Started by The Happy Startup School in 2013, Summercamp is where 150 purpose-driven founders, solopreneurs and leaders from around the world come together to get inspired, learn from one another and have fun over 3 life affirming days.

Each year we curate a unique mix of talks, workshops and experiences for you to feel inspired, build your knowledge and find new business soul mates. It’s called a ‘friend factory’ for a reason.

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to conjure up our best Summercamp yet. All with the intention of surrounding you with the people and support you need to do the work you were put here to do.

The theme this year is Shine Your Light. Right now the world needs us to listen within, to tune into what’s inside us and share this with others. Let this be the weekend when your deepest calling is given some love and light.

We can’t wait for you to experience what we’ve got planned.

Kevan Smith

The reluctant leader

Kevan didn’t set out to lead a movement, he just wanted to create a space where people who felt on the outside could finally feel inside. Brighton United was born from that quiet instinct… and suddenly, Kevan found himself holding the mic. This is a story for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m not a leader,” while slowly realising… maybe you are. It’s an honest, hopeful look at what happens when responsibility sneaks up on us, and how meaningful change often starts in the most unexpected places.

Sarah Weiler

FOLLOW THE ALIVENESS

A decade ago, Sarah came to Summercamp not knowing it would kickstart a journey of creativity, connection, and bold leaps. From DJing at Stick It On, to co-creating with Sunday Assembly, to starting a creative residence in a big Brighton house she had no business renting. This is a story for the creatively wired and neurodiverse minds who thrive on variety. It’s about embracing the messy, magical carousel of projects, people, and personal growth - and learning to find flow right in the middle of it all.

Apurva Kothari

CONFESSIonS OF A soCIAL eNTREPRENEUR

Apurva first spoke at Summercamp back in 2016, sharing the inspiring story of how we started his company, No Nasties, an ethical clothing brand based in his beloved Goa, India. Almost a decade on, he’s back to tell a new story. Expect an honest and vulnerable sharing of Apurva’s 15 year journey starting and running one of India’s pioneer sustainable brands.

Dan Flanagan

from hiding in the toilets to changing the world

8 years ago, Dan arrived at Summercamp terrified, sure he didn’t belong. Today, he’s a TED speaker, founder of Dad La Soul (now global), and creator of the UK’s biggest intergenerational rave. This is the story of how one scared bloke in a field found his voice, and a movement. It’s for anyone who’s ever thought “not me.” Summercamp cracked him open, connected the dots, and changed his life. Now he’s here to show you it can change yours too.

Liana Fricker

Unfinished business

This is a talk about the grief we carry, the legacies we’ve lost, and the quiet power of choosing how - and whether - to be seen. Liana invites us to look beyond fear and imposter syndrome, and into the deeper roots of invisibility: intergenerational trauma, systemic gaslighting, and stories never told. Through her own family history of erased legacies, she offers a powerful reflection on reclaiming pride, rewriting inherited narratives, and leading with peace, purpose, and presence.

Marc Convey

THE GIFT OF ADVERSITY

When Marc was a teenager, a serious accident turned his world upside down. Years spent in hospitals could have left him broken but instead, they became the foundation for growth, pride, and a new sense of purpose. The most difficult years of his life became his most transformative. He invites us to rethink our own struggles, and shows how a shift in perspective can turn even the hardest moments into unexpected gifts of strength and resilience.

Georgina Jones

A Summercamp regular for many years, Georgina Jones creates spaces where people can reconnect - with themselves, each other, and the rhythm of life. Through coaching, speaking, and immersive experiences like Grief Disco, she blends movement, music, and reflection to help people process change and rediscover joy. Georgina will be our MC this year bringing energy, warmth and no doubt a little glitter.

Charles Davies

One of life’s big thinkers, Charles Davies is a coach, mentor and creative consultant. He has been teaching people how to be clear for the last 15 years. He has been an ever-present at Summercamp since 2014, bringing his unique gift for building clarity and connection in various forms. Along with his good friend Floris, Charles will bring a sense of play to our opening ceremony and across the entire weekend.

Floris Koot

Floris is in his own words a change wizard, play engineer, social inventor and gentle revolutionary. In 2010 he founded Knowmads, an alternative business school based in Amsterdam and has been a regular contributor at Summercamp since the early days. We love Floris for his wisdom, wit and sense of mischievousness. Our guess is that by the end of the weekend you will too.

Laurence McCahill & Carlos Saba

Meet the co-founders of The Happy Startup School and the creative brains of Summercamp. Friends since school, business partners for 20 years and community builders for the last decade, Laurence & Carlos will be here to welcome you to their spiritual home, whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back for more of the same. If you see them at camp, come say hi.

Pete Mosley

A life lived differently

A workshop for those who want to explore the possibility of making a radical change in life. Change that involves challenging both your own beliefs and expectations and the expectations of others too. Change that may involve risks - physical, emotional, financial and/or social. This session will help you imagine a different future, and map out a framework of possibility from which to build  the life you really want.

Lana Jelenjev

RewritE your purpose story

In a world full of noise, expectations, and “shoulds,” it can be hard to know what’s truly yours. Lana invites you to pause, reflect, and gently listen for the purpose within. Not the one you’ve inherited, been handed, or felt pressured to live out but the one beneath. You’ll explore where your sense of purpose began, how it’s been shaped by family and culture, and what still feels true today. This is about tuning in, letting go of old scripts, and grounding into a purpose that feels aligned. Leave with a deeper sense of clarity, compassion, and connection to your inner compass.

Betty Cottam Bertels

HEAL your past, grow your business, change the world

Know what to do to build your business, yet feel inexplicably ‘blocked’ when it comes to showing up and actually implementing? What if… your inability to take action was actually a sign that something deeper was at play? Well, this session might be the breakthrough you’re waiting for: Uncover the root cause of your stuckness, learn DIY healing tools & experience a “life-changing” childhood healing hypnosis. It might be your missing piece on the journey to that joyfully inspired action you know will get the results you crave… (Meaning you can get on with making the world a better place already.)

Beccie D’Cunha

re-define your relationship TO Conflict

Conflict is an unavoidable part of life, yet almost all of us try to avoid it. This leads to artificial harmony and, ultimately, toxic conflict in businesses, and in personal relationships. In this fun, reflective and hands-on session, we’ll explore what happens when we stop avoiding difficult conversations and start engaging with courage and compassion. You’ll uncover your go-to conflict style, break cycles of mistrust, and gain practical tools to navigate real-life tensions. Come with a curious mind (and maybe a recent disagreement) and leave feeling clearer, braver, and more equipped to face what matters.

Chris Kenworthy

Think less, play more

Play isn’t a luxury or just for kids. It’s our way back home to the joy of being alive. It’s the antidote to self-judgement, getting things wrong, or relentlessly doing all the things all on your own. In this gentle session we get undefended and explore what happens without pressure to perform, impress, or pretend. Together, we’ll welcome play as you are - mischievous, tender, or something you haven’t yet met. Expect games, movement, human connection, and laughter. You’ll leave feeling more alive and present - more you; with new ways to bring play into your work, your relationships, your everything.

Kirsty Lewis

Engagement hacks for facilitators

There is nothing worse than pouring your heart and soul into designing a workshop and on the day of execution the group's engagement levels are low. Creating trust within a group is a core part of building engagement in a workshop. The good news is that you can intentionally do this through the words you say, your tone of voice, the types of questions asked and all underscored with your body language! Join Kirsty Lewis from School of Facilitation as she shares the design and delivery hacks that will create participant engagement time and again

Robin Bonn

Pinpoint positioning for solopreneurs

You know your work matters. But when someone asks, “So, what do you do?”... cue the internal scramble. In this punchy, no-fluff session, Robin Bonn shares the simple positioning framework he’s used to help 150+ agencies get clear, confident, and compelling. You’ll walk away with language that feels natural, showcases your value, and lands with the people who matter, whether you're chatting at the campfire or pitching a dream client, you’ll feel authentic - and ensure your work earns what it's worth.

Sarah Weiler

What’s on your carousel?

Do you ever struggle to explain what you do because, well, you do a lot? This playful, practical workshop is for multi-potentialites, creative polymaths, and glorious generalists. Inspired by Sarah Weiler’s Carousel model, you’ll map your many passions, spot what’s core right now, and find clarity in the chaos. Leave with a way to talk about your work that feels true, exciting, and finally makes sense to other humans (and to yourself)

Charles Davies

THE MONEY PRACTICE

Everybody leaves happy with money. That’s the plan. Come for 90 minutes of clarity practice with Charlie, Alexlouise and Inga. The workshop will start with the question: “When it comes to money, what are you doing?” and will end when everybody's happy.

Carlos Saba

Money for minimalists

You don’t need six figures to live a rich life, but you do need to pay the bills. This workshop is for those who have an idea they want to get off the ground, and those who want to live with intention, not accumulation. We’ll explore the tension between meaning and money, rewrite tired money stories, and introduce “joyful budgeting” to align your finances with your values. No jargon, creative tools, and a refreshing look at how to earn, spend, and save, without selling your soul or your stuff.

Krystle McGilvery

Systemic Saboteurs

Krystle is the founder of Mind Over Money and is on a mission to break down the barriers that block financial sustainability. You’ve done the mindset stuff. The affirmations. The journaling. But your pricing still feels sticky. Your profit still feels shamey. What if the issue isn’t just internal? This workshop is a bold unearthing of the systemic, cultural, and ancestral stuff that tangles around our worth and wealth. We’ll map the hidden forces shaping your decisions, and begin building new practices rooted in equity, integrity, and actual confidence. Less shame. More sovereignty. Let’s untangle the money mess.

Alan Wick

Ask ME anything about business

Struggling with pricing? Wondering how to grow without selling your soul? Curious what enough really looks like in business? In this open session, seasoned coach Alan Wick brings decades of experience with purpose-led founders and invites you to ask him anything. Money, mindset, models… nothing’s off the table. Expect candid conversations, grounded insight, and a rare chance to talk about the numbers and the deeper stuff with someone who’s been there and truly gets it.

Tracy Johnson

Playing devil’s advocate

Want to connect better with your audience? Start by disagreeing with yourself. This workshop lovingly pokes holes in your assumptions - not to tear things down, but to build something deeper. You’ll explore what really drives your people, and walk away with a fresh lens, a proven framework, and a few spicy “aha!”s. Marketing, but make it soulful. Strategy, but make it human. Expect clarity, alignment, and probably some laughing-at-yourself moments too.

Thea May

How to find your speaking flow

Thea is the founder of Working with Voice, and a speaking coach with more than a decade of experience. After the success of last year’s session, Thea is back with an embodied voice workshop to hep you reconnect with your natural flow through sound, breath, and gentle movement. Using techniques from somatics, voicework and nervous system regulation, we’ll explore what’s been holding you back, and help you let it go. No performance, no pressure. Just space to soften, sound out, and start speaking (and living) from a place that feels truly like you.

Kevan Smith

From cringe to credibility ON CAMERA

If the thought of showing up online feels a bit cringeworthy, then this workshop is for you. We’re about to help you overcome that anxiety that stops you from showing up (especially on video) before you even start. All you need to bring is a clear purpose. We'll leave the idea of self-promotion at the door. We’ll shift your lens from “Look at me!” to “Here’s how I can help” and build a content practice that’s generous, energising, and deeply you. Expect frameworks, play, real-time practice, and your own 30-day calendar to keep the momentum going..

Gemma Gilbert

Scaling with SOUl

Make a bigger impact without burning out. An introductory workshop about designing group offerings that create spaciousness and sustainability. You’ll explore how to move from 1:1 to group work, how to avoid feeling like you’re pigeonholing yourself, and how to overcome the fear of going “group.” Ideal if you’re curious about scaling with integrity and creativity.

Beth Derry

When the body says yes

We all have something we want to do but quietly avoid, whether it's speaking up, showing up, or stepping into something new. This workshop will help you gently unlearn fear by working with, not against, your nervous system. You'll leave with a practical tool to help you move through fear, a deeper understanding of your nervous system’s protective patterns, and the confidence to act on ideas that matter to you. You don’t need to be fearless - you just need to let your body know it’s safe to try.

Caro Turlings

Resting for rebels

Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a revolution. This playful, reflective session is for the doers, dreamers, and overachievers who struggle to stop. We’ll explore your personal relationship with rest and pausing - the myths, the resistance, the guilt - and gently reframe them as powerful practices for clarity, creativity, and wholeness. Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is nothing at all.

Vix Anderton

Hopium recovery - an ACTIVE HOPE workshop

In a world unravelling, how do you resist getting lost in despair, stuck in denial or hooked on hopium? This experiential session is a regenerative respite for anyone seeking clarity and connection in uncertain times. Drawing on the Work That Reconnects and Authentic Relating, you’ll explore how to face fear, honour truth, and rediscover possibility. You’ll leave feeling steadier, clearer, and reconnected to what’s yours to do.

Sally-Anne Airey

Compassion in a hard world

Sometimes the hardest thing we do is to look someone else’s suffering in the eye. Instead of crossing the road to help them, we cross the road to avoid them. Because true compassion is hard. It requires us to follow an idea through to the end. So why does doing the right thing sometimes feel so difficult? What gets in our way? In this workshop leadership coach and author Sally-Anne Airey explores what’s needed to be truly compassionate in a hard world. 

Solomon Mehta-Slade

Mental flow for founders

What if your mind could fuel your purpose instead of clouding it or distracting you from it? This session is like personal training for your mindset, a hands-on dive into building mental fitness that helps you stay focused, bounce back, and lead with clarity (not burnout). We’ll unpack what really gets in the way - perfectionism, procrastination, people-pleasing - and give you tools to shift them. Expect practical frameworks, inner rewiring, and a fresh relationship with that brilliant brain of yours. Less mind mess. More mental flow.

Wood-fired sauna & HOT TUB

Our wild wellbeing area is back this year with our newly built, wood fired hot tub and sauna. Come and share the beauty of sweat bathing with the people of Summercamp. Expect Finnish whisking and a lesson in how to spa the right way.

WILD SWIMMING

It’s called Frickley Lake for a reason. Right next to the sauna and spa is a little body of water perfect for swimming. It’s become a ritual for Summercamp regulars to head into the water at the first opportunity. So bring your swimmers and we’ll see you in the lake.

beats and breathwork

Now a regular at Summercamp, Tom Woodfin brings his beats and breathwork to the soul cafe once more. Through guided meditation and repetitive beats, expect embodiment and somatic sound journeys.

EARLY MORNING Yoga

Stretch, soothe and balance your way into the day. A staple each morning at Summercamp and the perfect way to get things moving.

Saba Therapies

With the healing hands of Annalisa Saba you’ll release some of the stress, tension and maybe trauma locked into your body. She will help free some of the negative energy you’re holding with myofascial massage and unconditional kindness.

band actually

Band Actually are a band that will actually get your party going! These group of musical maestros are all about big performances , big energy and big vibes so get ready to strut your stuff on the dancefloor to your favourite classics! Really they’re just a band, standing in front of a crowd, asking them to dance with them.

WOODCHESTER PIANO COMPANY

The antidote for a life in the music business for Julian Deane, manager, record label boss and former guitarist in Toploader. An ambient, experimental project that takes us on a sound journey inspired by nature, vintage instruments and the tranquility of the Sussex Downs. Julian’s performance last year was a highlight for many and we’re delighted to have him back again.

Mindful MORNING rave

Ever been to a rave with a cup of tea? Start as you mean to go on with a mindful morning rave. This gets bigger and better each year and we’re already looking forward to it. Pack your bright neon leggings or layers, to get the party started at 7am on Saturday morning as the sun rises over the trees. This is always a highlight for many.

90’s club bangers line dancing

Easy to follow dance moves to awesome 90’s R&B and hip hop. What’s not to love? Tess will be hosting a session that is sure to be banging, bassy, joyful and fun. An exciting new addition for this year’s Summercamp.

Stick it On DJs

An everpresent at Summercamp since 2014, it’s where every camper gets the chance to be a DJ, giving you 15 minutes of fame to rock the dance floor. It’s interactive, engaging and most importantly a lot of fun. Think you know someone? Wait until you hear their musical taste!

Soulful singing

Singing together acts as a natural anti-depressant and is scientifically proven to improve health and wellbeing. Expect connection, endorphins and some impressive harmonies. You don’t have to be a singer to sing.

CHURCH OF FAIL

Join us at the Church of Fail on Sunday morning with Matt Matheson. We’ll be embracing our mistakes in this fun and high impact service. This has been a Summercamp hit over the last couple of years, and we look forward to hearing your stories of failure.

Think fast improv

Join Elena Kerrigan and create a hive mind, explore the limitless possibilities of your imagination, and adapt to rapidly changing scenarios!  Come and embrace the risk of stepping on stage with no script, nothing prepped, just you and everyone who has your back.

The big pub quiz

Is it a Swedish pop band? Or a piece of IKEA furniture? This is just one of the questions you may be thrown at the pub quiz on Saturday night, with our inimitable and hilarious host Stephen Dargan.

The M Word

An open, honest conversation led by Sarah Jordan about the menopause - what it is, how it shows up, and what helps. Whether you're going through it, curious about what’s ahead, or want to better support others, this collaborative session is for you. Expect shared stories, useful resources, and a chance to break the silence around a topic that’s too often brushed aside.

DAWN CHORUS WITH TOM FORWARD

Bird mimic and wildlife expert Tom Forward from Knepp Estate will once again help us to tune into the different bird songs and identify the species unique to this part of the country..

Herbal healing

Join Jemma Ward, medical herbalist and founder of Tribe Herbs to make something medicinal out of plants. You’ll go for a little forage, find those healing herbs, and make a little bottle of magic to take home with you

Sunrise Service

Head out for an early morning walk led by Kim Slade from Unlost Co. You’ll be rewarded with a moment of calm before the inspiration kicks in.

CAMPFIRE SINGALONG

Sing in the round with your fellow campers, all led by our resident campfire lead Sophie. The perfect way to end a magical day at Summercamp, with ‘ancestral Netflix’ as our entertainment.

Feel and paint

Join Vanessa Belleau and discover a fun, artistic way to bolster your resilience through the expressive power of painting. Let's paint not just what we see, but what we feel!

Paper crafting

Following on from his Wings of Hope talk, Ed Harrison will be crafting birds, celebrating the interconnectedness of Scottish & African biodiversity through papercut art & traditional oral storytelling.

Doodle WITH DAN

Chief doodler and Summercamp veteran, Dan Woodward be holding a mindful space where you can go and reflect through doodling, in silence or with chit chat.

REN’S KITCHEN

Our catering partners since 2014, Ren and his friendly team have been on hand to keep all 150 of those at camp fed with hearty, home-cooked vegetarian food inspired by food from across the globe. Made with love and served with a smile.

Fri 12

9:00 - 11:00

Registration

Arrive, meet your fellow campers and get settled in

–

11:00 - 12:00

Opening Ceremony

–

12:00 - 1:00

Buffet lunch

Nutritious food from our friends at Ren’s Kitchen

–

1:00 - 2:40

Talks in the tipi

–

2:40 - 3:00

Break

Tea, coffee & snacks

–

3:00 - 4:30

Workshops

Across 5 learning areas:
Purpose pod
Launch lab
Money marquee
Tribe tibi
Soul café

–

4:30 - 6:00

Free time / activities

–

6:00 - 7:00

Bar opens

–

7:00 - 9:00

Dinner

A delicious 3 course meal (including wine)

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9:00 - 11.00

Entertainment

Live music
Open mic night
Campfire

Sat 13

7:00 - 8:00

Morning activities

Yoga in the tipi
Mindful rave

–

8:00 - 9:00

Breakfast

–

9:00 - 11:10

Talks & idea pitches

–

11:10 - 11:30

Break

–

11:30 - 12:30

Workshops

Across 5 learning areas:
Purpose pod
Launch lab
Money marquee
Tribe tibi
Soul café

–

1:00 - 2:00

Buffet lunch

–

2:00 - 3:30

Workshops

Across 5 learning areas:
Purpose pod
Launch lab
Money marquee
Tribe tibi
Soul café

–

3:30 - 4:00

Break

–

4:00 - 6:00

Free time/activities

–

6:00 - 7:00

Bar opens

–

7:00 - 9:00

Dinner

A delicious 3 course meal (including wine)

–

9:00 - 11.00

Entertainment

Pub quiz
Stick It On DJs
Campfire

Sun 14

7:00 - 08:00

Morning activities

Yoga in the tipi
Sunrise service

–

8:00 - 9:00

Breakfast

–

9:00 - 11:20

Talks

–

11:20 - 11:35

Break

-

11:35 - 13:15

Workshops

Across 5 learning areas:
Purpose pod
Launch lab
Money marquee
Tribe tibi
Soul café

–

1:15 - 14:15

Lunch

–

2:15 - 3:00

Closing ceremony & goodbyes

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3:00

Bus leaves, departures

In a nutshell

What’s it like to be a summercamp?

Hear about the experience from some participants and speakers that were there last time