Charity accused of denying disabled child place at summer camp over gender-critical row referred to watchdog

Over The Wall Camp supported 826 children through residential programmes in 2024

|
OVER THE WALL CAMP
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 02/09/2025

- 16:28

The charity maintained that the rejection wasn't due to the mother's written response but rather her 'aggressive' telephone manner

A charity that has been accused of banning a disabled child from summer camp over a gender-critical row has been referred to the watchdog.

His mother expressed gender-critical views during the application process, which she argues resulted in her son being rejected from their July camp held at Strathallan School in Perthshire.


The 52-year-old from southern Scotland had responded to a question about her son's pronouns on the application form by writing: "Seriously?"

She then stated that people cannot change their biological sex on a phone call.

Following this heated exchange, his family was denied a place on a Family Camp where parents or siblings accompany children.

The young boy was then invited to apply for a place at one of the Health Challenge camps in Scotland, according to the charity, "to ensure the mental and physical safety of ALL campers, families, and supporters."

The charity maintained that the rejection wasn't due to the mother's written response but rather her "aggressive" telephone manner and concerns about potential "conflict" with a transgender child attending the camp.

However, internal documents secured by the parent through Free Speech Union Scotland revealed different reasoning.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Over The Wall Camp

The boy was rejected from the July camp held at Strathallan School in Perthshire

|

OVER THE WALL CAMP

These records indicated the family was excluded due to their supposed "lack of alignment" with the camp's "inclusive environment".

The documentation contradicted the charity's public stance about the decision being based solely on the mother's conduct during the call.

Over the Wall later suggested the mother could apply for a children-only residential programme instead.

The Free Speech Union has now lodged formal complaints with both Scottish and English charity regulators.

Summer camp

Over the Wall later suggested the mother could apply for a children-only residential programme instead

|

OVER THE WALL CAMP

Lord Young, the organisation's general secretary, argued in correspondence that Over the Wall failed to fulfil its charitable purpose by denying services to a child with long-term health needs.

The complaint letter said: "The political objection to the views of parents should not directly result in excluding a child from the charity's services."

It cited the 2021 employment tribunal ruling that established gender-critical beliefs as protected under the Equality Act.

The submission accused the charity of potential direct discrimination, suggesting the mother received less favourable treatment than someone holding opposing views would have experienced.

Over The Wall Camp

The charity maintained that the rejection wasn't due to the mother's written response but rather her 'aggressive' telephone manner

|

OVER THE WALL CAMP

The Charity Commission confirmed it is assessing the concerns raised and considering various responses, including a potential investigation.

A spokesman said they are evaluating whether regulatory intervention is appropriate, but have reached no conclusions yet.

Over the Wall operates camps for disabled children and their families across Scotland, Staffordshire and Dorset.

The organisation supported 826 children through residential programmes in 2024, a record number.

Media Statement

The charity released a statement on September 1 justifying their decision

|

OVER THE WALL CAMP

Major funders include BBC Children in Need, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Sobell Foundation.

The charity reported income of £2.6million in its most recent annual accounts.

A charity spokesman said they "welcome the Charity Commission's potential investigation".

However, they maintain the rejection was due to the mother's "aggressive" communication style rather than her views.

Over The Wall Camp

Over the Wall operates camps for disabled children and their families across Scotland, Staffordshire and Dorset

|

OVER THE WALL CAMP

In a statement they said: "We take very seriously our mission to provide transformational, inclusive, and safe camp experiences to children living with serious health challenges and their families.

"Part of our duty is to ensure the mental and physical safety of ALL campers, families, and supporters.

"Over The Wall Camp is a UK children’s charity with 26 years of experience providing free residential camps and online programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families.

"Each year, thousands of children and parents attend our camps, which are designed to be safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where young people can build confidence, make friends, and, importantly, rediscover the magic of childhood.

"We are very proud to have achieved four consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings and most recently a ‘Very Good’ rating by the Care Inspectorate."

More From GB News