Odyssians offers you the opportunity to work with young adults who have disabilities for the residential part of your Gold DofE Award. We’ll work with you to make sure you get the training you need, and you’ll share the workload on an equal basis with our other volunteers.
All we ask you to do is stay with us for the whole week, just like all our other volunteers (that’s three nights longer than DofE usually requires). You’ll also need to make sure your DofE Leader (or Operating Authority) approves your trip first.
To find out more about what it’s like, take a look here.
If you’d like to find out more and you can’t find what you need here on our website, please contact us at [email protected].
What do our previous DofE volunteers think of Odyssians?
James
I was already set on carrying out my ‘residential’ in a camp similar to Odyssians before deciding on a residential placement, but the inclusive, friendly and supportive atmosphere portrayed by the Odyssians Website persuaded me that this would be the most fulfilling residential and life experience of them all.
I arrived at the camp relatively unsure and nervous, but I was immediately relaxed when everyone welcomed me and were just generally very friendly.
I think the most impressive aspect of Odyssians is the feel of a family community and the way in which every helper and camper work together and support each other.
My time at Odyssians this week has been one of the most influential ever and I have enjoyed every moment of it. By the end of the week I did not want to leave and as I have met so many great people and made so many friendships, that I hope will last, I want to return to Odyssians again and again!
Amy
I have thoroughly enjoyed my week at Odyssians. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly, and the other helpers very supportive and helpful. Throughout the week I have made lots of new friendships, many of which I hope will last for a long time. it is also very nice to be able to build a strong relationship with your camper. I have never done anything like this before, so I was a little unsure about how I would cope. The role can sometimes be fairly challenging, but a great experience. I have done many things throughout the week which I never expected to be able to do.
The camp has a great atmosphere and there was a wide variety of activities on offer. All these activities were really fun and it is very pleasing to see the campers enjoying themselves. Overall, Odyssians is a very enjoyable, well-run camp and I can’t wait to return next year!
Chloe
I have really enjoyed Odyssians Camp and would love to come back in future years. I have found that everyone was very welcoming, both campers and helpers and if I needed help there was always someone to ask. I was quite nervous about coming as I have never done anything like the Odyssians Camp before but I was soon reassured by the people in my patrol and the campers themselves. The atmosphere here is very friendly. I have made new friendships with people on camp and I hope they will last.
Adam
My experience at camp has been a great one. From the moment I arrived I was made highly welcome and was well supported. I came to camp with the aim to gain an understanding of various disabilities. This I have achieved and much more. I instead walk away with a friendship and a relationship that will last forever. I will be a changed man from now on. I praise everyone at this camp especially those who help organise it. This camp is a new lease of life to many and I hope to be part of it for many years to come. Farewell Odyssians until next year and we meet again.
Mike
Everyone was friendly and accommodating and all of the campers were patient with my lack of experience. The whole spirit of the camp was fantastic; knowing that almost all the helpers had little experience as carers, it became a learning experience for the campers and helpers alike. So long as I went with the flow and took challenges as they came, Odyssians was brilliant. There was plenty of opportunity to get involved in all aspects of, such as night shifts, which I really enjoyed. It was a really fun, relaxed and interesting residential and I would certainly recommend it to anyone on DofE or indeed anyone with a spare week in the summer.
Izzy
I found my week at Odyssians rewarding but occasionally challenging. It was a very enjoyable week with lots of fun activities to do with my camper. Both the helpers and the campers made me feel well supported and welcome at the camp. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed building relationships with everyone at the camp. I would love to come back next year and take part in the fun activities.
Alex
I found out about Odyssians Camp through the D of E website and thought it looked like a fun and interesting place to complete the residential section of my Duke of Edinburgh award. I got on really well with my camper and found she along with everyone else here made me feel really welcome and encouraged me to get involved as much as possible. I enjoyed all the activities throughout the week and don’t really want the week to end. I feel I have learnt a lot and gained skills which I can hopefully use in the future. Although the week has been challenging at times, I have had great support from other helpers and never felt like I had nothing to do or was in the way. I have thoroughly enjoyed my week and hope to come back next summer.
Matt
I arrived at Odyssians not knowing at all what to expect. I’d found it by chance on the D of E award website and applied thinking it might be something worthwhile. Once I arrived I was immediately made welcome by everyone there. I have never been anywhere quite like Odyssians. There is a fantastic atmosphere of people, helper and camper alike, having a great time. Be prepared for hard work and late nights. but also for a rewarding, life-changing experience. For the campers it is often the best week of their year and no one wants to leave! The activities included a trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a school disco and a formal prom. I would recommend Odyssians to anyone who isn’t afraid of hard work and likes to have fun.
Amarjit
I went to Odyssians for my DofE residential, with no expectations and extremely nervous. However, when I arrived I was greeted with the utmost joy. Everyone, whether camper or helper was extremely friendly and I settled in right away. All the activities were exciting and enjoyable. For me it was a life-changing experience. This is the best residential for any young person doing their D of E Gold Award. So good, I would go next year, or continue to go for years to come.
Helen
I had a super, super, super time, Thank you! It was extremely challenging but hugely fulfilling experience that has given me a whole range of new skills that I will be able to use in a wide range of situations. Thank you for everything.