Swimming and water confidence
A calmer introduction to being in the water, floating in a lifejacket, using safety equipment and building comfort around the lake environment.
Summary
ASD Active Adventurers, Mallow
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Contact Us (022) 27773
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Duration 09.30 - 12.30
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Suitable Ages 8 yrs +
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Difficulty Easy
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Contact Us [email protected]
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Activity Type Water
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Wetsuits Provided Yes
ASD Active Adventurers · Mallow · 8 to 16 yrs
2026 places currently sold out
A smaller, supported adventure camp for big outdoor wins.
ASD Active Adventurers is a specialist 3-day Ballyhass camp for autistic children and young people who would benefit from a quieter, smaller and more supported introduction to outdoor water adventure.
Places are extremely limited because this camp is built around high support, small groups and 1:1 instructor-to-camper delivery. Waiting list enquiries are welcome.
1:1 Support Max 6 Campers Challenge By Choice Water Each Day
Why this camp is different
Small group. High support. Real adventure.
This camp exists for families who want the Ballyhass adventure experience, but need it delivered with more structure, more reassurance and much smaller numbers.
The format is intentionally limited. Campers are supported by dedicated group leaders and a 1:1 instructor-to-camper ratio, giving them space to build confidence, try water-based activities and enjoy Ballyhass at a pace that works for them.
01
1:1 support
Each camper has dedicated instructor support during activity time, helping with confidence, communication and transitions.
02
Very small group
With a maximum of 6 campers, the environment is easier to manage and much less overwhelming than a standard camp.
03
Water each day
The camp is built around water confidence, swimming, paddle sports and Aquapark-style adventure.
04
Challenge by choice
Campers are encouraged and supported, but never forced. Progress looks different for every child.
Who it is for
For families who need a more supported route into Ballyhass.
ASD Active Adventurers is best suited to children and young people who would enjoy water-based outdoor adventure, but may need additional support around confidence, sensory needs, transitions, instructions, group settings or trying something new.
Autistic children and young people aged 8 to 16
Campers who benefit from smaller groups
Children who need extra time to settle into activities
Families looking for a water-confidence experience
Young people who may not suit a standard busy camp
Campers who respond well to calm encouragement
The 3-day format
A clear, water-based adventure journey.
The camp is designed as a short, focused 3-day experience. Each day has a clear activity focus, helping campers build familiarity, confidence and momentum across the programme.
Paddle sports
A progression into paddle-based activity, balance, movement and supported exploration on the water.
Aquapark adventure
A chance to finish the camp with a bigger challenge, more confidence and a proper sense of achievement.
Dates, sessions and availability
Sold out, but worth joining the waiting list.
Because the camp is capped at very small numbers, it can sell out quickly. The waiting list helps the Ballyhass team understand demand, manage cancellations and plan future supported camp capacity.
18, 19 and 20 August Tuesday to Thursday · Morning session 09.30 to 12.00 · Afternoon session 14.00 to 16.30
What to bring
Keep the kit simple and familiar.
Wetsuits and safety equipment are provided. Families are welcome to bring familiar kit that helps the camper feel comfortable, as long as it is suitable for water activity.
Swimwear and towel Swimwear should be worn under the wetsuit. Bring a towel for changing afterwards.
Wet shoes or booties Wet shoes, booties or old runners are useful around the water areas.
Warm dry layers Bring a hoodie, fleece or comfortable dry clothes for after water sessions.
Water bottle A refillable water bottle is best for short breaks between activities.
Snack if helpful Bring a familiar snack if this supports routine, energy or regulation.
Sunblock Use waterproof sunblock even on cloudy days. Wind and water still catch skin.
Comfort items Bring practical items that help the camper settle, as long as they can be safely managed on site.
Support notes Share anything useful with the team before camp so leaders can support the camper well.
FAQs
The questions that usually matter most.
This camp is currently marked as sold out. Families can still email the team to join the waiting list or register interest in future supported camp dates.
They do not need to be a strong swimmer. We recommend that campers are comfortable floating in a lifejacket and happy to be in and around the water with support.
The camp is designed around a 1:1 instructor-to-camper ratio during activity time. This keeps the group highly supported and allows the team to help campers at their own pace.
No. The camp is challenge by choice. Leaders will encourage campers to try, but no participant is forced into an activity they are not ready for.
The camp has a maximum group size of 6. This is one of the reasons spaces are so limited.
Email [email protected] with your child’s age, preferred session time, your contact details and any support information that would help the team assess fit and availability.
Missed a place this time?
Join the waiting list and help us understand demand for future ASD Active Adventurers sessions. With small groups and 1:1 support, every extra expression of interest helps us plan the next opportunity properly.
Swimming
Not only are these classes fun, but they provide basic water safety skills for young children and valuable safety information for parents.
For young children with additional needs swim classes can fulfil a variety of needs:
- Swimming can be very calming and provide needed sensory input.
- Swimming can be used to help develop and build gross motor skills as a supplement to physical therapy.
- Swimming can support occupational therapy goals by encouraging children to isolate body parts and use them independently.
- Swimming can assist in building communication skills by encouraging children to request songs and social play in the water.
Swimming Benefits
- Confident in the water
- Sensory Stimulation
- Physical Exercise
- Self-Regulate
Paddle Sports
This day is built around Sup Boarding and gaining more confidence in the water,Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii. Standup paddleboarders stand on boards that are floating on the water, and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.
Sup Boarding Benefits
- Gets You on Your Feet. ...
- Helps With Balance. ...
- Reduces Your Stress Levels. ...
- Exercises Your Whole Body. ...
- Low-Impact Workout. ...
- Helps You Lose Weight. ...
- Boosts Your Cardiovascular Health. ...
- Offers You The Optimal Environment for Meditation.
- Confident in the water
- Sensory Stimulation
- Physical Exercise
- Self-Regulate
Aqua Park
This is our last day to really push ourselves and finish off in style.
This water obstacle course is one of our most popular watersports, aqua park courses are giant inflatable water parks. Each course as tons of different features including Slides, Trampolines, Climbing Walls, Balance Beams, Monkey Bars, jumping flatforms and Giant swings. Think Wipe out meets ninja warrior and you get a little idea of whats ahead of you.
- Gets You on Your Feet
- Helps With Balance
- Reduces Your Stress Levels
- Exercises Your Whole Body
- Low-Impact Workout.
- Boosts Your Cardiovascular Health. ...
- Confident in the water
- Sensory Stimulation
- Physical Exercise
- Self-Regulate
Please call us on (022) 27773 or email [email protected] to book in.
Do I have to be able to swim?
No. As long as you are comfortable in the water you will be suitable for the camp. As this is a 1 to 1 ration each camper will have a instructor specifically with them.
Do we have to wear wetsuits?
We have included wetsuits in our admission price. We would highly recommend you take advantage of them. The water is beautiful looking but we are still in Ireland so why not be more comfortable and warm which will make the experience all the better.
What do I need to bring?
You will need swimwear and a towel. If you have your own wetsuit or wetsuit booties, wet shoes you are more than welcome to bring them but wetsuits are included as part of the entry fee.
How long before my camp should I arrive?
Please arrive 10 mins before your camp start time. Be aware also that we are in a rural location and unfortunately due to planning reasons signage isn't great. Allow time for wrong turns and make sure you study the map well before departing.
Are your instructors experienced?
Yes, we have extremely experienced instructors who all undergo in depth training at the start of each year. We all strive to deliver the best possible outdoor experience and are committed to safety through learning.
When is payment due?
When booking you have the choice of paying in full or paying a €50 deposit. You can then pay the remaining balance at a later date over the phone or when you arrive on the first day of camp.
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