Over the past few weeks, we've been inviting people to share how Christian holidays, camps, retreats and church weekends away have impacted their lives. The response has been really encouraging - but we need to hear from even more people.
If you haven't completed the survey yet, we'd love to hear your experiences. Every response helps us build a stronger picture of the lasting impact of Christian residential experiences and strengthens the case for these life-changing ministries. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
π Complete the survey HERE
Our CEO, Dave Crane, recently joined Ashley Andrew on Talking Point on United Christian Broadcasters Radio (28 July 2026) to talk about the vision behind the project, why this research matters, and what we hope it will achieve.
π§ You can listen back via the UCB Catch Up service. Select Talking Point β 28 July 2026 and skip to 2:38:44. The interview is just 8 minutes long - perfect for a coffee break!
Here:- https://www.ucb.co.uk/catchup
Finally, if you believe in the value of Christian residential ministry, please share this post. The more people who complete the survey, the stronger the evidence we'll have to champion these life-changing experiences for years to come.
Thank you for helping us tell the story of Christian residential ministry.
About Christian Residential Network (CRNet)
Christian Residential Network (CRNet) exists to promote, support and strengthen Christian residential ministry across the UK. As a network of Christian residential centres, holiday providers, churches and organisations, CRNet brings together those who create opportunities for people of all ages to encounter God, grow in faith and experience the life-changing impact of Christian community.
CRNet believes that Christian residential experiences matter. Whether it is a childrenβs holiday, youth camp, church weekend away, family retreat, conference or activity-based residential, these moments create space away from everyday life where people can build relationships, explore faith, worship together and experience spiritual growth.
Through its network, CRNet supports Christian residential ministries by providing:
Connection and collaboration β bringing organisations together to share experiences, encourage one another and strengthen Christian residential ministry across the UK.
Practical support and resources β helping members with guidance, training, safeguarding, governance and the challenges involved in running residential activities.
A collective voice for the sector β championing the value and importance of Christian residential ministry and raising awareness of its impact.
Opportunities to discover Christian residential experiences β helping churches, families, schools and individuals find places where faith can be explored and strengthened.
Support for long-term sustainability β developing partnerships and initiatives that help Christian organisations operate effectively and continue their mission.
Alongside this work, CRNet supports the next generation through the David Chilcott Fund (DCF).
The David Chilcott Fund (DCF)
The David Chilcott Fund was established to help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent children and young people from experiencing the transformational impact of Christian residential activities.
Named in memory of David Chilcott, who dedicated much of his life to supporting Christian camping and residential ministry, the fund provides bursaries to help young people attend Christian holidays, camps and residential experiences that they might otherwise be unable to afford.
Through grants awarded to Christian residential providers, the DCF helps more children and young people access opportunities that encourage:
Faith development and discipleship
Confidence and personal growth
Friendship and belonging
New experiences and outdoor adventure
Positive memories that can shape lives for years to come
In 2025, the David Chilcott Fund awarded Β£20,364 in bursaries, enabling 219 children and young people across 20 providers to take part in Christian residential experiences.
Every bursary represents a child or young person who has been given the opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, build relationships, discover new possibilities and experience the love and support of a Christian community.
Together, CRNet and the David Chilcott Fund are helping to ensure that Christian residential ministry remains accessible, sustainable and impactful β creating places where faith grows, friendships form and lives are changed.