Respite Camps
Our camps take place all over the U.K situated in quiet rural areas, our team of volunteers work hard to source camping areas that will support mindfulness, wellbeing, peace and quiet away from the stresses of everyday life.
At our respite camps we offer team building exercises, third party wellbeing such as Tai-Chi, guided meditation and more. We also offer days out and activities alongside camping.
Our campers will be surrounded by like minded individuals that they can relate to, we feel this is important for supporting mental health and personal development. It also encourages Veterans to be more open and honest about their experiences.
We offer Veteran only camps and activities, and also several times a year we host family camps and activities which brings together families from across the Veteran community.
What are our camps about?
Our Respite Camps are all planned and are funded via our grants and donations. In specific cases, Behind the Heroes can also arrange for transport. All attendees must apply to attend and undergo a short conversation with one of our volunteers to ensure you meet the eligibility to attend.
(For example, some medial conditions may mean you are not able to attend a wet camp)
All of our camps are a safe space, the volunteers who run the camps are trained to recognise and help those who are struggling. Although all our camps are planned, it is fully your own choice if you choose to take part in any of the planned activities, or are simply happy to sit outside with a brew and relax in the great outdoors.
Our Camps normally have a theme or base to them. Below are some of the themes we've done and also have in the pipeline.
Games Weekend
Our first ever camp was a Games Weekend, where we played some classic board games due to the weather taking a turn for the worst.
CSI/Forensic
We have a CSI or forensic weekend planned where you can get experience in how the police undertake a forensic examination but in a fun way.
Photographic
At one of our more scenic camps we will combine a hike with some tips and tricks for taking better pictures on your mobile phones and cameras.
More about our camps
We have tents for most, either groups or individual. If you wish you can bring your own. We've also got other camping equipment such as sleeping bags if needed.
All dietary needs are catered for with hot food, snacks and nibbles available throughout the day. All the food is provided for the camps.
Enjoy a nice freshly brewed coffee, hot and cold drinks there's always a brew available so we can sit down and put the world to rights.
Equipment & Support
We are always in need of additional equipment and support in other ways. Please click the picture to jump to the "Supporting Us" page. Here we go into detail on how you can support veterans in need.
Camp Locations
We hold our Respite Camps all over the United Kingdom Mainland. You are welcome to attend any of our camps. Consider joining our mailing list to be the first to know about our camps.
England
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new dates coming soon
Scotland
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new dates coming soon
Wales
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new dates coming soon
Types of Respite Camps
Family Camps
Our family camps are designed around supporting the partners and kids away from their veteran, as much as we know how important it is to support veterans, we also provide the same support for the glue of the family. Having an understanding ourselves to the struggles of daily life, living and supporting those with PTSD we have put together camping trips to bring some peace and stress free time to re adjust and breath.
Dry Camps
Whilst nearly all of our camps are 'dry' - we don't actively promote consumption of alcohol, we do host specific dry camps for those who have battled with alcohol and drug abuse. Understanding the needs of those who have struggled with addiction we know a dry camp can support you on the straight and narrow.
Wet Camps
A few times a year we plan to host a wet camp, where alcohol will be openly consumed. Pulling up a sand bag with a few drinks can lead to opening up and discussing the old days. We understand that it can be difficult to speak out about mental health and asking for help.
Specific Terms and Conditions Apply for these camps. Behind the Heroes promotes drinking responsibly.