Girlguiding Cornwall’s Carwynnan Campsite brings the outdoors to life for young people

Cornwall Guide Association Carwynnan Campsite is helping Guides and Brownies connect with nature through outdoor residential experiences that build confidence and wellbeing.

They received £2,800 from the Business Club FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions..

The grant funded four bunk beds and tents, which have enabled Carwynnan Campsite to significantly expand their capacity to offer outdoor experiences. Over 200 young people have benefited from the new equipment, with 480 hours of camping activity provided since the purchase – exceeding their original target of 400 hours.

The improved facilities have created opportunities for Guides and Brownies to sleep outdoors either in tents or in the site’s sustainable shepherd’s huts, where they learn about environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainable living whilst connecting directly with the natural environment.

The new equipment has also strengthened community links, with four different groups now using the facilities. The site is being shared with other local youth groups and schools, encouraging outdoor learning across the wider community.

One particularly touching success story involved a 13-year-old with special educational needs who rarely left his computer, even for meals. At camp, he was chatting by the fire and even built his own fire – something that made his entire week.

As his parent shared, the experience gave the family confidence to try new outdoor activities together:

“He was so chuffed with himself. The camp then made them feel brave enough to go fishing as a family a few days later.”

The investment has supported wellbeing by giving more young people the chance to spend time outside, build friendships, and gain confidence through outdoor experiences they might not otherwise have access to.

For more information about Girl Guides in Cornwall visit: https://www.girlguidingcornwall.org.uk/carwynnen

About the Fund

Established in 2008 the CCF business club is made up of local philanthropic businesses joining together to give back to their communities. 

Membership fees are pooled and twice annually members are invited to join a panel and decide on where their funding will be allocated. 

If you would like to join these businesses find out how on our Business Giving pages.

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants. 

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.