This John Muir Conservation Camp residential is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 18 years old, who are interested in conservation and nature.
Our diverse and educational John Muir five-day residential course includes a range of activities, focusing on the theme of nature and conservation.
When you book, it is essential that you enter your age in the Order Notes at the checkout.
Spend a week immersing yourself in nature, making new friends and learning new skills. This residential is packed with a range of activities based around the theme of nature and conservation.
Sessions might include learning about the local wildlife, experiencing flora and fauna on a spectacular walk, taking part in a local conservation project, and trying out a range of bushcraft skills in nearby woodland.
It is ideal for any young people looking to get first-hand experience of conservation in action.
This is a residential that is perfect for young people with an interest in nature and their environment. This course doesn’t require any prior experience, so come along and learn more about the nature and conservation of the area.
This course is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking. It also offers the opportunity to complete your John Muir Award.
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We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications.
Transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:
- Communicating with others
- Working as a team
- Managing your time
- Taking the lead
- Keeping focused
- Problem solving
- Decision making
You will be able to achieve the John Muir Award by the end of the week, and if you are doing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, this course is also an ideal way to complete the ‘Residential’ section of the award.
The John Muir Award focuses on four key areas: Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share. It also encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year old’s, all participants will be expected to follow the behavior and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centers.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Our John Muir Conservation Camp takes place at Nettlecombe Court, Slapton Ley and Margam Discovery Centre. This is an example timetable. The actual course programme will vary depending on the location selected, wildlife availability, weather and season.
Day 1
Arrive at 12.00
Afternoon - Lunch, welcome and introductions
Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and get to know your group.
Discuss personal aims and objectives for the week
Afternoon - Team building games
Evening - Night Walk
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon - Practical Conservation
A day on a local practical conservation project.
Evening - Mammal trapping
An introduction to the use of Longworth traps and small mammal surveys.
Day 3
Morning - Water-based day depending on centres location and facilities e.g. rocky shore exploration, canoe journey
Evening - Bat walk
Day 4
Morning/Afternooon - Each centre utilises its surrounding landscape and attractions to support you learning more about conservation and the environment. Today could include a day on the hills and birdwatching, learning more bushcraft skills or woodland management to exploring the surrounding area.
Evening - Campfire
Relax around the fire – a chance to reflect on your experiences of the week and maybe toast a marshmallow or two.
Day 5
Morning - Wildlife Habitats
Afternoon - Reflection and final review of the course.
Depart 15:00
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Lunch
Before You Attend
What shall I bring?
- Boots or wellingtons
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat and gloves for warm and cold weather
- Wash kit
- Suitable clothing for the time of year
- Small day rucksack
- Head torch
- Water bottle and lunch box
This course is aimed at young people aged 16 and 24 years old.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date you choose and check they fit in the age category for that date when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges)
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 21, July 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, July 2025 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 18 - 24 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 21, July 2025 12:00 - Fri 25, July 2025 15:00
The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 11, August 2025 12:00 - Fri 15, August 2025 12:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
Sorry this course is out of stock
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Mon 18, August 2025 12:00 - Fri 22, August 2025 15:00
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 27, October 2025 12:00 - Fri 31, October 2025 15:00
Set in Flatford Mill at the heart of Constable Country in Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this course includes visits to the local RSPB sites, as well as surveying sites and habitats. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
