Our History
The ultimate summer for over five decades
Kirklees Summer Camp began in the 1970’s. Since then, tens of thousands of children have spent their summer with us. Jane and Duncan Haywood began volunteering in 1976 and became the leaders of Camp in 1988; they are still actively involved with organising Camp today. It began as a way to improve community relations in Kirklees but continued as a playscheme focusing on outdoor activities at its site at Bretton Country Park (until 1987), and then in the grounds of Northern College and Wentworth Castle.
2005 - A New Home
In 2005, Camp relocated to its current site near Woolley Edge where it was able to take advantage of the better kitchen facilities by offering a more complex and healthier menu, as well as expanding the range of activities to include archery, bouldering and orienteering. 2005 also saw Jane and Duncan being awarded their MBEs, for services to charity and the children of Kirklees, by the then Queen.
2018 - Officially a Charity
In 2018, Camp became an independent charity. Camp continues to work closely with the local authority who commission spaces for children through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme.
2021 - Camp's Future
In 2021, Jane and Duncan took a step back from some of their duties at Camp, with their daughter Fran Whitehead assuming the overall leadership. Whilst we are always looking for ways to develop our organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency, Camp’s ethos remains largely unchanged from when it started in the 1970s.
2022 - Duke of Edinburgh Appoved
Although we had been welcoming Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants to Camp for many years, 2022 marked the point we became an officially approved and accredited DofE residential provider. We’re proud to offer a high-quality, supportive experience for young leaders while remaining one of the most affordable residential options in the UK, helping ensure the award stays accessible to all.
2026 - The Summer Camps Trust
In 2026, Kirklees Summer Camp became a member of the Summer Camps Trust, connecting us with a wider network of organisations committed to providing meaningful residential experiences for children and young people. The partnership offers support, shared knowledge and opportunities to collaborate, helping us strengthen and develop Camp while staying true to our volunteer-led ethos.
