After a six year break we’re excited to announce that Camp Quest UK will be relaunching, with a pilot family camp in the stunning Peak District to mark the 30th anniversary of the Camp Quest movement.
The family camp will provide an exciting community experience for families thinking about how to raise ethical critical thinkers. The pilot camp will test new approaches and set the groundwork for a return to residential summer camps for young people in future years.
Inspired by humanist values, Camp Quest UK provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for young people, mixing physical and traditional camp activities with sessions focused on developing critical thinking, personal, philosophical and scientific discovery.
Our programme
The Family camp will take place near Buxton in the Peak District over the May 2026 bank holiday weekend – 12.00 Saturday 2 May – 12.00 Monday 4 May. Camping will be in tents – with limited indoor sleeping assigned based on need.
- Traditional camp cooking and games
- Educational walks and activities in the stunning Peak District
- Arts and crafts
- Adult campfire discussions – sharing experiences and ideas for encouraging critically thinking kids.
- Kids campfire discussions – using a Philosophy for Children (P4C) approach to explore big issues.
Camp Quest UK volunteer led activities will be most suitable for children aged 10-16.
Families with children outside this age range are very welcome to attend, and the exact activity programme will be finalised taking into account the age ranges booked on the camp.
Family tickets for the two-night camp are £250, available with a £50 deposit.
We’re also accepting donations from supporters to help keep costs down and invest in future residential camps.
A maximum of 10 family tickets will be available so booking early is best for avoiding disappointment.
Excitement from volunteer an alumni community
Our team of volunteers and alumni who have been working on the relaunch are very excited to be sharing plans publicly. Alastair Lichten, our new Programme Director and a volunteer on camps between 2016-18, said:
“We believe there is a niche for Camp Quest – for children, young people and families interested in freethought, and asking big, small and weird questions. A safe place for those who may not fit in traditional summer camps. A place away from overwhelming misinformation and cynicism, where skeptical young people can have their curiosity nurtured and their critical thinking skills developed, while – most importantly – having fun.”
Helen Chamberlain, a mainstay of the Camp Quest UK community since 2012 and another member of the new committee, added:
“As society continues to become more polarised and it becomes harder to discern fact from fiction I think it’s so important for spaces like Camp Quest to exist, to encourage critical thinking and compassionate skepticism. When planning my first session I was advised to not underestimate the campers – and they were right. Over the years we covered everything from quantum mechanics, to medical ethics, to how magic tricks work – and it definitely did create a space for young people to think deeply, discuss complex topics with respect for other opinions and embrace curiosity.”
Partnership with Haywards Heath Humanists
The pilot camp will be in partnership with Haywards Heath Humanists – a local group launched this year to bring non-religious people across Mid Sussex together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in their community.
Through the partnership Haywards Heath Humanists will learn skills and activities which can be adapted to their own local events and provide a fantastic experience for families in their community who may be less likely to attend a typical humanist talk or discussion. Meanwhile, Camp Quest UK will benefit from the local group’s connections and administrative experience. Reflecting on the partnership, Humanists UK’s CEO Andrew Copson said:
“Since the dawn of our species, humans have had an innate drive to gather round the campfire to share ideas, stories and community. Around one of those campfires the first scientists asked what caused the flames, the first philosophers asked why we are here and the first humanists were inspired to believe human endeavours could conquer the darkness. Camp Quest UK will provide opportunities for future generations of freethinkers and skeptical explorers to continue in that great tradition. We’re delighted to support their relaunch through this exciting partnership with one of our local groups.”
Picture information: Man Sitting Facing Fire in Pot during Night by Jeremy Bishop (source)
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