Camp Quest is a secular summer camp programme for children aged 9-16, dedicated to improving the human condition through rational inquiry, critical and creative thinking, scientific method, self-respect, ethics, competency, democracy and free speech. The overall purpose is to provide interested children, regardless of their personal beliefs, with a residential summer camp free from religious dogma. The camp is dedicated to the advancement of tolerance, empathy, self-respect, self-expression, rationality, critical and creative thinking, cooperation, and ethics.

The camp’s programmes and activities introduce campers to the history and ideas of freethought. Campers also learn about science, the scientific method, critical thinking, and world religions. Campers are taught that ethical behaviour is not dependent on religious belief and doctrines, and that non-religious people are also good and fully capable of living a happy and meaningful life.

The camp’s programmes and activities also include what is usual for summer camps: campfires, canoeing, crafts, drama, games, nature hikes, singing, and swimming.

1. An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems 

2. A Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought

3. (among some contemporary writers) A system of thought criticized as being centred on the notion of the rational, autonomous self and ignoring the unintegrated and conditioned nature of the individual.

To read more about Humanism, please click here

The centrepiece of the camp’s approach is encouragement of critical thinking and an introduction to logical fallacies by retelling the story of two invisible unicorns that inhabit Camp Quest. Campers are told that two invisible unicorns inhabit the camp, who cannot be seen, heard, touched, smelled, tasted, cannot hurt you, do not eat and leave no mark. 

An ancient book handed down for countless generations offers proof that the unicorns exist, though no one is allowed to see this book. Any camper who can prove that the unicorns do not exist will win a £10 note that has a picture of Charles Darwin and is signed by Richard Dawkins. The prize remains unclaimed from 2009 and will be offered again at the 2010 camps.

Please note that it is not the 'Invisible Pink Unicorn Challenge', and suggestions of such are taken as heresy and will be tried appropriately.

Not at all. 

Camp Quest is often labelled anti-religious for the affirmation that it is "OK not to believe in god(s)". The camp is based on humanist principles and seeks to promote tolerance through the understanding that there are many ideas in the world.

Camp Quest’s aim is to get campers thinking and asking themselves questions, while equipping them with the tools to go off and come to their own conclusions about a wide range of topics.
There is no "atheist dogma" or agenda, but an atmosphere of inquiry is created and the campers are encouraged to discuss ideas of interest to them.

Not at all, we welcome all children, including those who come from religious backgrounds. We fully expect that a lot of children simply don’t quite know what they believe just yet (just like many adults!), and we encourage open debate. Our aim is not to get the children to call themselves an "atheist" by the end of camp - rather, we see the camp as part of the children’s ongoing education. 

We try encourage the children to explore for themselves what they believe, rather than telling them what is true, or what they should label themselves as.

Both the parents and the children wishing to attend camp should understand that the ethos of Camp Quest is to discuss and question ideas. Our aim is to inspire children to leave with questions and a keen interest in finding the answers.

Yes, all our volunteer staff hold CRBs, and any volunteers that come from outside the UK are background checked in their own country.

Thanks to generous donations from individuals and organisations we are able to offer some reduced rate places for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to come to camp. Please contact us if you have any further queries. 

We are able to offer all parents the opportunity to pay in instalments, so please mention this when you make your booking.

Please email info@camp-quest.org.uk if you are seeking information for media or publication purposes. We are happy to talk with you, or put you in touch with others who can give you the information you are looking for. You might like to visit our media section to see recent articles and press releases.