National Camping and Caravanning Week 2026
23rd May - 31st May
Spend 48-hours in nature for a complete biological Re-Boot!
Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in the incredible outdoors during National Camping and Caravanning Week 2026 (NCCW).
After carrying out research that shows that the average Brit hasn’t been on a countryside walk or seen the sun set for more than a year, the Club wants to make it easier to help people to make the most of the incredible outdoors.
Working with Professor Miles Richardson we have designed the Re-boot Camp, a two-day nature challenge in celebration of our anniversary and to mark this week dedicated to camping.
So, give some of the challenges and go and see how they make you feel.
Re-boot Camp Challenge set by Professor Miles Richardson
Tune into nature
Take a moment to notice what’s around you. The sound of birds, sunlight through the trees, the movement of leaves… it’s often the smallest things that help you feel calmer and more settled.
Research shows that simply being drawn into the sights, sounds, and movements of nature can soften feelings of pressure and urgency, helping our minds relax and emotions settle. Mother nature works her power here, because it holds the mind without demanding effort. This effortless engagement, called soft fascination, helps revive a busy mind.
Focus on: Let your attention wander gently - no effort needed. Just being present in nature is enough. Make a note of the little things in nature you notice and enjoy - birdsong, shifting light, a passing cloud. Or, if you feel creative, try sketching what you see. It’s not about getting it right, just about slowing down and really looking.
Sensory experience
Nature isn’t just something to look at. It’s something to feel.
Touch plays a fundamental role in how we form meaningful relationships with the world us. Research shows that our bodies respond positively to being in contact with natural surfaces and helps restore our state of mind.
Barefoot walking with grass under your feet, feeling the texture of the ground and the air on your skin - these simple sensations can help you feel more connected and at ease.
It’s all about connecting to the scent, sight, and sound within your surroundings.
Focus on: Find a spot on or near the campsite where you can spend 10 minutes barefoot on the ground. Notice the textures, the temperature, the sounds around you. Keep it simple and just enjoy being in the moment.
Mindful breathing
Sometimes all it takes is a slower breath. Research shows taking a few moments to focus on your breathing can help you slow down, calm the mind, regulate your emotions and settle more into the present. Gentle breathing rhythms help the body move out of a heightened, on the go state and into a more settled, relaxed mode.
Being outdoors can make this feel easier – there’s less distraction and more space to simply pause. Watching something calm and repeating, such as flowing water or trees moving in the breeze, gives the mind a soft focus while the breath slows.
Focus on: Spend five minutes breathing slowly and steadily while looking at something calm in nature around you, such as flowing water or swaying trees. You may find it helpful to try boxed breathing by gently breathing in for four seconds, holding for four, exhaling for four.
Don't neglect the night
The outdoors feels different after dark… quieter, calmer, and full of small moments you might not notice in the day.
Research shows that connecting with nature as the night sky shows off the stars is linked to greater happiness. Looking up at the moonlit starry sky creates a sense of awe and perspective, offering you a chance to pause and reflect.
Stepping away from screens and artificial light also helps us wind down more naturally, helping our bodies and minds to prepare for a deep, restorative sleep.
Focus on: Take a gentle evening stroll, and notice how things change - the sounds, the light and atmosphere. Take a moment to see if you can spot any nocturnal wildlife and if the sky is clear, find a darker spot and spend some time looking up. Give your eyes a moment to adjust… you might be surprised by how many sparkling stars you can see.
Tap into nature's body clock
There’s something special about starting and closing your day outdoors. The sunrise can gently wake you up, while the sunset helps you slow down and switch off, having a lasting impact on your sleep and mood throughout the day.
The early morning sunlight helps synchronise your body’s internal clock, boosting mood-enhancing chemicals. Similarly, watching the sun go down helps regulate your natural sleep cycle, leading to a better night’s sleep.
Focus on: Watch the sunrise or sunset and notice how the light changes over the landscape, how the nature around you responds. As you watch, take a moment to check in with yourself too… do you feel more energised, or calmer and ready to rest?
125 pledges
As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations we are creating a time capsule with all our favourite things from our anniversary year, plus mementos from our past as gatekeeper of the incredible outdoors.
We want to include your stories in the capsule about what camping has taught you and what you’d like campers of the future to know. So, what’s your pledge? It can be funny and flippant or serious and sincere - we’ll include the best ones for campers of the future to unearth when the time is right.
.jpg?rev=69dc6c03ecfa42c7bec5523e30f3a792)
Pledge terms and conditions
Terms and Conditions
1. Winner Selection
A panel of judges appointed by The Camping and Caravanning Club will select the winning pledges based on the following criteria: creativity, originality and relevance to The Camping and Caravanning Club's identity. The judges' decision is final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into. We are unable to process pledges received after 4pm on Monday 3rd August.
2. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights
By submitting your pledge, you grant The Camping and Caravanning Club a perpetual, non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use your entry in its 125th anniversary time capsule and corresponding marketing materials.
The winner agrees to assign all intellectual property rights in their winning pledge to The Camping and Caravanning Club.
3. Data Protection
Any personal data collected will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection laws.
Personal data provided during entry will only be used for the administration of this contest, unless the participant has opted in to receive marketing communications.
Data will be handled in accordance with the promoter’s privacy policy, available at www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/policies/privacy-policy/.
4. General Conditions
The Camping and Caravanning Club reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or amend the contest and these Terms and Conditions at any time upon reasonable notice. The Camping and Caravanning Club will not be responsible for any entries that are not received for any reason, including but not limited to technical issues.
5. Geographical location
Open to UK residents aged 18+ only.