More info
Click here to find out how to get to camp!
Click here to read about our values!
On this page you will find various bits of information!
Here is some info for parent/guardian/youth leaders/grandparents:
- Parent/Guardian?
Over the last sixty years, we’ve learnt a lot about how a parent or guardian feels about sending their child on a summer camp. It’s an important decision and we take the trust that you put in us very seriously (not least, because many of us are parents ourselves).
We also know that there are some questions that are really important to you, so we wanted to answer them here.
How do I get my child to camp?
Lee Abbey Camp is in the South-West of England, near Lynton on the north Devon coast, as shown on the below map. There are two main ways to get your child to camp. You can either drive to camp (directions on the link above). Alternatively, if you let us know on the booking form, can pick up your child from Taunton train or bus station on the day that camp starts. You just need to get them to the bus or coach station, we will do the rest. On the day that camp ends, we will get them back to the Taunton bus or coach station where you can either collect them or they can take a connecting train or bus.
- Youthleader?
First of all, congratulations. The job that you do is of critical importance and we salute you. It is always so great to hear from campers who are heading back to great youthgroups back home. We get the privilege of seeing the results of the work that you do year round – keep it up!
Secondly, we know that there are some questions that are really important to you, so we wanted to answer them here.
Do I have to come?
It’s really up to you. Many youth leaders see the value in not being there and allowing there young people space to explore and discuss in a new environment and then return to discuss it with them. If that is what you would like to do, then we would be delighted. We are very used to incorporating youth groups into the work we do and we are able to be very flexible in the way we do this. Want all the boys in the group in the same tent? No problem. Want all the girls in a different tent? No worries. Want to talk to us before hand about your youthgroup? Just let us know. Like to make sure we chat after camp is over? We’d be delighted!
If you would like to be on team, contact us and let us know. We will see what we can do. (This is not always possible, due to application dates.) If you would like to stay nearby, we can recommend places to stay – especially Lee Abbey Devon, a Christian Conference Centre just a few hundred yards away from camp. They have great speakers, activities and beautiful surroundings. You can find our more here: LeeAbbey
Can I get a reduction?
We do our best to keep camp costs down, so it is normally not possible to provide any further discounts. But if you have a large youthgroup or any problems paying, do get in touch with us (see ‘contact us’), we would be more than happy to discuss it.
- Grandparent?
Did you know that lots of our campers come because of their grandparents. Do you have a grandson, or maybe a Godson or just a friend’s child that you think would benefit from camp? If so, we would love to welcome them to camp!
Over the last sixty years, we’ve learnt a lot about how a it feels about to pay to send someone to camp. It’s an important decision and we take the trust that you put in us very seriously (not least, because many of us are parents ourselves). We also know that there are some questions that are really important to you, so we wanted to answer them here.
What impact does camp have?
We believe that camp changes lives. Over the last sixty years, we have seem so many young people come to camp and been transformed. They come in all ages, both genders, all backgrounds and a variety of attitudes towards faith and camp. It is striking that almost all of the team who help to run camp were once campers who feel that camp made such a difference to their lives that they wanted to give something back.
At the end of last year’s camp, we asked campers what difference camp had made to them. Here are some of their answers:
- “It’s had a massive impact – it’s changed my life” [Boy, 16 years old]
- “I feel closer to God” [Girl, 14 years old]
- “My problems feel much smaller” [Boy, 18 years old]
- “It’s amazing. You can make so many friends” [Girl, 13 years old]
- “I have a better view of Christianity. I am a stronger person.” [Girl, 16 years old]
- “It strengthened my faith” [Boy, 15 years old]
What if they don’t like camping?
As our leaders will tell you, there is a difference between camping and Lee Abbey Camping! At Lee Abbey, our tents are large and spacious – there is plenty of space to stand up. Many campers (and most of our leaders!) bring air-beds, duvets, pillows and even blankets. We sleep in luxury!! We have very clean, fixed toilet and shower facilities. We have large marquees which provide an indoor kitchen, dining hall, games room, lounge (with sofas and live music), a small library, a small theatre, a chapel and a arts and crafts room. We believe we have the best of both worlds. The simplicity of camping – which enables young people to experience the natural world, making their other problems feel miles away – and the some of the comforts of home.
Can I come?
I’m afraid that unless you are under 26 you can’t be a camper (and under 19 for second and third camp). However, you would be more than welcome to stay at Lee Abbey Devon, which is a Christian Conference Centre just a few hundred yards away from camp. They have great speakers, activities and beautiful surroundings. You can find our more here: LeeAbbey
Who runs camp?
Camp is part of Lee Abbey Devon (a Christian community centre which has been running for sixty years, with 90 staff and 9000 guests per year). Lee Abbey Devon is headed by David Rowe. David was born in 1959, is married has four children and, prior to his role as Warden, was Rector of the Parish of Wilford, Nottingham. Lee Abbey Devon, in turn, is part of the Lee Abbey Movement which is headed by the Bishop of Chelmsford, John Perry.
The day to day running of the camp is overseen by a team of sixty volunteers, headed up by two groups of senior leaders.
First camp is overseen by Phil and Di Stone from London. Phil is the vicar of St Marks in Kensal Rise, London and has been leading on camp for over 20 years.
Second and third camp are overseen by Jon Yates and Katie Bush
Jon is a management consultant working in youthwork and education. He lives with his wife Lisa in London. He has been involved in camp for over 15 years.
Katie is a teacher in Cheltenham, with a history of youthwork. She has been involved in camp for over 10 years.
Will they have fun?
Thinking about staying away from home can concern some children (and some adults!). We have experience in making sure that young people who come to camp have a great time. Here are three things we do to try and make sure that our young people have a great time:
(1) We allocate tents carefully: We take effort to make sure that young people are in tent with other young people that we think they will get on with. If they are coming with a friend, we provide space on the booking form so that they can specify if they would like to share a tent.
(2) We have great tent leaders: Each tent has two allocated tent leaders, whose main job it is to look after the five or six young people in that tent. While giving the young people freedom to be themselves, they will always be around and available if they have any problem. Most tent leaders are ex-campers themselves, so they know what it’s like!
(3) We provide lots of activity, especially on the first day: The first day and night away from home is an important time. We make sure that there is loads of activity so that young people can be busy and make friends. Making friends is the number one thing that makes camp fun for young people. We make sure there are lots of opportunities to do so and will especially look out for any young people who are finding this at all difficult.