Established in 1986, Christian Residential Network (CRNet) (formerly Christian Camping International) is the membership association for Christian residential venues and organisations across the UK.
At CRNet, our vision is to see men, women, children, and young people encounter Christ and grow in faith through the Christian residential experience that our members offer. We know that residentials are often a defining spiritual moment in the lives of many people.
We exist for and because of our members. For nearly four decades, CRNet has been pivotal in fostering Christian residential experiences in the UK, impacting hundreds and thousands of people annually. Our network of over 100 member organisations provides a platform for spiritual growth and community, with over 300,000 men, women, children, and young people benefiting in 2023 alone.
For nearly 40 years CRNet has provided membership services to centres, holiday providers, organisations, churches and individuals involved in Christian residential ministry, as well as resources for people looking for a venue or planning an event.
CRNet provides benefits that enable members to accomplish, more effectively, the unique work to which God has called them, as well as providing resources for people looking for a venue.
Every year over one million people in the UK enjoy the opportunity of a Christian residential, many of which are life-changing. It might be the social or physical challenges they experience, or a spiritual experience of anything from a sunset or hearing a challenging talk. Many young people have the opportunity to attend a camp each year where they grow deeper in their faith each year, and possibly move on to leadership roles themselves.
CRNet members range from very small organisations up to very large ones. The diversity in CRNet's membership helps strengthen the industry as many different types of organisations come together to help support one another.
Our members include:
- Outdoor Activity Centres
- Retreat Centres
- Camps
- Festivals
- Conference Centres
- Hotels
- Venues providing opportunities for outdoor learning as part of the national curriculum
- Volunteer and self employed service providers
- Other individuals involved in Christian residential ministry
Some of our members:
Christian Supply Chain Buying Group
Christian Residential Network runs alongside a trading subsidiary which provides financial stability and any surplus generated is invested back into Christian residential ministry across the UK. You can find out more about this here.
Speaking at Bible Colleges
Staff and Board members regularly speak at colleges to raise awareness of the Christian residential experience. Please contact the CRNet office if you would like someone to speak at your College.
Lobbying for Members’ Interests
In the past few years CRNet has been able to represent members’ views on a range of issues:
- The Review of the Charities Act 2006
- The Protection of Freedoms Bill – with reference to DBS checks
- Equality Act
- DBS Reviews and Access NI (Access Northern Ireland)
- The Outdoor Council survey
- Youthwork National Occupational Standards (NOS) – with emphasis on belief, values and spirituality
- Learning Away Report — Brilliant Residentials
- The Department for Business Innovations and Skills (BIS) ‘Focus on Enforcement’ Volunteer Events consultation. This looks at regulatory activity that affects volunteer-based events, and wants to hear about good or bad experiences in dealing with regulatory authorities. CCI submitted a response in connection with the impact on voluntary organisations of the 1992 EC Directive on Package Holidays.
- RIDDOR Consultation.
- Ofsted re resisting the inspection of Sunday Schools, Christian venues and other activities
- Save our Outdoor Centres campaign during the pandemic, working with others in the industry to bring forward the re-opening of the sector
