CSV Cathedral Camps
Got an interest in heritage conservation, architecture or archaeology?
Want to gain experience helping to preserve Britain’s beautiful historic buildings?
Why not spend a week this summer volunteering on CSV’s Cathedral Camps?
Cathedral Camps is an opportunity like no other. You’ll spend a week volunteering to
help preserve or restore a famous cathedral, church or historic building and doing your
bit to protect our architectural heritage. You’ll get some great experience for your CV,
make new friends, have a lot of fun and get the opportunity to make a difference to
some of the most spectacular buildings in Britain.
Camps take place every year during July and August at various locations across the
UK. Each camp is led by two experienced volunteer team leaders, who are also part of
the team. Accommodation, food and equipment is provided.
Volunteers are aged between 16 and 25, with the leaders generally in their 20's. No
previous experience is required. Volunteers mix with other young people from across
the country and Europe, and have the opportunity to take part in an exciting week of
development and team work.
Cathedral Camps is a great opportunity for those with an interest in architecture,
heritage conservation, archaeology or those undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Gold
award. Whatever your interest, each camp is a great opportunity to do something totally
different, have fun and get to know new people.
“The big question is would I recommend it? Basically you haven’t lived until you have
experienced a Cathedral Camp! So let your passport gather dust, throw away your
malaria tablets and don the old clothes – your cathedral needs you!”
Claire Donaldson, former Cathedral Camps volunteer – St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth.
“The actual work was worth the coming. At Chichester, the work I did will last for a long
time and actually make a difference to the longevity of the establishment. I restored
columns, redid doors and helped preserve monuments. The appreciation I have of the
original builders is something that I will retain probably forever.”
Martha Smith, former Cathedral Camps volunteer – Chichester Cathedral
“My fondest memory of being part of Cathedral Camps was meeting lots of different
people from all over the world and making lots of friends who I have stayed with as
leaders.”
Kate Cummings, former Cathedral Camps Volunteer - various camps
“Cathedral Camps were a great opportunity to feel like a leader at a young age and it
increased my confidence when I applied for ‘real world jobs’. It gave the opportunity to
make a real difference and have an absolute laugh doing it. It didn’t really feel like work
but its amazing how much a group can do in a week for the cathedral”
Pamela Jones, former Cathedral Camps volunteer / leader – various camps
“One of the reasons I continue to lead year after year is the new challenge each new
camp presents. No two camps are the same, and that’s what makes them so special.
During the week friendships for life are forged, new skills are gained, and each camper
takes something from the camp. For every camper there is a sense of pride that they
have made a tangible difference and their work is something that the local community
really appreciate. More than once I’ve been contacted by a former camper who has
returned to visit a camp ‘to check on those railings I painted!”
Julia Thompson – Former Cathedral Camps Volunteer and leader
For more information and to apply visit the cathedral camps website
www.cathedralcamps.org.uk, call 0121 643 8080 email cathedralcamps@csv.org.uk
Cathedral Camps is a registered charity no. 1128518.
CSV is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 291222 and in Scotland no
SCO39171 and is a company limited by guarantee no. 1435877.