Richard Dawkins launches children's summer camp for atheists



Godless alternative: Richard Dawkins is subsidising an atheist summer camp in Somerset to introduce children to a different way of thinking

The author of controversial book The God Delusion is helping to launch Britain's first summer retreat for non-believers.

Richard Dawkins is subsidising the camp which will offer children aged eight to 17 the chance to sing along to John Lennon's Imagine and have lessons in evolution.

The five-day camp, based in Somerset, promises to be 'beyond belief' - the event's motto - and will rival traditional faith-based breaks run by the Scouts and church groups.

As well as traditional camp pursuits such as trekking and tug-of-war attendees will be given lessons in moral philosophy and evolutionary biology as well as debating otherworldly activities such as crop circles and telepathy.



There will even be a £10 prize for the child who can disprove the existence of the mythical unicorn.

And instead of finishing up the day with a toasted marshmallow and round of Kim-bi-ya budding atheists will belt out 'Imagine there's no heaven...and no religion too.'



Dawkins said the camp was designed to 'encourage children to think for themselves sceptically and rationally.'

The event has been held in America for 13 years and was set up in the UK by Samantha Stein, a postgraduate psychology student from London.



The 23-year-old said the 24 places available were now taken and she hoped to expand next year after receiving hundreds more inquiries.

She said the camp, to be held from July 27 to July 31, was not intended to convert children but to introduce them to a different way of thinking.

Camp atheist: Children will debunk crop circles and sing John Lennon

'It is not about changing what they think, but the way that they think.



'There is very little that attacks religion, we are not a rival to religious camps.



'We exist as a secular alternative open to children from parents of all faiths and none.'

The theme of the camp is evolution, to coincide with the Darwin 200th anniversary celebrations this year.



The programme includes canoeing, drama, nature walks, singing and swimming.



There will also be philosophical and scientific discussion for children who will be taught about evolution and that ethical behaviour is not dependent on religious belief and doctrines.



Christian organisations which run summer camps include the Church Pastoral Aid Society, an evangelical group which operates 100 holiday schemes 'giving young people a chance to meet Jesus Christ'.