26/05/2024
I am a 36-year-old woman from Spain who has lived in the UK for the past decade. Growing up, my family experienced a dramatic shift from financial comfort to struggling to make ends meet. To teach me the value of teamwork and to instill a deeper appreciation for life beyond materialism, my parents sent me to several residential camps in Spain. These camps are where some of my most cherished memories were made—from forming lifelong friendships to learning invaluable skills and developing a profound appreciation for nature.
Today, times have changed significantly. Children aged 8 to 15 are more engrossed in social media than ever before, growing up in a world driven by appearances and online validation. Their pastimes are no longer the enriching activities we once enjoyed, but are dominated by screens and devices.
Last year, I decided to send my 11-year-old daughter to a week-long trial camp with the Trust. She was initially apprehensive about spending a week away from home without her phone and without knowing anyone. We had many conversations where I shared my own camp adventures to reassure her. Despite her initial reluctance and concern about being away from her screen, she embraced the challenge.
To my astonishment, during her week at camp, she hardly contacted me. When I finally spoke to her briefly, her excitement was palpable—"Yes, yes, Mum, I’m fine, all okay, gotta go, bye!" When I picked her up from the train station, she burst into tears—not because she was unhappy, but because she wished the camp had lasted longer. She had loved every moment, from meeting new friends from all over the UK to realizing that everyone was equal, regardless of their financial or racial background.
Her confidence has blossomed since that experience. Being in nature and pushing herself to try new things—like swimming in wild rivers, building dens, making fires, and sleeping under the stars—has made her more independent and appreciative of life’s simple joys. She returned with a more open mind and a love for the experience so strong that she’s already booked a two-week camp for this year, eager to meet new people and create new memories.
I believe it’s crucial to reconnect children with nature. Today’s children are so inundated with trends, constant validation, and social media pressures that they miss out on the true essence of childhood. Camps like these offer enriching experiences that are vital for their deeper development. These camps should be accessible to all children, regardless of their financial background, to promote equality, diversity, and enrichment.
I sincerely hope you have a meaningful conversation with the Trust, as they are doing an incredible job in shaping young minds and fostering a love for nature and personal growth.
With heartfelt thanks,
Giulietta
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