A new chapter is beginning for Camp Jojo, the inclusive camping program for families of children with complex and life-limiting needs. The organization, originally based in Essex, has announced the opening of its second site in Cumbria in 2026.
The new camp will be located at Nag’s Head Farm in Hoff, near Appleby-in-Westmorland, and is designed to bring fully adapted camping experiences to families in the north of England.
Since its launch in 2017, Camp Jojo has offered tailored camping holidays at its East Mersea site, welcoming families who often face barriers to traditional vacation experiences. The initiative is supported by a three-year grant of £240,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will fund most operational and staffing costs for the new Cumbrian location.
Dr Christine Wright, Chair of Trustees at Camp Jojo, emphasized the growing demand for accessible camps and the need to reach families outside of the south:
“Every year, the number of families that apply to attend camp far outweighs the number of places available. In addition, so many families from the north of England have told us that the travel time to Essex is just too long with a child who has complex needs. We have heard them, and it is definitely time for Camp Jojo to open a second site so we can share our magic with as many families as possible and echo our ethos of ‘everybody can’.”
To introduce the new site, Camp Jojo will hold open days on June 21 and 22, welcoming families, volunteers, and supporters to experience the space and learn more about the camp’s offerings.
The new location will be equipped with a wide range of specialist facilities, including:
- Adapted tents with hoists
- Accessible bathrooms with ceiling track hoists
- Medical and safety beds
- A sensory room
- All-terrain wheelchairs
- Specialist seating
A dedicated team of trained volunteers, many experienced in supporting children with complex needs, will be on hand to ensure each family receives personalized care and assistance during their stay.
Alex and Douglas Chalmers, the owners of Nag’s Head Farm, expressed their excitement about hosting the new site:
“We are delighted to welcome Camp Jojo to our farm, in the beautiful Eden Valley and to the north of England. We’ve been involved with Camp Jojo for some time and have also run inclusive community activities for years, so we understand how important it is for families of children with complex needs to simply enjoy being together outdoors.”
Families who have attended Camp Jojo in Essex have praised the program’s inclusive environment and lasting impact. One parent shared:
“Camp Jojo allows children to be just children, without their disabilities getting in the way or people overlooking who they are.”
Another parent described the rare joy of couple time while their children were cared for by volunteers:
“It’s the first time in a long time we’ve enjoyed some couple time together. Although a 20-minute walk might not seem much, to us, it’s huge.”
A sibling of a camper reflected on the welcoming atmosphere:
“I loved my time at camp. It was so nice to see my little brother be himself with no judgment and my mum relax and enjoy herself too.”
Preparations are already underway at Nag’s Head Farm to ready the site for this month’s open days and the official camp openings in 2026. With its expansion into Cumbria, Camp Jojo continues to fulfill its mission of making nature and community accessible to all — one family at a time.
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