Trefoil

History

As long ago as 1930, the Founders of Woodlarks Campsite decided to create an accessible campsite, so that Girl Guides with disabilities could enjoy the same fun and freedom that their non-disabled sisters in Guiding were able to find in the great outdoors. Pathfinders Camp, run very much in line with traditional Guide camping began in 1936, and we celebrated our 70^th Birthday in 2026.

Today

Many of our long-standing helpers and crew joined Pathfinders as Guides and have stayed the course. Many of our disabled participants have also camped with us for 10, 20, even 30 years. We attract a good number of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and Queen’s Guide candidates each year, keen to use Pathfinders Camp to fulfil the residential aspect of their awards. Our challenge now is to recruit some more experienced volunteers, so that we can offer age-appropriate support to those of our campers who prefer things that way.

What will I be doing?

Our disabled campers have a wide range of physical disabilities, cognitive and intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, neurodivergence, and sensory disabilities. Some of them may need help with every aspect of daily living, whilst others may need prompting and reassurance in order to have the confidence to join in. Our volunteer helpers provide the personal care, support, and encouragement that enables each of our campers, whatever their disabilities, to play a full part in camp, from lighting fires to brailing Icelandic tents… from cooking eggy bread to joining in with campfire songs…

How does it link with the Trefoil programme?

Remember the joys you have experienced through camping within Guiding. You can enable a disabled woman to feel that magic too. The Trefoil movement is all about getting involved, giving support, finding friendship and getting active. You will find all of these things and more, during a week at Pathfinders Camp. Our activities map very nicely onto aspects of the Trefoil STARS Challenge, particularly ‘T for Together’ and ‘A for Action’. Service and Teamwork are built into the Voyage Award at every level, and it is clear to see how a week at Pathfinders Camp covers those bases too.