Will there be any SSIW bootcamps this summer?
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As far as I know SSIW don’t run bwtcamps any more, BUT, Nia who used to run them for SSIW is offering them through her own website:
I’ve only been to an SSIW one, but Nia is awesome and so enthusiastic about Cymraeg so I’m assuming these are also just as good.
Theres also Nant Gwrtheyrn which offers week long stays I think, but I think that’s more class/teaching based whereas the bwtcamps were about using the language in the wild:
Hope you find something that suits you!
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The information @charlie-o gives above is correct. Take a look at the Paned website and see if there’s a date that suits.
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I think they’re largely sold out for this year (pleasingly for Nia). I went on one last year and found it a very positive experience for my Welsh. Exhausting though. There are also weekends (haven’t been on them but might do later).
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Thanks, I did one with Nia last year and it was a great experience. Unfortunately, she’s all sold out for the summer this year.
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(The May Live Welsh Week is running from 11th to 16th of May)
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But believe the gap is now filled!
Here are a list of the autumn events that we have on at Garth Newydd.
Virginia Steinkamp has now joined our team of weekend hosts and is leading a number of weekends in October and November.
Penwythnos Trio
If you’ve ever thought about joining us at Garth Newydd but felt that the challenge of staying in Welsh was too much, this new “try-out” weekend has been designed for you. The weekend will run as normal, but there won’t be any expectation to stay in Welsh for the whole time. Virginia is a tutor, so she’ll be on hand to answer questions and encourage you on your journey.
14–16 November
Penwythnos Trio Cymraeg / Try out Weekend 14–16 November 2025 Deposit – Paned.Cymru
Two Penwythnos Patagonia weekends — Normal and Advanced levels
Advanced level
The first Patagonia weekend is for more advanced Welsh learners who feel they can comfortably speak and understand others. You don’t have to be completely fluent — just confident in a group of stronger learners who can chat comfortably together.
31 October – 2 November
Only 6 places available.
Chwedlau Cymru a Puel Mapu (Patagonia) 31 October – 2 November 2025 De – Paned.Cymru
Normal level
The second weekend is for our usual Garth Newydd level of learners, where we’ll do our best to stay in Welsh across the weekend. Virginia, who is from Patagonia, will be leading this special event and sharing the story and history of Patagonia and its unique connection with Wales.
24–26 October
Only 6 places available.
Penwythnos Profi Patagonia 24-26 Mis Hydref cost £175 Deposit – Paned.Cymru
Penwythnos Cerddoriaeth
This weekend is for anyone who plays a musical instrument or who simply enjoys singing in front of others. The idea is to bring together a group who are happy to jam along with each other — or to be part of the group as singers. We’re delighted that Iestyn Gwyn Jones is joining us for the weekend — he’s fantastic.
21–24 November
Penwythnos Cerddoriaeth 21-24 Mis Tachwedd Cost £175 Deposit – Paned.Cymru
Penwythnos Owen Shiers
There are just two places left for the Owen Shiers weekend in November — one single room and one place in a male shared room (discounted). Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a special weekend with Owen Shiers as our guest.
28–30 November
Penwythnos Y Tir gyda Owen Shiers fel gwestai 28-30 Tachwedd – Paned.Cymru
Supporting Garth Newydd
Garth Newydd is in the process of becoming a CIC (Community Interest Company), a not-for-profit organisation. Hidden costs always arise, and we want to keep our course prices affordable for everyone and the house full of people using their Welsh.
One of the ways we’ve come up with to raise funds for repairs and to keep prices low is to collect spare foreign coins that people may have left over from holidays. You are welcome to send these to:
Garth Newydd
19 Bridge Street
Lampeter
SA48 7AA
…or pass them on via someone you know who is attending.
If you can’t join our weekends but love the idea of supporting us and Welsh learners, you can also contribute directly to the project:
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I’ve changed the name of this thread to ‘Alternatives to Bŵtcamp’ to help people looking for a similar experience.
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Hi, I’m learning Northern Welsh… will I survive in Lampeter? 
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You will. Slightly different vocab, slightly different grammar, slightly different accent. With an emphasis on slightly.
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Iawn, diolch yn fawr Margaret. Dw i’n mynd i drio!
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I’m learning Northern Welsh as well, and I had an absolutely lovely time in Lampeter (did the full Wythnos Byw earlier this year).
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Thanks for the encouraging response! I’m booked 
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