Camps – Forest School Camps

Camp No. 1 - Devon Cave Training

Camp Chief: Molly Hopkinshaw Organiser: Pablo Dent
Dates: Friday 8th March 2024 to Sunday 10th March 2024
Ages: 16 plus
Fees: £54.00

This weekend is for experienced caving pathfinders and staff who intend to come on the Easter caving camp to familiarise ourselves with the Devon Caves and get skilled up.

Nearby Town: Buckfastleigh

Travel: TBC

Camp No. 2 - Wilderbrook - STOP PRESS now in Somerset

Camp Chiefs: Bea Patrick & Daniel Jacks Organiser: Clem Marshall
Dates: Saturday 30th March 2024 to Saturday 6th April 2024
Ages: 8.0 to 17.11
Fees: £368.00

STOP PRESS - March 2024: The Derbyshire site has been flooded out so we are moving the adventure to Somerset. STOP PRESS Come and spend the week in Wilderbrook. Everything in nature is coming alive and awakening. It is a time of rain and sunshine, the mingling of the elements of fire and water, spring gales, high tides, feelings of wildness and chaos. Run wild in the wind and celebrate life's beginnings. We are breaking out and moving forwards. We feel empowered to take risks, strike out, make things happen. It is a time to begin new ventures, make new friends, and go on a journey together.

Nearby Town: Taunton, Somerset

Travel: TBC

Camp No. 3 - The Devon Stomp & Wiggle

Camp Chief: Molly Hopkinshaw Organiser: Pablo Dent
Dates: Saturday 30th March 2024 to Thursday 4th April 2024
Ages: 11.0 to 17.11
Fees: £216.00

The red Devon Mud is waiting to welcome us back after a long hiatus! We will spend the first few days exploring Dartmoor on foot, carrying everything that we need, as the larks bounce up from the tussocks and the rivers bubble and sing. Then, in the second part of the week - from the comfort of our cosy hut - we will venture below into the glorious and friendly Devon caves and all the grottos of delight they have to offer. Bring both your stomping feet and your wriggling energy and let's have a heavenly time (or is that devon-ly..?)!

Nearby Town: Buckfastleigh

Travel: TBC

Extra Info: This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 10 - Hodore Hoedown

Camp Chief: Laurence Higgins Organiser: Tim Bennett
Dates: Friday 3rd May 2024 to Monday 6th May 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 15.11
Fees: £137.00

Come and enjoy a fast-paced three night camp in the beautiful bluebell woods at Hodore. We will make friends, build fires, eat in circles, have fun, sing songs and sleep well, wake early and pack as much as you can into our 72 hours. Come and see how much fun you can have with people you've only just met. This is a camp for everyone, and is particularly good for FSC first timers and people with limited mobility.

Nearby Town: East Grinstead

Travel: Coach from Brixton - St Matthew's Road SW2 1ND

Camp No. 11 - Gurn to the power of 3

Camp Chiefs: Vic Doggart & Jimmy Proudlock Organiser: Rachel Howard
Dates: Friday 3rd May 2024 to Monday 6th May 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11 and Waywardens
Fees: £137.00

Welcome comrades - SISTERS and BROTHERS to the BEAUTIFUL and BRILLIANT bluebell woods for a BELTANE BLAST where we will make FABULOUS FIRES, MARVELLOUS MAGIC and FANTASTIC FRIENDS adding NEW STORIES to our DEEP HISTORY there; where the trees hold the memories of bygone years. People with ALL different abilities welcome to make up an eclectic lodge full to the brim with TEAM SPIRIT.

Nearby Town: Chelmsford

Travel: Coach from Kings Cross London/York Way N1 9AA

Camp No. 12 - Cycling Camp

Camp Chiefs: Robbie Gillet & Simon Oatley Organiser: Caitlin Russell
Dates: Friday 3rd May 2024 to Monday 6th May 2024
Ages: 11.0 to 15.11
Fees: £137.00

Let the wind whip through your hair as we travel by bicycle through the countryside. Learn the joy of minimalist packing and cycling with friends. Uncover the secrets of the peloton, the presta and the paceline - and revel in your freedom to roam with your home. You will be carrying everything you need plus your share of the group's food and cooking utensils, so a rack and panniers are essential. Helmets will need to be worn and some help with bikes and kit should be possible for those in need.

Nearby Town: Richmond/Epsom

Travel: Depart Richmond Green TW9 Collection nr Epsom station KT19

Extra Info: This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 13 - Venice

Camp Chiefs: Ro Whinnett & Joel Smith Organiser: Elly Rendall
Dates: Saturday 4th May 2024 to Monday 6th May 2024
Ages: 9 to 15.11
Fees: £126.00

Walking along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal towpath, we will be keeping pace with Grindie the narrowboat, enjoying life on the move. Chattering away with old and new friends, watching out for wildlife and Frank - but who or what is he? We will explore the Black Country of times past and work the locks of the present.

Nearby Town: TBC

Travel: Train from central London (Marylebone or Euston tbc) at 8:30 am

Extra Info: All campers must be able to swim 50 metres. This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 14 - Going to Hodore

Camp Chief: Julian Welsh Organiser: Vasco Gomes-Haller
Dates: Saturday 25th May 2024 to Saturday 1st June 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 15.11
Fees: £368.00

In the woods, amongst the fading bluebells, a fire crackles to the sound of campfire songs. In the field, the tents stand in circles, waiting for campers to return to their sleeping bags. Nearby, the trout splash in the brown River Medway as it runs to the sea. In the morning, we will cook breakfast on the open fire, and perhaps walk through the spring trees with new friends.

Nearby Town: East Grinstead

Travel: Coach from Brixton - St Matthew's Road SW2 1ND

Camp No. 15 - Fenwood Frolics

Camp Chiefs: Ziggy Melamed & Chas Gage Organiser: Odette Straw
Dates: Saturday 25th May 2024 to Saturday 1st June 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 15.11
Fees: £368.00

It's a summers day and you hear singing to wake you up from your snuggly sleeping bag. You unzip your tent and see that you are in a circle of green trees. You are in FSC's own woodland, Fenwood, that we planted together. You smell the curl of woodsmoke floating across the wide fen skies - breakfast is ready, it's porridge and corn fritters! What will you do today? Sing a song, learn to axe, play a new game, explore the fens, light a campfire, and have frolicking fun! Suitable for new campers.

Nearby Town: Ely

Travel: Coach from Tottenham Hale N17 9LJ

Camp No. 20 - Happy Hodore Days

Camp Chiefs: Rose Beecraft Music & Feimatta Conteh Organiser: Jet Hull
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Thursday 8th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11 and Waywardens
Fees: £491.00

Come on all you cool campers, down to the riverside for some Happy Hodore Days... We'll spend our days exploring and playing, and our evenings in song and merriment. In this inclusive camp, we'll make sure all our needs are met. We'll care for each other and share the joy of community. This camp is only for children and young people with disability .

Nearby Town: East Grinstead

Travel: Coach from Brixton - St Matthew's Road SW2 1ND

Camp No. 21 - Farndale 1

Camp Chiefs: Lucy Jaffe & Ben McCarthy Organiser: Loretta Francis
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Monday 12th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11 and Waywardens
Fees: £562.00

Come join us under big skies to build a fun loving and caring community who dare to explore the wilds of North Yorkshire. With song and dance to warm our hearts we'll learn to tread lightly on this earth.

Nearby Town: Kirkbymoorside

Travel: Train from Kings Cross to York then coach

Camp No. 22 - Cefnweiriog 1

Camp Chiefs: Leo Murray & Scott Miles Organiser: Cara Keam
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Monday 12th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11 and Waywardens
Fees: £562.00

Only the newts in the depths of the swimming hole knew what became of the silver from the lost mines of Cefngweiriog, and they won't tell. But the hills and the skies and the fields here are packed with other treasures. Moonbeams, starlight, the sound of singing and the sun scattered across the waves as it sinks into the Irish sea. Bring all of yourselves, we need each and every bit of you.

Nearby Town: Machynlleth

Travel: Coach from Great Portland St Station NW1 4DX. Pick up en route Hopwood Park services M42

Camp No. 23 - Harlech 1

Camp Chiefs: Ellen Rickford & Andy Doyle Organiser: Isabel Christie
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Monday 12th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11 and Waywardens
Fees: £562.00

A full-range traditional standing camp set in the beautiful and dramatic hills above Harlech, with views of Snowdon and the Irish Sea. So shake off that city grime, come and live in the hills with the sprites! We aim to grow a creative, active and caring community fuelled by the skills and spirits of all of us. Come ready to enjoy the summer, mud, flood or sunshine and to live in harmony with our neighbours and ourselves.

Nearby Town: Harlech

Travel: Coach from Marylebone NW1 6ER Pick up on route Telford Services M54

Camp No. 24 - Grinning at Gribin

Camp Chiefs: Liz Ball & Ed Astill Organiser: Molly Amson Knight
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Monday 12th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11
Fees: £562.00

Gather friends, old and new! Welsh sunshine awaits us together in the magic hills. We will run, swim, sing and sit, build our homes, light fires and play. Immersed in our new world, with our senses sharpened, skills learned and shared. Help us to make a community of discovery, kindness and giggles.

Nearby Town: Machynlleth

Travel: Coach from Highbury N5 1BA Pick up en route Hilton Park Services M6

Camp No. 25 - Coed Croes

Camp Chiefs: Bethan Gritten & Ieuan Williamson Organiser: Lucy Edwards
Dates: Tuesday 30th July 2024 to Monday 12th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11
Fees: £562.00

Once every 100,000 years or so... a portal opens in another world. Speak friend and enter. You know who you are. The combination of the fated lodge with this seldom seen site will unlock mysteries beyond our wildest imaginings. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

Nearby Town: Dolgellau

Travel: Coach from Manor House N4 2HD Pick up Corley Services M6

Camp No. 31 - Farndale 2

Camp Chiefs: Ro Whinnett & Jess Ormosi Organiser: Albi Crawford-Riches
Dates: Thursday 15th August 2024 to Saturday 24th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11
Fees: £461.00

The North Yorkshire Moors are calling! Come and join us as we reconnect with the exceptional environment near Crow Wood, help to build an amazing and supportive lodge as we paddle in Blakey Gill and dance along the dales. We will sing, we will laugh, we will whittle, we will build fires and go on hike. Bring your sunscreen, your waterproofs, your enthusiasm and be ready for an adventure!

Nearby Town: Kirkbymoorside

Travel: Train from Kings Cross London to York then coach to site

Camp No. 32 - Cefnweiriog 2

Camp Chiefs: Katherine Mautner & Dave Willians Organiser: Karen Mautner
Dates: Thursday 15th August 2024 to Saturday 24th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11
Fees: £461.00

Come along to the beautiful Cefngweiriog for stunning sunsets and swimming parties. We're looking forward to slowing down the pace of life and making plenty time for play, connection and adventure. Bring your brilliant self and let's see what unfolds.

Nearby Town: Machynlleth

Travel: Coach from Gt Portland St tube station NW1 4DX. Pick up en route Hopwood Park services M42

Camp No. 33 - Harlech Hudolus

Camp Chiefs: Cairi Jacks & Phoebe Nevill Organiser: Denise Largin
Dates: Thursday 15th August 2024 to Saturday 24th August 2024
Ages: 6.6 to 17.11
Fees: £461.00

Come to the enchanted foothills of the Rhinogydd, the magical threshold to the mountains of Eryri. Here we will sing songs around the fire, immerse ourselves in nature, whisper to the mosses and learn the language of the trees. Come ready for adventures, ready to shed old ways of being and explore new possibilities together, heeding the wisdom of our ancestors, listening to the voice of the land.

Nearby Town: Harlech

Travel: Coach from Marylebone NW1 6ER Pick up on route Telford Services M54

Camp No. 34 - Dartmoor Crossing

Camp Chiefs: Jenny Dingle & Katy Cawkwell Organiser: Katy Cawkwell
Dates: Thursday 15th August 2024 to Saturday 24th August 2024
Ages: 11.0 to 17.11
Fees: £461.00

Come and join us for a journey across beautiful, wild Dartmoor. We hope to swim in the rivers, play stalking games on the tors and find pixies in an ancient woodland. There will be three basecamps in wooded valleys on the edge of the moor where we are all together, gathering around campfires. We will travel over the moor between bases in small groups, choosing our own routes and discovering our own wild places to camp. If you like hike on standing camps, this might be the camp for you - we encourage applications from those completely new to mobiles, as well as those with experience. We aim to find the right level of challenge and adventure for everyone. FSC can lend campers lightweight equipment. If parents, carers or mentors wish to find out more about this camp, please don’t hesitate to contact the organiser / katycawkwell@gmail.com

Nearby Town: Start nr Dartmeet, end nr Okehampton

Travel: Train or coach from central London

Camp No. 35 - All A-broads

Camp Chiefs: Neale Jenvey & Dan Hall Organiser: Louise Palmer
Dates: Thursday 15th August 2024 to Saturday 24th August 2024
Ages: 12.0 to 17.11
Fees: £461.00

The wind's in the rigging and the anchor's away! Setting sail with all our provisions, we will leave our base on the Norfolk Broads and see where wind and tide take us, camping overnight in our traditional Norfolk sailing boats. Can we do a full summer camp whilst sailing? This is a mobile camp for experienced campers. No sailing experience is required, but all campers must be confident swimmers.

Nearby Town: Martham

Travel: Coach from Tottenham Hale N17 9LJ

Extra Info: All campers must be able to swim 50 metres. This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 40 - Autumn Adventures

Camp Chief: Laurence Higgins Organiser: Joe Buirski
Dates: Monday 28th October 2024 to Friday 1st November 2024
Ages: 9 to 17.11
Fees: £174.00

Come and enjoy an amazing camp in the beautiful Autumn countryside. We will make friends, build fires, eat in circles, have fun, sing songs, sleep well, wake early and pack as much as we can into our 4 days. We will enjoy the falling leaves, earlier nights and cooler weather.

Nearby Town: Moreton-in-Marsh

Travel: Train or coach from central London

Camp No. 41 - Mendip Cave Training

Camp Chiefs: Sophie Meekings & Bryony Hopkinshaw Organiser: Ella Wright
Dates: Friday 25th October 2024 to Sunday 27th October 2024
Ages: 16 plus
Fees: £54.00

An opportunity to build your leadership skills under and above the ground ahead of the main caving camp. Learn to support a group, navigate a cave and identify speleothems (… or find out what a speleothem even is!) This is a camp for Pathfinders with some caving experience who would like to lead caves, and staff of any experience level who are attending the main camp, or would like to try caving.

Nearby Town: Shepton Mallet Caving Club Hut

Travel: TBC

Extra Info: This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 42 - Mendip Underground

Camp Chiefs: Sophie Meekings & Bryony Hopkinshaw Organiser: Ella Wright
Dates: Monday 28th October 2024 to Friday 1st November 2024
Ages: 9 to 17.11
Fees: £174.00

Why do goats need a church? What does GB stand for? Who is Swildon and why are we so interested in his hole?? All these questions and more will be answered as we explore the caves below the surface of the Mendip Hills. All caving equipment supplied - new cavers warmly welcomed! This camp is for children who have attended at least one standing camp.

Nearby Town: Shepton Mallet Caving Club Hut

Travel: TBC

Extra Info: This camp is for experienced FSC campers only.

Camp No. 50 - East of Eden

Camp Leader: Liz Grayson Organiser: Miranda Green
Dates: Sunday 26th May 2024 to Wednesday 29th May 2024
Ages: Family

We will be camping at our beautiful site between Penrith and the Pennines near the River Eden. This year the camp will run for three nights instead of two. This will give us time for a lodge walk to the swimming/paddling places on the first full day and on the second for camp games, a pea fair, a merrymoot and as much country dancing and singing round the campfire as we can fit in.

Nearby Town: Penrith