Young people from across the UK unite for Woodcraft Folk’s national, youth-led Venturer Camp. At the heart of this year’s camp programme is Planet Utopia, inspiring the next generation of change makers to build a more peaceful, fairer world.
Woodcraft Folk’s national Venturer Camp has returned for 2026, with over 400 volunteers and young attendees (aged between 13-15 years) making their way to Biblins campsite in the Wye valley for an immersive week of outdoor adventures and youth empowerment from 1-8 August.
Throughout the week, attendees are taking part in cooperative living, cooking, camping, educational workshops and shared learning experiences. This year’s storytelling-themed camp places a strong emphasis on equipping the young attendees with the skills, tools and confidence needed to help shape their communities and contribute to a better world.
At the heart of this year’s programme is Planet Utopia; a hands-on, creative, youth-led space which encourages participants to think boldly about the future whilst building problem solving skills to fuel meaningful, collective action. It’s a political education centre for the next generation of change makers that instils the tools and skills that help young people shape the world they want to see.
In the centre, Venturers are exploring big questions like: “What would a fair society look like?” and “How can we change the rules?”. Real-life issues are explored such as the ethics of AI that encourage participants to question injustices faced globally. These workshops reflect Woodcraft Folk’s core values in cooperation and the importance of education for driving social change.
Louis Delmege, Volunteer Centre Co-ordinator for Planet Utopia centre says:
“Planet Utopia provides the core workshops at camp that explore and develop the strong values that Woodcraft Folk shares with our members and beyond.
“Young people can engage in fun and challenging sessions that develop the skills needed for the world they are coming of age in.
“With a focus on strategy, discussion and collaborative problem solving, we don’t teach young people what to think – we teach them how to think, how to work together and how to win the changes they want to see.
“In the world right now, it’s easy for young people to feel powerless. Planet Utopia reminds us they are never alone. We don’t just dream of a better world – we build it.”
The camp arrives at a particularly significant moment, when youth empowerment is needed more than ever. Young people are navigating challenging pressures from mental health crises and digital threats to turbulent employment prospects, and an uncertain future of war and climate change.
Tilda Williams, Volunteer Communications Rep for Woodcraft Folk’s Venturer Camp says:
“From volunteers to Venturers, this camp is about bringing people together and making the week a memorable and educational experience for everyone.
“The location of Biblins creates an isolated community where young people can switch off from the distractions of everyday life and technology and challenge themselves in an educational and cooperative environment.
“The camp’s programme allows them to learn about real-life issues from around the world and how they, as young people, can lead a generation of change – all whilst still having fun!”.
Created for young people, by young people, the camp encourages older members to give back by volunteering. Young volunteers take on numerous roles such as programme co-ordinators, organising food for campers and leading on logistical planning – building practical skills, confidence and independence along the way that they can feed into active roles in communities, employment and wider society later on.
Beyond workshops, the camp’s central area provides a space for attendees to unwind with adventurous activities, cafes, a cinema tent, live music and more. The enrichment programme encourages young people to connect with nature, make friends, try new experiences and have some fun! Nestled among ancient woodland and the River Wye, Biblins offers the perfect location for attendees to switch off and embrace the outdoors.
Aisling Stuart, from Woodcraft Folk’s Venturer Camp organising team says:
“Venturer Camp has been excitingly unique because each camp team has been led by representation from Woodcraft Folk’s older age group, the DFs (16-20 years). This has strengthened relationships between age groups and ensures the camp remains youth-led – creating a relevant, engaging space where participants feel free to explore topical issues impacting young people and the political ideals of Woodcraft.”
Woodcraft Folk – the cooperative and advocacy youth movement – has championed young people for over 100 years in an inclusive space where everyone is welcome. The camp has reflected the movement’s aims and principles which focus on children’s rights, inclusion, peace, equality and care for the environment. Through education for social change, members learn about big ideas, topical issues and social responsibility through local group night activities, enriching creative programmes, residentials and camping events.
As it enters its next chapter, the movement continues to pave the way for a generation ready to lead, speak up on issues that matter to them and take meaningful action. Woodcraft Folk is encouraging young people who want to join their cause and be active citizens helping to shape their world, to join their cause and sign up to their local group – either as members or volunteers. You can find out more about Woodcraft Folk and how to join at www.woodcraft.org.uk. Groups are open to ages 0-20 years with a wide range of volunteer opportunities available.