Tori first volunteered for Over The Wall Camp in April 2025, and by the end of the camp season, she’d joined us at four residentials!
When she signed up to volunteer, Tori wanted to help the children and young people at camp, but she didn’t realise how much she would benefit from camp too.
As her time at camp went on, she discovered something powerful – a community where silliness is celebrated, courage is contagious, and small moments of success and connection turn into lifelong memories.
We caught up with Tori and spoke about her camp journey, her favourite memories, and how volunteering helped her rediscover the magic in everyday life.
How did you hear about camp? And why did you decide to volunteer?
I was incredibly lucky to work with some amazing people who had volunteered at Over the Wall Camp and Barretstown (a SeriousFun Children’s Network Camp in Ireland) for several years. So, I found myself in a Serious Fun sandwich, hearing about how amazing these experiences were! I decided it sounded like a bit of me!
I grew up with a chronic health condition but didn’t know about Over The Wall Camp; being able to see its impact now is like a gift to my younger self. I felt very passionately about empowering young people like me.
What’s the best thing about camp?
It’s a space where everyone can be their truest, silliest, most authentic self! You will find your kindred spirits in both campers, families and volunteers alike.
My favourite moments are when campers surprise not only themselves, but everyone else too – whether it’s tackling a new challenge or showing off a hidden talent, those moments hold so much power. They remind us all to look for the greatness in one another and create spaces for each other to shine.
Do you have a favourite memory from camp?
There’s an old camp dance called ‘Ice cream and cake’ which is my absolute favourite. At a Family Camp this summer, my families’ campers decided, since I loved it so much, we were going to work together to bring it back! We proposed a plan to the staff team, practiced round the campfire and during quiz night. In the end, almost all the campers and volunteers got up to perform it for the parents at the camp’s closing ceremony! They created magic for me, just as much as I created magic for them. It was a very special camp for me.
How did you feel during and after your first time at camp?
I felt the most like myself I’ve felt in a very long time. I’m so extremely grateful for camp reminding me that I can be silly and big hearted. I also feel so incredibly grateful to have met so many amazing young people and volunteers.
Everyone you meet stays with you for different reasons… their resilience, kindness, humour, creativity, or their peacefulness in the quieter moments – I feel lucky to have met them all.
Tell us about one of the rewarding moments you had at camp...
A rewarding moment for me, was when after a little encouragement from the Over The Wall Camp staff, I was brave and led a karaoke/open mic booth at the camp carnival. There were so many talented campers, both bold and shy, who came up to be brave and show off their hidden talents either on the guitar or by singing their favourite song.
Do you think your camp experience has helped you in your daily life?
Yes! Camp brought back a piece of myself I’d forgotten the value of. It reminded me that in all my ‘big kid’ glory, I am enough.
Camp reminds me to find the magic in the everyday moments; seeing a cheeky smile across the classroom at work, someone being proud of solving a question they were stuck on, or showing kindness to a friend… And it’s reminded me to make sure these moments are celebrated as they should be.
Camp also reminded me that there is no better wake up music than Vengaboys… but I’m not so sure the girls in my boarding house would agree!
What would you say to someone who is nervous about volunteering at camp for the first time?
I would remind them that we’re all volunteering at camp to make a difference to the young people and families we meet – so you’ve already got something in common with everyone before you even walk through the doors!
It’s ok to be nervous… it means you care! People from all walks of life and experiences volunteer at camp and they were all new once, if someone spots that you’re feeling a bit unsure they’ll come over and say hi (they did for me!).
Camp time goes quick, so by the end of the first day you’ll feel like you’ve known your team for ages.
What would you say to children and families who are unsure about applying for camp?
There’s no place like it. Camp is the most inclusive and authentic place I have ever experienced. There’s something and someone for absolutely everyone.
You will be amazed by what you can achieve with a small army of cheerleaders (volunteers) by your side!
The amount of pride, joy and laughter I get to see every time I go to camp is one of my favourite things. At the end of camp, young people get to take all that home with them.
The clinical volunteers are amazing; the children know they’ve got their backs if they need them, but they let the children take charge of their journey and challenge themselves just the right amount for them as individuals. They let the campers redefine themselves beyond their condition or diagnosis in such a nurturing way. By the end of camp, you can never tell who has been coming for years and who was new at the beginning of the week.
In 2026, we will be running camps at our new home! What are you most excited about regarding OTWC's new home in Ockbrook?
EVERYTHING! A place that OTWC can really put their own stamp on, building on all the years of traditions, dances and adventures to create their new home.
Summing up the difference camp has made to Tori, she said:
“Camp made me proud to be me.”
Thank you, Tori, for the difference you’ve made to campers and your fellow volunteers.