About Us
Christian Residential Network (CRNet) exists to promote and strengthen Christian residential ministry across the UK. Since 1986, we’ve been uniting a vibrant and diverse community of Christian venues, camps, and organisations that believe in the life-changing power of time away with God.
Whether it’s a youth camp, a church retreat, or a school residential, we know that these shared experiences often mark spiritual turning points. In the quiet of nature, around the campfire, or during a powerful moment in worship, lives are shaped, friendships are formed, and faith is awakened.
Our vision
We long to see people of all ages, especially children and young people, encounter Jesus and grow deeper in their faith through the unique context of residential ministry. From thrilling outdoor challenges to soul-stirring evening talks, the Christian residential setting creates space for transformation.
Every year, over 1 million people attend a residential hosted by our 120+ member organisations, a community that’s growing in both reach and impact.
What we do
CRNet exists to serve and support Christian residential work in all its forms. We provide our members with:
- - A supportive national network
- - Practical resources and shared learning
- - Training, advocacy, and expert advice
- - Promotion through our venue finder and holiday listings
We also help individuals, churches, and families find the right Christian residential venue or holiday. Whether you're planning a youth weekend, a church retreat, or seeking a new summer adventure for your children.
Who we are
Our members are the heartbeat of CRNet, ranging from small, volunteer-led holidays to large conference centres. This diversity is our strength. Together, we represent a rich tapestry of Christian residential ministry across the UK:
- - Outdoor Activity Centres
- - Camps and Holiday Providers
- - Retreat and Prayer Centres
- - Conference Venues
- - And many more individuals passionate about seeing lives changed through Christian residential work.
How to get involved
Are you a Christian residential organisation?
Join CRNet and become part of a network that supports, equips, and promotes your ministry. Together, we’re stronger.
Looking for a venue or holiday?
Discover a Christian residential experience that could shape your life, or the lives of those you serve. Use our venue finder to explore what's out there.
Some of our members:
What we've been up to
Christian Residential Network is more than just a membership organisation — we’re a passionate voice for the sector, championing the value of Christian residential ministry in public life, policy, and education.
Raising the profile of Christian residentials
Over recent years, CRNet staff and board members have spoken at Bible colleges, training institutions and at Staff conferences for organisations across the UK - inspiring the next generation of Christian leaders to see residential ministry as a vital part of discipleship and mission. If you’d like someone from CRNet to speak at your college or event, we’d love to hear from you.
Advocating for Our Members
We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring that Christian residential venues are not just heard but understood, especially when legislation or national reviews could impact how our members operate. Some of the issues we’ve advocated for include:
- - Feeding into the development of Martyn’s Law, helping shape guidance so that future security legislation is realistic, proportionate, and workable for Christian venues and events
- - Shaping national conversations on the Charities Act, DBS checks, and the Equality Act
- - Responding to Ofsted proposals that could have affected Sunday schools and church-run activities
- - Representing Christian perspectives in the Youthwork National Occupational Standards, ensuring faith and spirituality remain recognised
- - Speaking into DBS Reviews and the Access NI process to make safeguarding workable and fair for faith-based settings
- - Collaborating on the Learning Away Report to promote the lasting impact of ‘Brilliant Residentials’ on young people
- - Supporting the sector during the pandemic through the Save Our Outdoor Centres campaign, which helped accelerate reopening across the UK
Whether it’s working with government departments, contributing to policy reviews, or challenging burdensome regulation, CRNet is committed to standing in the gap, so our members can focus on what they do best: creating space for God to work in people's lives.
Strengthening the sector through smart stewardship
CRNet also operates a trading subsidiary, the Christian Supply Chain Buying Group (CSC Buying Group) — which helps churches, Christian charities, and residential venues save money on essential goods and services.
By negotiating better deals across everything from utilities to food supplies, CSCBG not only supports the practical needs of ministries but also contributes to CRNet’s financial stability.
Any surplus generated is reinvested directly into Christian residential ministry across the UK, ensuring our mission is both sustainable and future-facing.
