Basecamp
A fun and dynamic programme where your child can make new friends and be themselves whilst developing their social skills. Open to children of primary school age in Edinburgh and East Lothian.
Basecamp offers engaging and varied activities with a wide range of opportunities for your child to develop skills in social communication and interaction. Each child is supported and encouraged to make friends and join in with activities in their own way, at their own pace.
Each Basecamp group is made up of 12 children. At each session, these 12 children are supported, either on a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio by a team of 8 Support Staff, as well as a Project Leader and Deputy Leader. Where possible, we aim to keep pairings consistent, and this helps to give each child a sense of consistency and security. Their support worker will be there to model positive play, support children through any moments of distress, and observe and nurture any shared interests and connections that the children develop with one another.
Through this support, Basecamp gives children who have difficulty using other clubs/activities a safe space to develop their social skills and feel included.
Getting To Know Eachother
The children at Basecamp are supported by the team, initially with name games and later through friend bingo where we look to encourage the group to find shared interests and common ground.
Making Friends
We understand that building lasting friendships can be a challenge, and where necessary, we look to nurture and guide the children through the process through close support by our excellent team of support staff.
Taking Turns
Almost all of our games and activities aim to contain a level of turn taking. Relay games, using the same resources for art activities, science activites which require a number of steps and actions are fun ways to promote taking turns at Basecamp.
Sharing
Sharing toys and games is something many children find challenging. We aim to offer toys which gently introduce this such as lego and other construction resources, art and craft materials as well as items needed for baking.
Working Together
Team work is a skill which can be helpful in so many settings. Group activities such as building a tower from dried spaghetti and marshmallows or completing a combined art activity with peers can be very rewarding.
Managing Emotions
We utilise a number of wonderful childrens books to help support our sessions, specifically those on emotions. Being able to recognise, name, and understand emotions is an important step in being able to manage them.
FAQs
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Basecamp is a self referral service, you do not need the involement of social work to obtain a place. Our Basecamp programmes run from September through to June. Depending on what point in the programme you make a referral we may be able to offer your child a place or put them on the referral list for future programmes.
Email : office@branchouttogether.org or complete the contact form on the website.
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All of our services are aimed at children and young people with a diagnosis of autism. We are however able to consider referrals from children and young people with similar support needs, or awaiting diagnosis.
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Each child will have a minimum of 1:2 or 1:1 support from a member of the Basecamp team. Support workers will help to encourage your child to join in with games and activities as well as provide any additional support they made need.
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Our funding requirements for Basecamp does not restrict application from those outwith the service area. If you are able to make the travel requirements we are happy to consider your referral.
‘(My child) does not go to school (he rejected school), so the fact that he now stays at Basecamp for nearly two hours is a big step forward. He was very anxious in groups of children, but is now improving, and even starting to join in and enjoy group games.
He has learned new games and often talks about them, and wants to play them at home.
He has learned to share with others, helping to hand out snacks etc. He enjoys his time there, and talks about it at home.’
— Parent
We are accepting referrals for a new Basecamp service in Prestonpans, East Lothian. We aim to launch the new cohort in April 2024. Click the button below to submit a referral, or click ‘contact us’ to register your interest and receive updates regarding future Basecamp services.
Join the team
Would you be interested in becoming a Support Worker or Volunteer at Basecamp? We are always on the look out for fun, energetic people who are passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with autism. If you would like to find out more information on our current vacancies get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
