Bereaved military families have been finding friendship, adventure and a place to talk openly at summer camps supported by the Veterans’ Foundation®.
Families’ Activity Breaks (FAB) welcomed 15 families to each of its camps in Arthog, Wales, and Ardroy, Scotland, this year.
The Veterans’ Foundation® has awarded FAB a two-year grant towards adventure breaks which bring together families who have lost a loved one whilst serving in the Armed Forces.
The camps give children the chance to meet others with similar experiences while their parents and carers build connections of their own.
Activities included gorge walking, raft building and canoeing, but the support families find extends well beyond the week away.
Twelve families attended a FAB camp for the first time in 2026.
Lynzy Savage, Fundraising and Merchandise Lead at FAB, understands that impact from both sides.
She first came to FAB with her son after losing her husband, Cpl William Savage, in Afghanistan in 2013.
Lynzy was pregnant at the time, so her son never had the chance to meet his father.
Having experienced the camps as a beneficiary, Lynzy now helps FAB support other families.
At school, Lynzy’s son is the only child in his year group who has lost a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
Camp feels different.
“When he goes to FAB camp, he’s not the odd one out,” she said. “Everybody’s the same.”
Children often form friendships quickly, and those connections continue after camp.
Parents and carers keep in touch too, giving one another people to turn to throughout the year.
“The kids keep in touch. The adults keep in touch,” Lynzy continued.
FAB’s volunteers are serving personnel, veterans or Defence civilians.
For Lynzy’s son, they also offer a connection to the military life of the father he never met.
“He can ask questions that I certainly can’t answer,” she said.
“Each camp holds an optional gathering called FAB Reflects where families can remember their loved ones, share stories if they wish or simply listen.
“Afterwards, they spend time together around the fire pit.
“Support continues when families return home and FAB’s bereavement support worker speaks with families before and after camp, and counselling is available for those who need it.”
Lynzy remembers feeling uncertain when she arrived at her first camp, but today, she sees returning families welcome newcomers and help them settle in.
“You find your people at the end of that week, and the kids have found their people,” she said.
For Lynzy, the Veterans’ Foundation’s® support helps make those connections possible year after year.
“It really is an invaluable grant that we’re getting from the Veterans’ Foundation®, that we are truly grateful for, to enable us to continue,” Lynzy concluded.
