Financial Contribution

Rainbow Mill is a non‑profit camp run entirely by volunteers. No one is paid, and nobody makes a profit. Everything we do is motivated by our wish to make camp and NVC accessible to anyone who wants to be here.

 

Why we use a Sliding Scale

Our contribution range is designed to balance two needs:

• ensuring the camp can cover its essential running costs, and
• making it possible for people with fewer financial resources to attend.

If you are willing and able to offer more, your contribution directly supports concessions for those who cannot meet the minimum. This is one of the ways we live our values of care, inclusion, and community support.

 

What your contribution covers

Your contribution includes:

• your camping fees
• three meals a day, plus hot and cold drinks
• shared camp facilities such as marquees, workshop spaces, hot showers, firewood, and other essentials

(If you choose alternative accommodation outside the Rainbow Mill site, this is not included.)

 

How camp costs are spent

Here is how our core running costs break down:

• Venue & Facilities — 56.88%

• Food & Kitchen — 18.87%

• Logistics — 18.96%

• Insurance — 2.97%

• Miscellaneous — 2.32%
  (First aid supplies, burn kits, spare equipment, repairs, and other small but important items.)

 

Example: To illustrate, here’s what a fictional £300 contribution covers:

• £170.63 supports the venue and facilities
• £56–£57 goes to food and kitchen supplies
• £56–£57 supports logistics
• About £9 helps cover insurance
• Around £7 goes toward first aid, spares, and essential extras

Every pound goes directly into running the camp.

 

Surplus and financial safety

If any surplus remains after camp, it is kept as:

• a financial buffer in case future camps must refund participants after paying the venue
• a concession fund for people who cannot afford the minimum contribution
• a cushion for unexpected costs

 

Choosing your contribution

Please choose the highest amount you can both afford and are willing to contribute (you feel a wholehearted “yes” to):

 

Adults (17+)

£240 – £490 per adult

 

Children (up to 16)

• 0–5 years: Free
• 6–16 years: £120 – £250

 

Concessions 

If you would like to attend camp but can’t afford the minimum contribution, you can apply for a concession by completing the form on the Rainbow Mill website.

[Link to form – will be available by end February 2026]

We trust requests are made in good faith and assess them on a first‑come, first‑served basis, depending on the camp’s current finances as reviewed by the Finance Sub‑group. We aim to respond within two weeks.

If a concession isn’t available immediately, we can keep your request active and offer a place later if funds allow.

A concession is confirmed once the deposit is paid. If practical help (like a lift share or borrowed equipment) would reduce your financial need, you can note this on the form.

 

Payments & booking

We prefer full payment at the time of booking, however a minimum of £50 deposit per adult is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by the end of April 2026.

We do have a maximum capacity, so early booking is recommended.

 

Refund policy

The decision to run camp depends on participants’ financial commitment. This creates significant personal financial exposure for some members of the Core Team until final accounts are completed after camp.

For this reason, refunds cannot be considered before the final accounts are closed, except in very exceptional circumstances.

After camp, refund requests may be considered at the Core Team’s discretion and in the order they are received.

Please see Camp Policies page for access to the full ‘Refund Policy’ which includes details of how to request a refund and the process that will be used.