CAMAS OUTDOOR CENTRE: MULL
Camas – 2026 season
We know how much Camas means to many people, and we understand this news will be disappointing: we are not currently taking bookings for Camas in 2026. But read on for a positive update and an invitation to be involved…
Camas – an update
We know how deeply Camas matters to many people, and we’re glad to be able to share some hopeful news about its future.
The Trustees of the Iona Community have agreed to work towards reopening the Camas Centre for the 2027 season. In doing so, they have reaffirmed their commitment to the distinctive work of Camas – particularly alongside young people living with the impact of injustice. This is good news.
To make this possible, staff, volunteers and Trustees are working together on several fronts. This includes carrying out essential repairs to the centre, reviewing and strengthening our policies and procedures, and developing a sustainable staffing and management structure. In due course, we will appoint staff and volunteers to run Camas for 2027 and beyond.
Alongside this, we need to raise significant funds – not only to complete the repairs, but to ensure that Camas can continue to offer its unique, community-based experience at an affordable price.
How you can be part of this:
Become a Camas Companion
If you are able to support the future of Camas financially, we’ll soon be launching Camas Companions – a way to make a one-off or regular donation to this work.
In December we were deeply encouraged by the generosity of those who pledged support; these pledges played a significant part in giving Trustees the confidence to plan towards reopening. We’ll post here shortly details about how to turn those pledges into gifts.
Book ahead for 2027
Have you visited Camas before, brought a group, or worked with young people living with the impact of injustice? Later this year we will open bookings for a limited 13-week summer season in 2027. If you’d like an initial conversation about this, please contact our Ruth Harvey, Iona Community Leader, at [email protected] with the subject line Camas 2027 enquiry.
Work with us
Later this year we’ll be advertising for staff and volunteer roles to help run Camas in 2027 and beyond.
Sign up to the Iona Community Newsletter (using the form at the bottom of this page) to get updates about Camas and other events and opportunities with the Iona Community
We’ll continue to share updates here as plans develop. Thank you for your patience, encouragement and ongoing commitment to Camas.
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Camas – the outdoor centre with a difference
Camas is the Iona Community’s outdoor activity centre on Mull. We have a strong focus on building community and connection; with each other and with our surroundings. Camas is home to a team of staff and volunteers who live down a 2km track welcoming guests to share a simple way of life. The centre is housed in 200-year-old cottages which nestle in a beautiful bay on the Ross of Mull. The shore, garden and woodland provide an incredible setting for personal challenge and community growth.
The Iona Community have been bringing young people to Camas since the 1940s. Originally bringing Borstal Boys from Glasgow to live alongside fishing folk, who moved into the buildings to fish the salmon through the summer. As the salmon stock dwindled, the young people took over and now the centre is for the sole use of the Camas community.
Groups come to Camas for a week at a time, Monday night to Saturday morning. These include youth groups from Scotland, the rest of the UK and further afield. We also have groups from universities, schools, churches and community projects. There are a few weeks open to individuals to come and experience Camas on either a facilitated week inspired by our surroundings, or for one of our working holiday weeks.
Each day at Camas follows a simple rhythm of communal meals, shared chores (otherwise known as GSDs – Get Stuff Done), reflections, outdoor and indoor activities, games, gardening and lots of cups of tea. After a busy day we gather in the common room by candlelight to play games, listen to music, drink hot chocolate, reflect on the day together as we wind down before bed.
Down The Track
You can read more about Camas in Down the Track, a Camas anthology published this year. A wonderful tribute compiled by Rachel McCann a former volunteer and Camas Co-ordinator.
“A celebration of Camas…This anthology includes inspirational poems, essays, quotes, interviews and other writing reflecting the ethos of Camas from former staff and volunteers, local people, Iona Community members and group leaders. Most significantly, woven throughout the book are comments from young people”
Down the Track
USA North East