Richard Dawkins launches children's summer camp for atheists

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.'

All 24 places at the retreat have been taken.

The Daily Mail