Campfire Convention was inspired by the community bonding pioneered by The Big Chill's vibrant online community, back when the internet was in its infancy. After our first event in August 2016, Brian Eno accepted an invitation to become Campfire's first patron, saying:
This is the start of something big. It will involve engagement: not just tweets and likes and swipes, but thoughtful and creative social and political action too.Brian Eno, Campfire's first patron
Every summer, we bring the community together for our annual Campout.
Ethos
Authentic interactions and collective creativity, fostering trust and belonging.
Sharing knowledge and co-creating, rather than competing.
Grassroots action on societal and environmental challenges.
A welcoming space, free from corporate influence and exploitation of user data.
Aims
Empowering individuals and groups — by providing tools and platforms for people to share their stories, skills and projects.
Facilitating dialogue and debate — Campfire hosts discussions on social, political, environmental and cultural topics.
Catalysing action — members collaborate to turn ideas into action, focused on tangible outcomes and grassroots projects.
Sustainability — promoting eco-friendly practices and awareness of environmental issues.
Lighting Beacons for Connection
It's time to reclaim the meaning of Beacons. For too long they've been lit only for royal occasions, anniversaries and ceremonial rituals. But Beacons belong to the people — to all of us.
We're inviting communities everywhere to ignite their own local Beacons as:
1. Signals of connection — moments of recognition, celebration and coming together.
2. Symbols of our shared longing for harmony, peace and understanding across the world.
3. Points of focus that bring light, unity and common ground beyond beliefs, borders and prejudice.
4. Sparks of possibility — for new local bonds and global resonance.
Origins
Campfire Convention was inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire — a symbol of community, storytelling and collective wisdom. It emerged as a response to the shortcomings of mainstream social media, which too often prioritises profit and engagement metrics over genuine connection.
As a music producer and community builder, I'd already witnessed the transformative potential of community-building through The Big Chill. It felt almost second nature to extend that passion for innovative social spaces into something new — Campfire Convention.
Key events like Campout and Campfire Conversations have reinforced its mission, blending online and offline interaction to build a strong, action-oriented community. Think of Campfire as a fertile garden for ideas — which can grow into inspiration, blossom into debate, and lead to action, co-creativity and a new narrative.
Campfire Convention is a growing, unity-conscious community of open-hearted people who believe we can work together to shape a more loving, expansive world.