Who doesn’t love to spend a night under the starry sky, listening to the music of nature and gathering around the bonfire with your loved ones while talking about nothing and everything? Camping has been a popular adventurous activity among tourists and travelers worldwide. But what if you had the option to camp in a church? Sleeping under the beautiful structures and intricately carved arches is an experience that is privy only to the members of the clergy. But thanks to a new trend, you can do it too. The entire experience is known as champing. Interesting concept, right? Here come the deets.
Who Started This Trend?
The trend “Champing” or camping in a church was started and promoted by the Churches Conservation Trust. The trust works to preserve the historic and unique architectural landmarks in the form of these old churches.
Why Did the Churches Conservation Trust Start This Trend?
The Churches Conservation Trust started this trend to gain more funding to preserve more churches through the capital that Champing would bring in. The charity is trying to encourage the younger generation to visit churches, and due to the weekly service having been stopped in these churches, the trust is trying to open up new ways for collecting public donations.
How Is the Experience?
The church campers or the ‘champers’ describe the experience as a unique blend of culture, religion, and adventure. They say one might think it would be unsettling living in a church overnight, or even scary. But the truth is, it is rather satisfying. You are given an opportunity to live in these massive, beautifully crafted premises overnight and you are helping them preserve the old churches by doing that. The stay is comfortable with comfortable mattresses and blankets. The bonus is the beautiful view of the intricately carved ceilings and sculptures all around you.