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This year, thanks to newly secured funding, we're able to offer four completely free places on the camp. We're looking for applications from young people who wouldn't normally be able to access an experience like this because of financial circumstances, especially those who would benefit from building confidence, spending more time outdoors, developing social skills and finding a place where they can simply be themselves.
We know that for some young people, one week in the right environment can have an impact that lasts for years.
Applications are open now, but only until the 2nd of August.
The four funded places will then be awarded, so if someone immediately comes to mind, please don't wait. Applications can be made directly through the form below, and we'd encourage anyone who feels this opportunity could make a real difference to put themselves forward.
Join us for an enriching 4-day Bushcraft Summer Camp specifically designed for teenagers aged 16 to 17 years old. Set against the backdrop of our stunning private woodland located near the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, this camp offers young adventurers a rare chance to forge a deeper connection with nature, learn essential outdoor skills, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and encouraging environment.
This summer camp delivers the Trailblazer Youth Programme as the backbone of everything you'll learn and experience during your time with us. Through a series of hands-on bushcraft modules, you'll build real outdoor skills, tackle new challenges, and grow in confidence as the week unfolds. From firecraft and shelter building to woodland navigation and wilderness living, each activity is designed to help you become more capable, resilient, and connected to the natural world. Whether you're taking your first steps into bushcraft or looking to deepen your existing skills, Trailblazer provides a clear pathway for adventure, achievement, and personal growth.
Throughout the camp, participants will engage in a diverse range of activities that foster both individual initiative and team collaboration skills. From exhilarating fire lighting and practical shelter building to exciting foraging and animal tracking, each day is packed with hands-on experiences led by our knowledgeable and passionate instructors. Young adventurers will master the art of creating their own delicious meals using traditional cooking methods, all while gaining insight into the importance of sustainable practices and respect for the wilderness.
Evening activities are sure to delight, including campfire storytelling, stargazing sessions, and engaging group discussions, creating a warm and inviting community atmosphere where everyone feels valued and inspired.
Safety is our utmost priority, and our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring a fun, secure, and enriching environment for all participants. By the end of the camp, each young person will leave not only with newfound confidence and practical skills but also with a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors and all it has to offer.
Spaces for this incredible opportunity are limited, and this unique experience promises to be unforgettable for all who attend. We invite you to join us this summer for an adventure that will not only enhance outdoor skills but also create lifelong memories to cherish.
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Day One
The Summer Camp starts at 1.30pm on day 1, where you’ll be met at the Scout Camp and we’ll introduce the Instructors and the plan for the next few days.
We’ll get set up in the Scout camp with your tents, before a tour of the site to see the kitchen areas, toilets and showers, and the woodland.
We’ll then host a tool safety workshop where you’ll be shown the woodcrafts we’ll be exploring during your camp.
Evening meal will be cooked in the woods, and we’ll wind down your first evening around the campfire together.
Day Two
Fire and Shelter: The keys to survival. Today is all about building natural shelters and learning how to light fires safely even when it’s raining! You’ll learn how to source water in the wild and make it safe to drink too.
Day Three
Woodcrafts: today we’ll get into tool use, with saws, axes, knives and more to make a variety of wooden projects. It’s a choose your own adventure kind of a day, with many projects to craft. We’ll also go for a walk to explore foraging and animal tracks.
Day Four
Challenge day: Today you put into practice what you’ve learnt, building a fire from scratch and filtering water to boil for a hot drink. You’ll cook your lunch on the fire, and importantly learn to clear it away and respect the ‘leave no trace’ ethos. The Summer camp closes at 2pm.
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You won’t need a huge amount of gear to attend the Bushcraft Summer Camp, the list below represents everything you’ll need. Please feel welcome to contact us if you’re missing an item as we’ll have some stock we can loan you if needed.
CLOTHING
Clothes you’re happy to get dirty, push through brambles in and have smelling of woodsmoke.
We advise not wearing jeans, as they take a very long time to dry out when wet and will make you cold and uncomfortable. You should also bring a spare set of clothes to get changed into in the evening should your day clothes get wet.
WATERPROOF JACKET AND TROUSERS
There is a risk of sparks from the fire and general wear from brambles etc so we advise not bringing your most valuable gear.
WARM HAT AND GLOVES
A sun hat in summer is also a good idea.
SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR
Any shoes with good grip are great but in wet weather having waterproof hiking boots/wellies might be preferable.
TENT
You’ll be camped on the scout campsite for at least the first night, as such a tent is ideal. If you don’t have a tent we do have some available to hire, just mention it on the booking form and we’ll send you the info.
SLEEPING BAG AND ROLL MAT
Three season synthetics bags are most suitable
FORK, KNIFE, SPOON, PLATE AND MUG
TOILETRIES
Loo roll, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, sanitary products.
HEAD TORCH & SPARE BATTERIES
NOTEBOOK & PENCIL FOR NOTES
PHONES
Phones are welcome on the summer camp, and a battery pack changer is also sensible. We will suggest phones are left in rucksacks during the workshops to allow for more nature immersion, however we do understand taking photo’s of the epic stuff you’ll be doing will be worthwhile.
PERSONAL 1ST AID KIT
This should include plasters, anti bacterial wipes, insect repellent, sun cream. Any medication you may need.
SNACKS
RUCKSACK
A small day pack for carrying waterproofs, water bottles etc during the day.
CAMP CHAIR
Definitely optional but we've found our guests are often more comfortable in the evening if they have a chair to sit off the forest floor.
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Location:
Calder Drift Scout Camp
Dates:
11-14th August 2026
Timings:
Drop off between 1-1:30pm
Collection 2pm Day 4
Camping:
Young adventurers will be camped on the Scout Camp field in their tents, however after the first night they may choose to camp in the woods under tarps or in natural shelters.
We’ll have full access to the Scout campsite during the week, which includes toilets and showers, and a kitchen area for making drinks etc.
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The Summer camp is fully catered starting with the evening meal on Day 1 and ending with Lunch on Day 4.
Breakfasts:
Breakfasts will be a combination of cereals, pastries, jams etc with tea, coffee and juice available too.
Lunches:
The midday meals will be simple basecamp food, and varied through the days. The final day will be a challenge to cook pizza on the campfire.
Evening Meals:
These will be campfire cooked for the whole group by a rotating team of young people so everyone gets the chance to be involved over the Summer Camp.
Drinks:
We’ll have a healthy supply of tea, coffee and hot chocolate available all week alongside squash.
Dietary Requirements:
We want to make the Summer Camp as accessible is possible. We are able to provide a vegetarian and meat option as standard. Catering for complex allergies or preferences may not always be possible given the outdoor setting, but we are happy to work with you to do what we can.
If you have any requirements please just ask ahead of booking and we’ll try to help cater for you.