Eden Project Communities is looking for those who want to boost community participation in their area to take part in a special event

Those working to boost their community are being invited to share their ideas in amazing surroundings.

Applications are now open for the Eden Project Community Camps in Cornwall in September and November - with even more places available this year for people from Scotland.

The fully funded camps include all return travel to Cornwall, accommodation at the Eden Project site, food and all activities.

Camp participants can look forward to three days of inspiring talks, workshops, creative activities and story sharing with around 60 other community activists and organisers. The camps introduce people to the Eden Project Communities network of over 1,000 supportive, inspiring and creative people who are running a wide variety of community projects.

The project is aimed at creating connections and bonds, sharing ideas on how to engage and empower people, to support each other in challenges and find that extra motivation.

Gill Graham, a 2018 Community Camper from Kirkcaldy, said: “I really wanted to go to the Eden project camp it was on my bucket list. If you love your community and want it to grow and help people bloom, this is the place.

“There is such a good vibe, positivity and love at Eden. You never feel alone, and it is like winning a golden ticket from Willie Wonka to his chocolate factory. As he sings ‘if you want to view paradise simply look around and view it, anything you want to do it. Want to change the world? There's nothing to it’ This is very true, and you will believe this when you go there.”

Linsey Drever, a 2018 Community Camper from Shetland, said: “I travelled from one end of the country to the other to find myself in a room with 59 other like-minded individuals who just got it. ‘It’ being the need for our communities to work together, to move things forward, to thrive and to grow. I met people there that will be lifelong friends. After camp the amazing network just keeps giving with meetings online, the Big Lunch and regular updates. It’s such a privilege to have been part of it and to still experience the continuing support is absolutely amazing.”

There are two camps open for application, the first runs from Friday 20 until Monday 23 September, with the deadline for applications Friday 16 August. The second camp runs from Friday 22 to Monday 25 November with an application deadline of Friday 18 October. You can apply now online,or email Katie Swann, [email protected] , or Marion McDonald, [email protected] , for more information.

Working to connect and inspire people across the country Eden Project Communities, an initiative made possible by the National Lottery encourages people to take action in their communities. Community Camps are at the core of the programme, connecting community organisers and giving them unique shared experiences with a group of like-minded people from across the UK, to help form strong, lasting and supportive relationships. Since the camps began, over 1500 people have enjoyed connecting and inspiring each other.

Camps are specifically for people volunteering in their community or who have set up Social Enterprises or Community business who are hoping to take their project further, looking for inspiration, or be part of a growing network of community activists.

Eden Project community network developer, Katie Swann, said: “Attending a Community Camp is a lovely opportunity to establish new connections, discover new skills and share stories with other really inspirational people who have made positive changes in their local communities. The feedback we get is that the whole experience is fun and encouraging and that participants go back home with a spring in their step, ready to support each other and share what they’ve learned.”

Scotland county manager, Sandra Brown, said: “Eden Project Communities is all about supporting people to make positive change in where they live – to connect more closely to one another and the living world around them. We want to play a part in creating healthier, happier, more sustainable communities, and at our community camps, people who want to kick start that process of positive action locally have the opportunity to gain valuable skills and to boost their confidence to get started.”