Eden Project Communities is searching for community minded people to represent Scotland at its virtual Community Camp in March
Scots who are passionate about community are being sought to help make a difference.
Eden Project Communities has began recruiting for its Virtual Community Camp in March.
The free camp is an immersive learning experience, supported by The National Lottery, designed to help people who want to make a difference in their community. It’s a mix of practical activities, workshop sessions and networking opportunities for people from across the UK.
Eden Project Communities moved its highly successful Community Camp online last year, and 99% of the participants rated the programme either excellent or good overall - 97% said they would recommend the camp to others. .
Thanks to people who play The National Lottery, this certified community learning and leadership experience is offered free of charge by award winning educational charity the Eden Project.
This year’s sessions have been designed to recognize everyone’s different working schedules, and considers those who may be working part time furloughed, or have additional caring responsibilities.
Loreen Pardoe, a mum of five from East Lothian, took part in the first virtual Community Camp in 2020. She was keen to use her experiences as a parent and nurse to support local communities in East Lothian, and volunteers with Generations Working Together and Support From the Start. She believes her experience of camp has helped her support her to make a difference locally, and share ideas that will benefit her community through her volunteering work.
Pardoe said: “Taking part in the Eden Project’s first online community camp was an enlightening and joyful experience. The organisers had brought together an inspirational cast to share insights, experiences and advice. The online platform was made engaging and facilitated many different ways of feeling involved and included. It constantly evolved based on feedback, and planning by the team had real heart. The camp did not disappoint at all.
“Connections and networks were strengthened across the UK and in local areas. People were enthused and re-energised and left saddened it was over, but having gained really useful information, methods and suggestions to adapt for their own local areas, plans and projects. The participants in the first ever virtual community camp continue to communicate and seek advice, suggestions and offer support to each other - it has been a very special opportunity indeed.”
Sophie Bridger, Scotland country manager for Eden Project Communities, said: “We’ve seen so many people connecting with their communities during lockdown, whether that’s with their neighbours or their whole community, and we want to help keep that going! Whether you want to do something on your street or with a wider community we want to introduce you to other people passionate about community who want to share ideas with you. I can’t wait to meet this year’s campers and see what they go on to achieve.”
