TRELOAR School and College provided the venue for this month’s Order of Malta International holiday camp.

More than 500 young disabled people and their carers gathered at the Holybourne campus, near Alton, for what was billed as a “once-in-a-lifetime week of fun, friendship and adventure”.

The young people had the opportunity to kayak, ride horses, fly in a light aircraft, scuba dive, and try indoor skydiving.

Delegations travelled from 23 countries around the world to take part in the week-long camp, which ran from August 11-18.

Guests received 24-hour care from Order of Malta Volunteer helpers of the same age – an inspiring combination which often results in life-long friendships.

Commenting on this year’s UK experience, Maltese team leader Daniel Camilleri said: “The volunteers give us a lot but the guests give so much back. It is a combination of satisfaction and kindness.”

Italian guest Monica said: “It’s my third camp and it’s a fantastic experience. I love it!”

For Malcolm, also from Malta, this was his eighth camp and he said: “It’s so much fun!”

A Treloar spokesman said: “Treloar’s welcomed the Order of Malta Volunteer helpers who in turn embraced our students and staff as their own, inviting us to join in the amazing activities taking place.

“Included in the fun was a welcome ceremony with a Scottish Highlands piper and a closing party with tribute bands, a steel drum band and a magnificent fireworks display.

“We felt truly blessed to have been part of such an amazing week.”

The Order of Malta Volunteers, a registered charity, is a group of young people under the age of 30 committed to giving people with disabilities opportunities and experiences away from their everyday lives.

Recent camps have been held in France, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Austria.

A member of the global Order of Malta, Order of Malta Volunteers run multiple activities throughout the year, ranging from two-week camps in the Middle East to weekends in Norfolk.

Volunteers take on a large proportion of the physical care needs of disabled guests. The training and experience is central to the Order of Malta Volunteer ethos and the reason that so many volunteers and guests return year after year. For more details, visit omv.org.uk.