Podcast Summary: The OCD Stories
Episode: The OCD Camp 2026 - Applications close 31st Jan
Host: Stuart Ralph
Date: January 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this brief, informative episode, host Stuart Ralph announces the upcoming OCD Camp 2026, an outdoor therapeutic event designed for adults living with OCD. He shares details about what attendees can expect, the application process, and new improvements to camper selection. The episode focuses on encouraging listeners who may benefit from connecting with others facing similar challenges to apply before the deadline.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Introduction to OCD Camp
- OCD Camp Background: Running since 2018, the camp is now facilitated by the Integrative Center for OCD Therapy with Stuart and Johnny as lead therapists.
- Purpose: The camp provides a supportive, outdoor environment for adults with OCD to foster growth, connection, and community (00:16).
“The OCD camp is a chance to escape the everyday. We aim for it to be an empowering three day outdoor experience in Surrey in the UK, designed for adults with OCD to connect, grow, and thrive together in nature.”
— Stuart Ralph [00:21]
2. What to Expect at OCD Camp
- Activities and Community: The event includes shared adventures, group challenges, reflective moments, and peer support. All meals, activities, and staff support are included (00:36).
- Focus on Resilience and Belonging: Attendees have the opportunity to build resilience, share their stories, build friendships, and “rediscover strength beyond compulsions” (00:48).
“This unique camp has brought people living with OCD out of isolation, offering shared adventures, group challenges, reflective moments, and opportunities to build resilience alongside others who truly understand the journey.”
— Stuart Ralph [00:28]
3. When and How to Apply
- Event Dates: 12th – 14th June 2026 in Surrey, UK.
- Application Deadline: Closes 31st January (about five days from episode air date).
- Eligibility: Adults 18+, open to participants globally, provided they can travel to the UK (01:09).
- Application Instructions: Apply via icocd.co.uk. Full details and FAQs are on the website, and a direct link is provided in the episode’s description (01:03, 01:13).
“It is open to over 18s and anyone globally. So if you're interested, please make sure you can get to the camp on those days…the 12th to the 14th June.”
— Stuart Ralph [01:10]
4. Changes to Camper Selection Process
- New, Fairer Selection: Rather than selecting applicants outright, there will be an initial call, followed by a random lottery to allot places (01:27).
- Rationale: Stuart mentions the challenge of choosing campers and states that the new system is designed to be more equitable (01:31).
“We’re going to have an initial call and then we’ll put people into a lottery and pick people at random for the places. So that is how they’ll be picked from now on, on a lottery basis, which we think is much fairer.”
— Stuart Ralph [01:32]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Meaningful Escape:
“Giving you space to share stories, build friendships and rediscover strength beyond compulsions.”
— Stuart Ralph [00:50] -
Reflecting on the Selection Process:
“It’s a really tough decision. So now we’re going to do it on a lottery basis, which we think is much fairer.”
— Stuart Ralph [01:31]
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|---------------| | Introduction and Purpose | 00:00–00:21 | | Camp Activities and Goals | 00:22–00:51 | | Application and Event Details | 00:52–01:15 | | New Camper Selection Process | 01:19–01:37 | | Application Deadline Reminder | 01:15–01:25 | | Closing Remarks | 01:38–01:54 |
Final Notes
- For adults with OCD seeking community, support, and personal growth, OCD Camp 2026 provides a unique, nature-based experience.
- Applications are open globally and close on January 31st, 2026.
- All details, including FAQs and application forms, are available at icocd.co.uk.
For more information and to apply: Visit the OCD Camp page before 31st January.