We are pleased to share the outline schedule for our weekend away at the Mount Cook Activity Centre this August! As you will see, we have a wonderful blend of activities and information-sharing sessions planned for everyone.
Information Sessions and Main Hall Access
To ensure our weekend runs smoothly, information sessions will be held in the Small Hall, leaving the Main Hall open all day on Saturday for meals and hanging-out with friends and families. A member of the SMS Foundation team will always be present in the Main Hall to assist with any questions or for a friendly chat. Additionally, Jayne’s SOS Care Services team will have two members on hand to support individuals with SMS who may not wish to participate in scheduled activities or who change their mind at the last minute.
The Main Hall is a beautiful open space with panoramic views of the grounds, featuring comfy sofas and tables for casual relaxation. Refreshments and hot drinks can be purchased at the reception bar, and staff have access to a small kitchen for making drinks.
Creche Services
For our youngest attendees (up to 6 years old), we will run a creche in the Tipi, available for both individuals with SMS and their younger siblings. Jayne and her team will provide various fun play activities and crafts to keep little fingers busy.
Activity Groups
To make our activities as accessible and enjoyable as possible, we have created three separate activity groups. The activities are divided into those that are easy and SMS-friendly and those that are more physically challenging/demanding (restricted to individuals 9 years old and above).
Group 1: This group includes individuals with SMS (up to 15 years old) and siblings aged 6 to 9. There will be additional support and supervision from the SOS Care Services team (three members of staff) to support all the children in this group, so parents do not need to accompany them.
Group 2: This group is for teenagers (above 15) and adult individuals with SMS. Again, there will be additional support and supervision from the SOS Care Services team (three members of staff) to support everyone in this group, so parents do not need to accompany them.
Activities have been carefully selected, and are designed to be fun and accessible, including:
- Low Ropes
- Bushcraft
- Rocket Building
- Archery
- Outdoor Activities and Games
Group 3: This group features more physically demanding activities and is restricted for children over the age of 9. There will be no SOS Care Team support for this group, and sessions will be led by a Mount Cook Team member. Activities include:
- Archery Tag
- Traverse Cube
- High Ropes
- Zip Wire
- Rock Climbing
- Abseiling
Information Sessions
Information sessions will run throughout the weekend alongside the activities (subject to demand). Sessions will be held in the Small Hall on Saturday and in the Main Hall on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Topics include:
- Education and the EHCP process
- Exploring Adult Living Options
- Sleep and Behaviours in SMS
- Disability Legal Issues and Benefits
- SMS Health Open Panel Discussion
Additional Activities
We have also planned some additional fun activities. On Friday afternoon, unleash your inner graffiti artist on our Graffiti Wall – an activity on offer to everyone. On Sunday, a petting zoo will be set up in the Small Hall, giving the creche and both activity groups 1 and 2 the chance to interact with the animals.
Supporting Undiagnosed Children’s Day