Summer camp FAQs — Camp Kernow
Frequently asked questions about our uk summer camps
FAQs
about camp
We welcome children and young people aged 8 to 15. Activity groups and accommodation are arranged by age so everyone feels comfortable, but the whole camp eats together, plays together and gathers around the campfire together — creating a real community feel across all ages.
Yes — and it's one of the things that makes camp so special. Many children arrive not knowing a soul, and leave with new friends. Every week is a mix of first-timers, returning campers, and children who've come with a sibling or friend. Nobody is ever the only one walking in alone. With just 25 children on site, your child will quickly get to know every face at camp — it's intimate, nurturing, and nothing like a large-scale camp where children can feel anonymous.
Our accommodation is anything but ordinary. Choose from a tipi, medieval tent, traditional bell tent, geo-dome or an upturned boat hull — each one a little adventure in itself. Spacious, dry and arranged in a circle around a central space, they sleep 4 to 6 children in single-sex groups. Bedtime at Camp Kernow is something children actually look forward to.
Camp Kernow offers a programme of exciting and unforgettable experiences from morning to night. From wild food foraging and falconry to bushcraft and animal tracking, there's something for everyone. Forge a toasting fork for marshmallows under the guidance of a blacksmith, explore the river on a Canadian canoe expedition, and gather around the campfire for evening activities that bring the whole camp together. The week culminates in a wild wood campout, where everyone can put their newfound skills into practice, building shelters, feasting on food cooked over the campfire and sleeping under the stars. All activities are led by expert instructors who are passionate about what they do, so your child will be in the best possible hands. Find out more about our activities here.
We have a strong field to fork focus with a food garden where a team of children can harvest fresh fruit and vegetables before delivering them to camp's field kitchen. Here the cooking crew made up of children and supported by our team will get to work transforming them into delicious meals. We enjoy sharing lots of different ways we can cook our food whether it's wood fired pizzas in the cob oven, spaghetti bolognese cooked over the campfire or fresh bread baked in the solar oven.
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided for the duration of your child's stay. Breakfasts include: American style fluffy pancakes with syrup and berries, fresh fruit salad, make your own muesli, fresh fruit compote with yoghurt, bacon rolls, French Toast and a range of cereals. Lunches include: wraps with a range of fillings and homemade soup with crusty bread and Cornish cheeses. Dinners include wood fired pizzas, homemade burgers, bangers & mash, spaghetti bolognese, and vegetable curry with yoghurt flatbreads.
All meals, snacks and drinks are provided for the duration of your child's stay. Breakfasts include: American style fluffy pancakes with syrup and berries, fresh fruit salad, make your own muesli, fresh fruit compote with yoghurt, bacon rolls, French Toast and a range of cereals. Lunches include: wraps with a range of fillings and homemade soup with crusty bread and Cornish cheeses. Dinners include wood fired pizzas, homemade burgers, bangers & mash, spaghetti bolognese, and vegetable curry with yoghurt flatbreads.
Yes, we are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements/food allergies and will ensure that your child's needs are fully met. Four weeks prior to the start of camp we will send you a link to our online medical and dietary form where you can let us know of any dietary requirements and requests.
preparing for camp
Don't worry about guessing what to pack — we'll send you a comprehensive kit list well ahead of camp so you have plenty of time to get organised. There's nothing unusual on the list and the majority of things your child will most likely already have at home.
As part of our commitment to sustainability we encourage the use of public transport and depending on your location, it is possible to arrive at Camp Kernow by train, bus, coach, or even by boat! We can also escort your child from London Paddington Station on the morning of camp and accompany them back afterwards. We make a small charge to do so of £65 each way including the train tickets which we will book.
Drop-off at camp is usually at 14:15 to coincide with the train arrival from London. Drop off in London is usually between 09:00 and 10:00. Pick up from camp is at 13:00 on Friday and pick up from Paddington is usually at 17:30. The exact drop-off and pick-up times of your child's camp will be confirmed in the Environmental Adventure Pack you will receive.
We will ask you to provide us with details of any medical conditions which we should be aware of. We will call you to discuss medical conditions in more detail if they are of a serious nature e.g. severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis. We will also liaise with you regarding any medication which your child is required to take during their stay. We will store this medication securely where appropriate and administer as required. There is always at least one first aid trained member of staff on duty at camp and accident and emergency procedures are in place to ensure the highest standards of care and safety for your child.
Camp Kernow has been proudly screen-free since 2011. In that time we've seen first-hand the positive effect that time spent in nature, off-grid and offline, can have on children's wellbeing. And it's not just us who notice — children often tell us how much they've enjoyed the freedom from the pressure of being constantly present online. If you'd like to speak to your child during their stay we are happy to accommodate this and can arrange a suitable time for your child to call you (usually after dinner between 7 & 8pm). They can either bring their own phone which we will store securely for them or they can use the camp phone.
while at camp
Just because your child is off-grid doesn't mean you have to be. Each evening we update our private parents blog with all the news and photos from camp — you'll receive a link by email so you can follow along from home. If you'd like to speak to your child during the week, we're happy to arrange this — just let us know. They can bring their own phone which we'll store safely and return at a designated time, or they can use the camp phone for UK calls.
If this is your child's first time away from home for more than a night or two, you're not alone in wondering how they'll cope. We have years of experience gently supporting children through any wobbles — and a programme so packed with adventure that most children are too busy having fun to feel homesick for long. Homesickness does happen occasionally, and when it does, we handle it with warmth and experience.
safety at camp
The safety of every child in our care is our highest priority. Our staff-to-child ratios vary depending on the nature and risk level of each activity, ranging from 1:2 for activities requiring close supervision up to 1:12. Overnight, a dedicated team of four is always on duty — two based in the children's sleeping area and two on standby in the team quarters in case of emergency.
All staff, visiting instructors and volunteers hold a Disclosure and Barring Service check (or their countries equivalent if from another country) ensuring their suitability to work with children. They also adhere to camp's Child Protection Policy which is available on request.
All activity instructors hold the relevant NGB qualifications where applicable. With activities such as Wild Food Foraging, Forging & Animal Tracking which don't necessarily come with required qualifications we bring in expert instructors in their field on a freelance basis who are solely specialised in one activity to ensure children have access to expert instruction and guidance. Watersports are instructed by third party specialists who are AALA licensed.
All activities are risk assessed and each activity delivered by Camp Kernow has written operating procedures in place. There is always a member of staff on duty or accompanying children off-site who holds a First Aid in the Outdoors qualification and accident and emergency procedures are maintained.
All activities are risk assessed and each activity delivered by Camp Kernow has written operating procedures in place. There is always a member of staff on duty or accompanying children off-site who holds a First Aid in the Outdoors qualification and accident and emergency procedures are maintained.
Ready to book your child's summer adventure?
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