Boys, Fires, and Beats: Sparking Creativity Around the Urban Campfire

In Ipswich, a group called Urban Campfire is bringing together teenage boys to sit around a fire, cook food, and share stories. The project is designed for boys aged 14 to 19 and takes place every Tuesday evening at AMPP Studio, near the town center. The sessions are led by artists and focus on building connections, creativity, and self-expression. The idea is to give young men a safe and welcoming space where they can relax, talk openly, and learn new skills.

Nikita, a 16-year-old participant, says he enjoys how social the group is. He likes talking with others, making food on the fire, and building the fires themselves. He feels that being part of Urban Campfire has helped him come out of his shell and feel more confident. The group is not just about cooking; it is about creating a relaxed environment where conversations happen naturally. Brian Powlett, one of the group leaders and a chef, explains that preparing food together helps break down barriers. When everyone is working towards a common goal, it is easier to open up and make friends.

Sarah Nkugwa, the creative director of AMPP Studio, says Urban Campfire has shown what can happen when young men are given a space to connect and be themselves. She has seen friendships form, confidence grow, and a real sense of community develop. The project started in April after a three-week pilot last September and now has eight regular members. It is supported by Suffolk County Council. Along with cooking, the boys are also learning music production. They are working on an EP with three genres: bedroom pop, indie, and rock, and are making official videos for each song. Max, another 16-year-old, says he is excited to learn from the other talented musicians in the group and make new friends.

The project will end with a showcase at AMPP Studio on 11 August, where everyone is invited to see what the boys have created. Urban Campfire is a reminder of the positive things that can happen when a community invests in its young people. It gives boys a chance to learn new skills, express themselves, and build lasting friendships. The project leaders hope that more young men will join in the future and that the idea will spread to other communities as well.