A place where children and families can experience play, connection and inclusion is at the heart of the Italian pilot activity of the MINDFUL project. Located in Maruggio, in the province of Taranto, Invictus Camp is an inclusive recreational therapy camp created by Fondazione Vanni Longo, offering children and young people with disabilities, chronic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders the opportunity to take part in recreational activities in a safe and accessible environment, together with their families.
Through MINDFUL, the existing camp model has been further strengthened through a dedicated training programme delivered by Dynamo Camp experts, from one of Italy’s leading recreational therapy camps based in Tuscany. Drawing on their experience in supporting children with serious illnesses and disabilities, the training provided staff and volunteers with new tools and skills to further improve the quality of activities offered at Invictus Camp.
A further innovative element introduced within the project is the development of an assessment framework to collect feedback and evaluate the impact of the camp experience. During the 2026 summer edition, the evaluation model was tested through questionnaires completed by users, families and caregivers, with 123 questionnaires collected. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of recreational therapy activities on well-being, participation and autonomy, while supporting the future replication of the model.
During the summer season, children and families took part in a wide range of recreational and outdoor activities, including adapted sports, archery, creative workshops, gardening and water-based experiences. Beyond the activities themselves, Invictus Camp represents an opportunity for families to share a holiday experience together, in a context designed to overcome barriers to leisure and social participation.
The summer edition has now concluded, while the autumn programme has started with a new weekend-based format, continuing the activities and further testing the model developed within MINDFUL.
