Edinburgh-based charity SuperTroop, which provides residential breaks for children with learning disabilities, held its eighth successful summer camp on the grounds of Fettes College thanks to a thriving partnership between the two organisations.
Held during the summer break, the week-long ‘incredible special’ holiday saw nineteen Fettes Sixth Form students and thirteen Old Fettesian volunteers provide round-the-clock, one-to-one personal care and friendship for around twenty young holidaymakers.
This year’s programme was built around a Highlands theme, adding a Scottish twist to established favourites such as trampolining and swimming. New additions included tartan weaving, cupcake and shortbread decorating, and ceilidh dancing.
The group also visited The Yard and the National Museum of Scotland followed by an evening listening to bagpipes, performing in a fashion show and hearing an impressive performance of a new SuperTroop-themed song written by the volunteers involved.
Toby L, a sixth-form student at Fettes College who dedicated time this summer towards volunteering for SuperTroop, said: “My time with SuperTroop, though only my first year as a helper, was incredibly special.
“In my eyes, SuperTroop makes the experience of each kid’s holiday individual to what they enjoy and require – whether this be food or activities, but especially for their additional needs – and all from the perspective of fun, safety, and respect.”
Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder, SuperTroop, said: “SuperTroop has had another storming year thanks to our extraordinary holidaymakers, invaluable support from Fettes and the blessing of lots of sunshine!
“The ripple effects from this week of adventure will last all year – rested families, disabled young people with happy memories and expanded independence, and volunteers with new skills and lifelong friendships.”
The holiday is also made possible by the support of operational staff who manage accommodation and catering throughout the stay.
Andrew Archibald, Senior Volunteer and Teacher at Fettes College said: “As ever, this holiday is not only an opportunity to give back but a huge team effort to make the week another great success for the SuperTroop holidaymakers and their families.
“From our amazing students, Old Fettesians and staff volunteers who rose to the challenge of one-to-one, 24-hour personal care, to the operational staff who prepared fantastic accommodation and meals, everyone played their part in delivering a magical experience.
“SuperTroop remains a charity that is a very special part of Fettes life and it is a privilege to share the first week of the school holidays with them. We are already looking forward to doing it all again in 2027!”
Toby added: “What really struck me as what makes SuperTroop so special and unique was at the end of the week when the holidaymakers got picked up by their parents. Seeing how much of an impact the week had for the parents of the holidaymakers showed me the true meaning of ‘respite’.
“At the goodbyes it really made me think – all these volunteers give up time and effort for SuperTroop, and I don’t think words really do their incredible effort justice.”
The holidaymakers stay on campus, sleep in dorm rooms with their peers and 1:1 helpers, and eat meals as a group in the dining hall. Fettes provide a high-quality and accessible residence as well as catering and facilities including outdoor spaces, swimming pool and sports hall.
To find out how you can join the troop or lend your support, go to supertroop.org/
PICTURES: SuperTroop