UK Christian camps range from formal teaching conferences to activity-focused houseparty events. Typical days combine morning teaching, afternoon activities and evening Bible studies. Providers include specialist camp charities, publishers and church groups. Confirm details and safeguarding information with organisers before booking.

Overview

Christian camps and conferences remain a regular part of youth and family ministry across the United Kingdom. They range from large teaching conferences with formal Bible expositional preaching to shorter "houseparty"-style events that mix outdoor activities and fellowship with daily Scripture teaching.

Typical format and activities

Many UK Christian camps keep a simple daily rhythm: a morning service or teaching slot, afternoon activities, and smaller evening Bible studies or tent groups. Outdoor pursuits commonly offered include canoeing, climbing, hiking, and team sports, with organisers adapting activities to the site and age-group.

Organisers aim to combine fun, community and clear Bible teaching. Evening groups or tent groups are still a common pattern for discussing the day's teaching and helping young people digest Scripture in a smaller setting.

Who attends and who runs them

Some events are aimed specifically at teenagers and young adults; others are family-orientated or open to all ages with separate youth programmes. Providers vary: some organisations exist primarily to run camps, while others are publishers, churches or parachurch groups that include camps among their wider ministries.

Examples often mentioned historically and still active in different forms today include:

  • Christian Camps in Wales (CCIW) - a long-running organiser of residential youth camps (http://www.cciw.co.uk)
  • Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW) - runs conferences and ministries that have included camps and youth events (https://www.emw.org.uk) 1
  • Banner of Truth - a Reformed publishing charity that has organised theological conferences (https://banneroftruth.org) 2
  • Word Alive / Spring Harvest - large conference brands that have offered teaching weeks and family events (https://wordalive.org and https://springharvest.org) 3
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Local churches, dioceses and Christian charities also run weekend and day camps throughout the UK.

Choosing a camp

When choosing a camp, check the age range, safeguarding and child-protection policies, leader-to-child ratios, accommodation and medical provision. Look for clear information on teaching style and the theological stance of the organisers if that matters to you.

Final note

Across the UK, camps still aim to combine outdoor fun with teaching the gospel. Offerings change over time, so always confirm dates, formats and booking details on the organiser's website before you plan to attend.

  1. Verify the current URLs and active status for Christian Camps in Wales (http://www.cciw.co.uk).
  2. Confirm the Evangelical Movement of Wales pages and any active camp/youth programmes (https://www.emw.org.uk).
  3. Confirm Banner of Truth conference activity and current website (https://banneroftruth.org).
  4. Confirm current Word Alive and Spring Harvest web addresses and their event formats (https://wordalive.org and https://springharvest.org).
  5. Verify whether any of the listed organisations still run residential youth camps in the same formats described.

FAQs about Christian Camps

What age groups attend UK Christian camps?
There is wide variation: some camps are for teenagers and young adults, others are family-oriented or open to all ages with separate youth programmes. Check the event description for age ranges.
What happens during a typical camp day?
Many camps follow a rhythm of morning teaching or worship, afternoon activities (outdoor pursuits or games), and evening small-group Bible studies or tent groups.
How do I check a camp’s safety and safeguarding policies?
Look for published safeguarding or child-protection policies on the organiser's website, ask about leader training and DBS checks (or equivalent), and confirm leader-to-child ratios and medical arrangements.
Are there theological differences between camps?
Yes. Organisers differ in theological emphasis and teaching style. If theology matters to you, review the organiser's statements of faith and sample teaching or conference speakers before booking.
Where can I find current dates and booking details?
Visit the organiser's official website or contact them directly. Local churches and diocesan offices also often publish links to nearby camps and events.

News about Christian Camps

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