Meet The Member - Tom Doe of Camp Green
We caught up with Tom Doe of Camp Green to uncover the story behind this Rothamsted Park–based outdoor training community. Built on inclusive, team-driven fitness and a passion for consistency, it delivers full-body sessions in an energising, supportive environment designed to boost both strength and confidence.
We are happy to have Camp Green as a member of We Are Harpenden. Could you tell us a bit about your journey, what led you into the world of fitness and outdoor training, and how did that path lead to the creation of Camp Green?
Camp Green Started way back in 2009, inspired by the founder Claire Green who had lived in Australia and enjoyed outdoor classes, she moved back over to Aus (Understandable), and I took on Camp Green. One thing was obvious from the start that we had a great environment, not just being outdoors but the environment created by the coaches and members. We looked to create an environment where people could come and train no matter how they were feeling and leave feeling a sense of accomplishment, with a positive mental boost from an enjoyable training experience.
There is something about being outside that brings us all a boost that can be hard to put your finger on, if you add that human connection when working in a Team and the buzz of training and self-development then Camp Green is a recipe for success.
It’s honestly a pleasure to take the Camp Green classes, a wonderful group of people that make me want to get up and out and no doubt make training constantly easer when part of the Team.
My own Personal Journey as PT came from an active childhood and an inability to sit still for long, I qualified in 2007 and love my job, it’s the personal connections which make it special, helping people believe in themselves and then getting to work alongside them as they shine, its also the reason why I have gone on to train as a counsellor. I’ve been there and done that in the fitness industry from the excitement of being Arsenal Ladies S&C coach to the rewarding challenge of working with vulnerable teens, I would say best part of my job is helping people who have never trained before and seeing their confidence grow.
How would you describe a Camp Green session?
Our classes focus on all elements of fitness, from strength and endurance to injury prevention and agility (don’t worry there are no ladders or hurdles), we use Kettlebells, TRXs, Bands, Slam balls, Battle ropes and body weight, oh and not forgetting boxing! The hope is that you get into the class, supporting each other and feeding off the energy in the Team that it makes it easier to push forwards with your fitness.
Operating in Harpenden, what do you enjoy most about being part of this local area, and how does the community influence what you do?
Located at the Heart of the community in Rothamsted Park, it’s a joy to see people gather for training then often head off for a coffee together, I do get a sense that Camp Green is an important community cog that builds relationships and promotes and healthier community in many ways.
What values and philosophy shape the way Camp Green delivers training and creates its member experience?
It’s so important to us that every session is accessible for all levels of fitness, with the experienced Team members being able to continually challenge themselves and those who are brand new to training can come and not feel overwhelmed. We encourage are members to reflect on how well they have done to turn up, then we push on from there, helping them get the most out of the session on any given day, with the support of your Teammates being so powerful.
The fitness industry is always evolving. How does Camp Green stay up to date with training methods and continue to enhance the experience for members?
One of the biggest challenges in an individual’s fitness journey is being consistent, helping people achieve consistency is at the heart of what we do, from there encouraging and guiding people to take on new challenges, from Hyrox to Handstands.
Finally, tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I used to figure skate as a child, which turned into a love of Roller blading, something I now do with my three boys, when they have left me with some energy!