Eden Project Virtual Community Camp OPEN for applications

Community-minded people across the UK are being given the chance to connect, despite Coronavirus creating barriers.

Usually held at the Eden Project in Cornwall, a virtual community camp experience has been designed to offer inspiration mixed with creativity and networking activities but with the additional benefit of full accreditation.

With more spaces available and no travel required, the initiative is now more accessible than ever before.

Taking the whole programme online is a significant shift for the National Lottery funded programme. Promoted by insights gathered during lockdown, organisers have redesigned the camps to be delivered virtually to meet people’s continuing need to upskill, be inspired and learn how to take positive action in their communities. It is also much more available to people with caring responsibilites who can now upskill and connect from their own front room.

The Eden Project Communities programme is about connecting like-minded people from across the UK, giving them unique shared experiences and helping them to form strong, lasting and supportive relationships. Organisers hope that going virtual will be no barrier to creating impactful connections despite the exceptional circumstances that have prompted this change.

Niamh Scullion, community network developer, Eden Project Communities, said: “Now more than ever we need spaces to connect, where people can bring their ideas and hopes and see them flourish and grow. This camp is always really interactive, interesting and useful. It will help you meet loads of inspiring community people from all across the UK. It is open to everyone and free of charge, thanks to National Lottery Community funding."

Beginning on Monday 12 October, the events will run over five weeks covering marketing, funding, inclusion, resilience, ideas and inspiration. Camps are created for community minded people who are making good things happen locally rather than paid professionals and introduce participants to a network of over 1000 supportive, inspiring and creative people — creating connections and bonds, sharing ideas on how to engage and empower people, to support each other through challenges and find that extra motivation.

The sessions will be immersive learning experiences held on Zoom, all from the comfort of home. All participants will be sent a resource pack to get started. There will be practical sessions taking participants on a journey of learning, discovery and connection. Beyond these camps, people who take part can stay connected with even more network members and gain access to future events and network activities too. Since the first Community Camp, 94% of people have gone on to do something in their communities using skills or information they’ve learnt at Camp.

Kathy Black from Newcastle Co Down said: "I got so much out of my Eden camp experience and continued network involvement, I cant recommend this enough."

Eden Project Communities Northern Ireland Manager, Grainne McCloskey said: “These last few months have shown people reconnecting with their communities and supporting each other on a scale we've never seen before. This Community Camp is a great way to keep that community spirit going, and help people keep making a difference in their communities. We hope it sparks more community projects, more connections, and more kindness. It is also the ideal opportunity for someone who has built confidence in their voluntary activity but wants to take an idea to the next level. Joining this isn't just a learning opportunity, there is every likelihood you will find friendship and support that remains for you long after the camp has ended that is our USP.

“Community support has been so vital in surviving the first few months of lockdown - and community support is how we'll build back.”

To apply and to find out more about the Community Camps visit the website or if you would like to contact our team you can speak to Eden Community network developer [email protected]  or visit us on facebook