The Cumberland International Youth Camps 1944 – 1958

Many people are familiar with the story of Camp Windermere, established in 1945 to give child Holocaust survivors a place to heal and begin new lives in the Cumbrian countryside. Almost forgotten is another remarkable camp for young people that was organised in the Lake District after the war.

In 1944, Cockermouth hosted an experimental international Youth Camp that brought English and European secondary school students together in the hope of laying the foundation for future peace. The first camp was such a success that the idea spread rapidly throughout Britain and Europe. The Cumberland camp continued annually until 1958.

Cumberland’s pioneering role in this important post-war peace initiative has been largely forgotten. This book brings that story to light.