Diocese of Chichester

This year's theme, 'Kingdom Calling', drew on Matthew's gospel to explore calling, teaching, healing and sending out – brought to life through creative activities, engaging teaching and sacramental worship. It was a chance for families to step away from the busyness of everyday life, worship together, build friendships, and explore together what it means to follow Jesus as a family.

Alongside the teaching sessions, there was plenty of good old-fashioned camp fun: campfires and toasted marshmallows, outdoor games, crafts, and shared meals – all set against the backdrop of the South Downs National Park. For children, it was a weekend of adventure and new friends; for parents and carers, a rare opportunity to deepen their own faith, connect with others, and feel part of a wider diocesan family.

Reflecting on the weekend, Bishop Will said:

"One of the greatest joys of Family Camp is seeing families from across our diocese come together to encounter God, share their faith and simply enjoy being family together in such a beautiful setting. It is wonderful to see children, parents and grandparents worshipping side by side, making new friends and enduring memories. Throughout the weekend, there was a real sense of welcome and belonging, and families left feeling refreshed, encouraged and excited to continue growing in faith together."

Bit don’t just take our word for it – this is what members of the family camp 2026 said:

"It was so encouraging to spend a weekend with other families who share our faith. We arrived as strangers and left feeling part of a much bigger family."

“We had the most amazing time and really miss being there in the field with everyone, thank you so much for organising such a wonderful weekend, filled and fuelled by God”

“Before we left the campsite my son made me promise to come back next year!”

"Family Camp gave us the time and space to slow down, pray together and talk about God without the usual distractions of everyday life. We all came home feeling spiritually refreshed."

"There was something for everyone. The children loved every minute of it, and as parents we loved seeing them grow in confidence while making memories together as a family."

"It was wonderful to worship alongside other families. Seeing our children singing, praying and learning with other families was incredibly special."

"We met some wonderful people and came away feeling supported and encouraged."

"This was our first Family Camp and we weren't quite sure what to expect. We were welcomed from the moment we arrived, and we'll definitely be back next year."

"Our children made new friends and so did we"

“The weekend was excellent, meaningful family time”

What happens at Family Camp?

The first Family Camp was in 2025 - a weekend gathering for families from across the Diocese of Chichester, held at Stedham Campsite in the heart of the South Downs National Park. It brings together families of all ages, and at every stage of faith, for a weekend that combines worship, teaching and prayer with outdoor adventure, games and time together away from the busyness of everyday life.

Open to families who are established in their faith, exploring Christianity for the first time, or simply looking for a place to belong, Family Camp offers a relaxed and welcoming environment in which to connect with God and with other families from across the diocese.

Each year's programme is built around a central theme, explored through a mixture of interactive sessions, worship, prayer and conversation, alongside plenty of time for family fun: campfires, outdoor games, crafts and shared meals.

The weekend typically runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime, with the programme structured to unfold gradually over the three days, building from an opening theme through to a sense of purpose and next steps to take home.

This year, at Stedham Campsite families explored the theme ‘Kingdom Calling’, drawn from Matthew's gospel and unfolding across the three days:

• Friday – Calling: Families reflected on God's call to each of us, and how God speaks into our lives and draws us into relationship with him.
• Saturday – Teaching and Healing: The focus turned to growing as disciples through learning, teaching and community. The theme for Saturday evening's worship was healing, and included, for those who wished to participate, the healing ministries of anointing, the laying on of hands, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Sunday – Sending Out: The weekend closed with a celebration of being sent out to live and share God's love in homes, schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods.

Alongside the teaching and worship, families enjoyed outdoor games, crafts, campfires and shared meals, with plenty of opportunity simply to spend time together and to build new friendships with families from across the diocese.

Family Camp offers a joyful blend of quality family time, fun, friendship and faith with planning for Family Camp 2027 already underway. Follow the Family Camp social media channels and keep an eye on diocesan communications over the coming months for dates and booking details.

You can a find some entertaining videos shorts and great photos on the Family Camp Facebook page here