A world of opportunity
The Cameron Bespolka Trust is dedicated to providing events and opportunities for young people with an interest in nature and conservation
Whether you are hoping to make a career out of your passion for the natural world or just want to extend your network of friends and like minded individuals, below is a list of events and offers that the Trust sponsor.
Camps
SOC/BTO Bird Camp Scotland
Where: Haddington
When: Friday 26 May to Sunday 28 May 2023 (TBC)
Closing date: 31 March 2023
Ages: 12 to 18
BTO Bird Camp Wales
Where: Stackpole
When: Friday 16 June to Sunday 18 June 2023
Closing date: 16 April 2023
Ages: 12 to 18
BTO Bird Camp England
Where: Thetford
When: Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July 2023 (TBC)
Closing date: 16 April 2023
Ages: 12 to 18
New Forest Wildlife Camp
Where: Cameron's Cottage, New Forest
When: Friday 28 July to Sunday 30 July 2023
Closing date: 30 June 2023
Ages: 12 to 18
BTO Bird Camp Northern Ireland
Where: Gortin, County Tyrone
When: Friday 28 July to Sunday 30 July 2023 (TBC)
Closing date: 16 April 2023
Ages: 12 to 18
BTO Young Leaders Course
Where: Cameron's Cottage, New Forest
When: Monday 21 August to Thursday 24 August 2023 (TBC)
Ages: 16 to 25
A four-day Young Leaders course organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. Application details will be published shortly.
Scholarships
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Event
Where: Ithica, New York, USA
When: Thursday 27 June to Sunday 30 June 2024 (TBC)
Closing date: 2 July 2023
Ages: Up to 18
Preliminary dates for the 2024 Young Birders weekend at Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca , New York, USA are 27th - 30th June 2024. Scholarship winners must be age 17 or 18 on date of travel. The scholarship includes entry to the event, all accommodation including an extra night before the event and flights from the UK.
For those age under 17, other competitions and prizes are available.
Other
ZEISS UK Young Birder Awards
When: Friday 14 July 2023
Closing date: 2 July 2023
Ages: Up to 18
The ZEISS Young Birders Awards are aimed at rewarding young nature enthusiasts and birders and encouraging them to share their skills, creating a network of young ornithologists in collaboration with our partners.
Apply now for the ZEISS Young Birder Awards for a chance to win a ZEISS Birding package
Young Naturalists Fund
Ages: 21 and below
The Young Naturalist Fund provides monetary and personal support for young people who are working on or have an idea for a project that will benefit nature.
Free HOS Membership
Where: Hampshire
Ages: 21 and below
Free membership is available to young birders aged 21 or below who are in full time education if they go birding in Hampshire or are from Hampshire and away at university
“I salute the Cameron Bespolka Trust for finding new ways to engage young people with nature. By creating opportunities to connect people with the environment, the Trust is empowering the next generation“
Chris Packham