UK registered charity
No. 275265
© H&DCYC 2009
What do we do?
We currently run three summer camps for young people aged 9 to 20. We use one site, situated in the popular Isle of Purbecks, Dorset. Each holiday lasts a week and offers excellent value for money. We offer a range of activities on both land and water for which the Purbecks is so well suited. On site we have facilities for sports and games as well as an exciting programme aimed at encouraging the young people to explore and understand the Christian faith.
Where did we come from?
The camps were founded in 1944 on the vision of being able to provide an enjoyable holiday in a Christian environment at a reasonable cost - a vision we still maintain today. Started by a group of Brethren churches in the Bournemouth area we are now an independent Christian charity with a broad appeal to young people from all over the country.
How are we organised?
Each camp has its own team made up of volunteer helpers, headed up by a senior leadership team. The senior leaders help create the holiday programme guided by the overall aims of the organisation. The senior leaders are appointed by the Trustees. The camp facilities are maintained by a small administration team, all of whom are volunteers. The Admin team also provides the publicity and booking support including this web site. As much as possible is done in-house to keep costs to a minimum.
What churches are involved?
We have campers and leaders from over 50 churches. We are nondenominational. New church contacts and leaders are always welcome.
How are we financed?
With our aim of keeping camps affordable for all, a tremendous strain is put on our finances. The fees charged only covers the running costs of the holiday. Gifts and donations from leaders and churches helps keep the books balanced - just. With a desire to keep up to date and provide facilities people expect these days, even more money will be needed in the coming few years.
Looking forward
God has touched and blessed many thousands of young lives through H&DCYC. Christian camping organisations, such as ourselves, are at a critical point. If we do not provide well equipped and well presented holidays to a very high standard we will fail to get the campers and will eventually close. That is the challenge we face. Outdoor camping is a very special kind of holiday that can greatly reward the young people of today's computer-generation. We need to invest upwards of £5000 a year for the next five years. Please pray that we might achieve this and honour God.
Hants and Dorset Christian Youth Camps is a UK registered charity (No. 275265) and is a member of Christian Camping International (CCI/UK) and Evangelical Alliance (EA).