Freedom 2 Be (F2B) is a five-day summer support camp for 11–17 year-olds growing up with HIV in the UK and Ireland. We’ve been running it for 15 years.
Up to 100 young people join us each year, taking part in educational workshops on issues related to growing up and living well with HIV, creative activities which encourage self-expression, and outdoor activities which help build confidence and encourage teamwork. This has included yoga, rock climbing, cooking and nutrition, art, dance, drama and poetry. And there’s plenty of free time to build friendships with other young people who live with HIV.
The camp is run by staff and volunteers, many of whom also live with HIV, creating an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment for all.
All costs are covered, and travel is provided by Chiva. This year’s camp took place from Tuesday 30 July – Saturday 3 August in Derbyshire.
Freedom 2 Be 2025
Check this page in early 2025 to find out more about next year’s camp.
Volunteer at camp
Older than 17 and still want to get involved? You can now apply to volunteer at camp. Camp Leaders are 18-25 and live with HIV. Key Workers are members of the wider public with an interest in volunteering.
Why go to camp?
By attending camp, you’ll have the unique opportunity to:
- Share experiences with other young people who live with HIV
- Meet role models and mentors who live with HIV
- Spend time in an environment where HIV is safe to discuss and not seen to overshadow a person’s identity or aspirations
- Learn more about HIV and how to live well with it
- Find your voice and challenge stigma.
What happened this year?
The theme of the 2024 camp was Know Your Rights, to educate, motivate and encourage young people to know their rights regarding HIV, and to speak up for themselves and others. Participants told us that they learnt a lot during the week and that they also enjoyed their time in the camp community.
Watch the video below to see what happened at Camp 2023 and hear the song composed by young people.
See what happened at the 2023 camp, where the week’s theme was “Unlock Yourself”.
What parents say
We always get very positive feedback from participants, parents and volunteers, with people returning year after year to create a close-knit, supportive community.“My son was very happy. He informed me the camping was very informative and since he came back from the trip he is a changed person, proactive with his medication and he looks much happier and bright.”
– Parent of participant
Measuring camp’s impact
Camp can be life-changing, as many young people have told us. Participants form lasting friendships and build resilience to support them through their next stages in life.
Many participants have returned to camp as volunteers, staff members, workshop facilitators, or as visiting speakers. Their continued involvement shows how much participants have valued camp and want to remain part of its supportive community.
We carry out thorough evaluations of camp to better understand the experiences of both the young people attending and the volunteers. This helps us ensure we continue to improve and everyone gets the most out of taking part.
Read the last few years of evaluations below:
How camp is run
Camp is run by a small team of Chiva staff and a large group of volunteers.
Volunteers take on the roles of Key Workers and Camp Leaders. Find out more about our volunteering roles here.
Medical support at camp
A small team of medical professionals register all the medication that young people bring with them to camp. They assist the Key Workers in supporting the young people with their medication needs.
Every day, a designated medical lead deals with any issues that arise. They also ensure any key information or concerns around young people’s health needs are shared with the healthcare professional who works with them outside of camp.
Safeguarding and confidentiality
Camp is led by a qualified and experienced staff team. Volunteers attend a training weekend which covers all legal requirements and considerations involved in supporting young people living with HIV, and includes completing an enhanced DBS check. All visitors to camp are required to read and sign an agreement ahead of attending camp, and at camp they are accompanied by one of the volunteer team.
Participants hand in their mobile phones when they arrive, which protects their safety and privacy and encourages them to talk fully and freely. Contact with families is arranged where necessary.
Get in touch
To discuss anything about camp, get in touch with Abi Carter on 07807705062 or at abi.carter@chiva.org.uk. Please also take a moment to read our privacy policy which explains how we will use your personal data to help us organise activities for children, young people and their families and keep you informed about those activities.
