Freedom to 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.
Freedom to Be (F2B) 2026
This years F2B will take place from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 August 2026.
F2B is free to attend and travel costs are covered.
There are limited places remaining so please apply now if you’d like to come.
If you already have a place confirmed at F2B this year, please read the packing list for information about what to bring.
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 in recent years at camp?
89 young people attended F2B in 2025. A year where the theme was ‘the digital era’ and young people designed their own t-shirts with the brief: My t-shirt as my digital platform.
This documentary celebrates 15 years of F2B camp, and through interviews with volunteers, explores the profound impact that F2B has had on the lives of the young people who attend.
What parents say
We always get very positive feedback from parents/carers of participants who attend.
“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:
- Camp 2025 Evaluation
- Camp 2024 Evaluation
- Camp 2023 Evaluation
- Camp 2022 Evaluation
- Camp 2021 Evaluation
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.
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 us at [email protected]. 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.
