out of doors in good weather, but with the security and comfort of ample indoor space should it be wet. Alternative dormitory accommodation is available. Bathrooms, showers and toilets are easily accessible to wheelchair users. You are not going to go hungry; the catering is provided by experienced cooks. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool with alternative entry facilities. We have a laundry with washing machine and drier.
Personal
Care
Each disabled camper needing personal care is requested to bring a carer (e.g. a family member or friend) to help with all their personal needs. If this is not possible we will do our best to allocate a personal carer from our volunteer able bodied campers. Applications will only be accepted as bookings when we have matched carers to those needing them.
Each disabled camper needing personal care is requested to bring a carer (e.g. a family member or friend) to help with all their personal needs. If this is not possible we will do our best to allocate a personal carer from our volunteer able bodied campers. Applications will only be accepted as bookings when we have matched carers to those needing them.
A Typical Day
Each day will include three meals and additional refreshment breaks; there may be an optional swimming session and music, craft and other workshops. There is usually wheelchair maypole and other dancing. In the evenings there could be a quiz, a drama performance, games or just a gathering round the woodburning stove.
The activities offered vary depending on the volunteers who run them.
Each day will include three meals and additional refreshment breaks; there may be an optional swimming session and music, craft and other workshops. There is usually wheelchair maypole and other dancing. In the evenings there could be a quiz, a drama performance, games or just a gathering round the woodburning stove.
The activities offered vary depending on the volunteers who run them.
The Music
The aim is to gain enjoyment, experience and skills through playing music in a group with others. If you play a musical instrument please let us know and we will contact you so we can provide for your interests. Non instrumentalists may be able to join in sessions using drums or other percussion instruments. There could also be a chance to play in a handbell session playing tunes in harmony under tuition. There will be plenty of live music to listen to, especially at the swimming pool and in the evenings.
The aim is to gain enjoyment, experience and skills through playing music in a group with others. If you play a musical instrument please let us know and we will contact you so we can provide for your interests. Non instrumentalists may be able to join in sessions using drums or other percussion instruments. There could also be a chance to play in a handbell session playing tunes in harmony under tuition. There will be plenty of live music to listen to, especially at the swimming pool and in the evenings.
The Theme
Each year we have a theme towards which we slant the music, craft and drama activities. The theme for this year is Country Ways.
Each year we have a theme towards which we slant the music, craft and drama activities. The theme for this year is Country Ways.
What Should I Bring
Sleeping bag or bed linen, pillow, clothing, personal wash things and medicines, torch, musical items and swimming costume.
Sleeping bag or bed linen, pillow, clothing, personal wash things and medicines, torch, musical items and swimming costume.
Volunteers
The camp only happens because of volunteers who usually find the experience inspirational through the very high level of motivation encountered. We are always seeking new volunteers to help at camp, especially those willing to provide personal care. Please contact us as early as possible if you feel you could help so we can arrange your DBS checks. Volunteering here helps young people seeking D of E awards.
The camp only happens because of volunteers who usually find the experience inspirational through the very high level of motivation encountered. We are always seeking new volunteers to help at camp, especially those willing to provide personal care. Please contact us as early as possible if you feel you could help so we can arrange your DBS checks. Volunteering here helps young people seeking D of E awards.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost per person (disabled campers or able bodied volunteer helpers) for 2025 is £180
The cost per person (disabled campers or able bodied volunteer helpers) for 2025 is £180
How to Book
Contact the organisers on the contacts page and we will send you some forms to fill in - a booking form and a Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection declaration form. Fill in these forms for yourself and, where applicable, get your personal carer to fill in theirs. Send these to the address indicated. Bookings must be made in advance.
Contact the organisers on the contacts page and we will send you some forms to fill in - a booking form and a Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection declaration form. Fill in these forms for yourself and, where applicable, get your personal carer to fill in theirs. Send these to the address indicated. Bookings must be made in advance.