Welcome

Christian camps, houseparty weekends, and year-round belonging.

Hants And Dorset Christian Youth Camps And Houseparty gathers young people, leaders, and families for joyful worship, trusted friendships, practical support, and memorable time away together.

Young people gathered outdoors during a summer camp activity
Friends smiling together at a Christian youth gathering
A worship and teaching session during houseparty
Countryside setting used for a residential event
Summer bookings open Residential camp places and volunteer teams are now being confirmed.
Director Katherine Wilson and the team welcome new families, churches, and supporters.
Urgent update

Final safeguarding briefings for summer volunteers take place this week, and booking confirmations for the next houseparty weekend will be issued after Tuesday.

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Programs Showcase

Find the rhythm that fits your family, church, or youth group.

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Campers meeting together on arrival day
Ages 11-14

Summer Youth Camp

Five days of worship, outdoor games, teaching, and cabin life shaped around Christian friendship.

Volunteers and teenagers working together in a creative workshop
Leadership Track

Young Leaders Week

Hands-on mentoring for older teens serving in worship, prayer, hospitality, and peer encouragement.

Houseparty attendees in a lively session
All ages

Autumn Houseparty

A shared weekend of Bible teaching, community meals, children’s activities, and evening worship.

A prayer group talking together outside
Church Partnership

Local Support Visits

Practical follow-up sessions for churches wanting to keep camp conversations alive through the year.

Featured Story

One story from camp, beside the events families need next.

Camp gathering in a bright outdoor setting
Featured story

From first-timer nerves to a full team of friends.

Last year, one twelve-year-old arrived certain they would not stay the whole week. By the closing session they were helping lead games, praying with cabin mates, and asking how to return as a helper.

Stories like this shape our work: steady welcome, patient leaders, clear Christian teaching, and enough space for young people to feel known rather than managed.

Read more stories
Community Impact

Measurable reach, told through the people behind the numbers.

240+

Young people welcomed across camps and seasonal gatherings last year.

46

Volunteer leaders, cooks, musicians, drivers, and prayer supporters serving together.

18

Church communities connected through partnership, referrals, and follow-up visits.

61

Bursary-supported places that kept camp open to families under financial pressure.

A small group conversation between campers and leaders
Story one

Support that starts with a place at the table.

Leaders often say the first breakthrough happens over lunch, not on stage. Shared meals, cabin time, and unhurried conversations make room for trust and for faith to be explored honestly.

Quiet outdoor space used for prayer and reflection
Story two

Quiet pastoral care alongside lively camp moments.

Our team balances high-energy activity with thoughtful support, helping young people process grief, anxiety, and big questions within a safe Christian environment.

Worship gathering during a community event
Story three

Church links that continue after the minibus goes home.

Follow-up matters. Families and partner churches receive practical next steps so camp relationships become part of ordinary local discipleship rather than a one-off experience.

Get Involved

Step in as a volunteer, donor, church partner, or prayer supporter.

This work depends on people who are prepared to give time, practical help, transport, hospitality, finance, and steady prayer.

Camp leaders preparing an activity area outdoors
Serve

Join the volunteer team

Support activities, pastoral care, prayer ministry, administration, kitchen service, or transport.

Volunteer
People meeting in conversation during a support visit
Partner

Connect your church

Refer young people, host an information evening, or build local follow-up around camp testimonies.

Partner with us
Young people celebrating together during a gathering
Give

Fund bursaries and access

Help remove financial barriers so more families can say yes to camp, houseparty, and follow-up care.

Support bursaries
Photo Essay

A recent event, told in a sequence from arrival to closing prayer.

Photo one: arrivals and check-in at the event site
Photo two: workshop groups beginning the day
Photo three: outdoor conversations between sessions
Photo four: evening worship session
Photo five: shared meal and community time
Photo six: closing reflection before departure
Testimonials

Six short voices from parents, young people, and volunteer leaders.

Portrait of a parent supporter
“My son came home calmer, happier, and already asking when he could go back.”

Parent of first-time camper

Portrait of a teenage attendee
“It felt like people noticed me straight away instead of waiting for me to fit in.”

Year 9 attendee

Portrait of a volunteer leader
“The leadership culture is warm, serious about safeguarding, and deeply rooted in faith.”

Volunteer leader

Portrait of a church partner representative
“Camp gave our church a new way to support young people who had drifted to the edge.”

Partner church worker

Portrait of a houseparty guest
“Houseparty felt generous and welcoming, with something real for every age group.”

Houseparty guest

Portrait of a returning young leader
“I came as a camper and returned as a helper because the team invested in me.”

Returning young leader

Partner Spotlight

One featured partnership helping hospitality and follow-up happen well.

Strong partnerships let the organisation extend care beyond a single week away. Churches, donors, and practical supporters help create continuity before, during, and after every event.

Featured partner

Coastline Parish Network

Coastline Parish Network supports transport coordination, prayer cover, and post-camp welcome evenings that help young people reconnect with trusted local adults after residential events finish.

Their support has made it easier for new families to attend and for churches to stay involved in a steady, practical way.

Recent Blog Posts

Quick reads from the team, recent events, and upcoming preparation.

Blog thumbnail for packing and preparation advice
Preparation 4 min read

What to pack for your first camp week

A clear guide for families covering travel, clothing, medication, contact details, and arrival routines.

Read
Blog thumbnail showing a training session
Leadership 3 min read

Why volunteer training shapes the whole week

How safeguarding, pastoral listening, and practical teamwork create a safer and more joyful experience.

Read
Blog thumbnail for the upcoming houseparty weekend
Events 5 min read

Inside the next houseparty weekend

Sessions, children’s provision, mealtimes, and how the programme is designed for all ages together.

Read