august & Group Information

Transcription

1 hilfield youth camp august Leaders 1. & Group Information

2 Hilfield Youth Camp Hilfield Youth Camp is a true alternative to large mainstream Christian youth events, offering young people aged 13 to 18 a chance to explore their Christian faith at Hilfield Friary in Dorset. Organised together with the Anglican Society of Saint Francis, the radical Franciscan spirituality of following Jesus is explored through a theme and our life together in community. Because the camp is between 40 and 60 people, everyone has a chance to join in, and no one is lost in the crowd. Guided by more experienced campers and a pastoral team, the campers themselves present aspects of the theme each day to the whole camp. In this way EVERYONE gets to participate and all are encouraged to live out these experiences in their everyday lives. 2.

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4 HYC is truly an unforgettable experience, a space in a young person s pressured life where they can be themselves, discover who they really are and experience God s love. We hope you will be able to join us and see this at work for yourself! 4.

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6 The camp is influenced by the radical life of the Franciscan Brothers, and we get to join their daily rhythm of life where possible through worshipping and working together. Everyone on camp is in a group and we all contribute to the running of the holiday. We spend time having fun and relaxing together and our activities include trips to local places of interest, beaches, an outdoor adventure centre, swimming pool, sports, wide games, bonfire, creative workshops, music and a talent night. The camp is built on friendship, community and faith. Several of the Franciscans are part of the camp, helping with the Theme and Pastoral elements as well as joining in the practical work and fun. Hilfield itself is a fascinating place, with an environmental and peace project running alongside the Friary, which we get to find out about on camp. The Friary is an SSI (site of scientific interest), and is stunningly beautiful. 6.

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8 The camp is a place where young people come together as a community to learn more about Jesus Christ, themselves and others, as well as have fun and make new friends. Hilfield Youth Camp policy document Camp Objectives. 8.

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10 The camp is underpinned by prayer. The mornings always begin with prayer and we have a wide group of supporters (The Friends of Hilfield Youth Camp), who pray through the year. Our worship is a mix of time with the brothers in traditional prayer as well as a range of modern worship styles. Although Anglican in setting the majority of campers and leaders are from a cross section of church denominations, URC, Baptist, Methodist and Catholic. Many of the leaders are in their 20s, with adults mentoring them. Young people tend to grow through the camp, maturing into new roles and being positively influenced by their peers. In fact, this way of learning is enshrined in the way the camp works with TOGS (time out groups) at the end of every day. The TOGS are same sex, small groups, arranged by age with a leader who is just a few years older than the group members. The TOGs are presented with thought provoking questions provided by the Theme and Pastoral Team, which allow everyone to reflect on the day s theme. 10.

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12 The leadership has a caring and encouraging style, accepting people where they are, and allowing individuals to express their feelings and positively recognise the validity of their own views. Hilfield Youth Camp policy document Camp Objectives. 12.

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14 One of the difficulties of church life is how to encourage young people to grow into becoming active church members and leaders. HYC offers many different leadership opportunities from leading a small work group, organising the theme or joining the adult team. It could be said that the second agenda is to develop leadership confidence. Past campers have gone on to work in areas of ministry including ordination, and we have found the camp invaluable for young people struggling to discover their vocation and place in the world. The leadership team includes many experienced adults who have helped at the camp over many years. All leaders are required to pass CRB checks (Criminal Records Bureau) and most are involved in youth work at their own churches. We have policy documents covering health and safety, child protection, appropriate behaviour and leadership responsibilities. Everyone attending camp has to abide by simple rules and basic safety procedures. 14.

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16 A Typical Day. We have breakfast and a time of worship together, followed by announcements of the day s activities. The leaders also meet and pray. At 10.30am we join the Brothers for tea in the courtyard and then go to our work groups to clean, cook, help around the Friary or prepare for the 'Evening Session' (where a work group shares an aspect of the week s Theme). We spend afternoons at the beach or doing some other activity. After the evening meal we join together for the 'Evening Session' which usually includes an ice-breaking game, drama, worship and prayers. We split into TOGS (see earlier), and join the Brothers for Compline (Night Prayer). The rest of the evening consists of wide games, film nights, quizzes etc. Hot Chocolate and cake, before bed! On the final Sunday we join the Brothers to worship in the Chapel together, with the camp providing music and dramatic presentations of the readings. There is always a talent show near the end of camp, and time, by arrangement, for family, friends and past campers to visit. 16.

17 What to bring. You will need to bring a tent (or have a space in one), sleeping bag, clothes, cutlery and wash items. All food and transport on camp are provided. A full kit list is sent out in July. Facilities. We have full use of the Friary Facilities, including showers, toilets, a large room for activities and a guest house for those needing first aid or extra rest. There is a shop selling gifts and sweets. We use the Chapel and have two very large fields for camping and games. Cooking and many of the activities take place in a marquee. Cost. All leaders are volunteers, everyone pays to come to camp. We quietly help those who may struggle with the booking fee. We make the camp very affordable - between The camp relies on voluntary donations. We often have young people who cannot afford to come. If you, or your church would like to pay for/sponsor people, then please contact us. 17.

18 Get More Out of HYC - Come with a group! We have small groups coming to camp from all over the UK. Currently there are groups from Croydon, Barnet, Wakefield and Beaminster. Past experience indicates that coming together as a group has major benefits for the young people, as they get to process and share together what God has done in their lives, support each other and develop their faith throughout the year. We also have a reunion in February and many campers meet up outside of the camp. If you are interested in bringing a group, please call us for further details and discount group rates. The Team. This year s camp is hosted by Sam Martin and Lizzie Malloy, veterans of HYC. There are some places left on the leadership team; if you would like to be involved please get in touch. We will be posting regular updates through our Facebook page over the coming months. 18.

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20 Transport. The Friary is well connected by train from London and Exeter. Regular trains stop at Yeovil and Yetminster. We can collect from these stations. The Friary is straightforward to get to by car, being between Yeovil and Dorchester (A37). From London you can follow the A303, from the North West, Hilfield is 40 minutes from Junction 25 of the M5 (follow the A358). Often people travel from all over the country, so please contact us as we may be able to arrange shared transport for you. How long has the camp been running? Since Contact Us. If you would like to know more, receive a booking form, bring a group, come along to camp or find someone to visit you and talk about camp, then please get in touch! 20.

21 Coming together as a group has major benefits for the young people, as they get to process and share together what God has done in their lives, support each other and develop their faith throughout the year. 21.

22 General Enquiries & Bookings Bob Bailey Mobile: The Parish Office (daytime work number): HYC, c/o Bob Bailey The Parish Office, St. Helen's Church, Barnsley Road, Sandal, WAKEFIELD, West Yorkshire WF4 6EJ. Contact details for The Friary The Society of St Francis The Friary, Hilfield, DORCHESTER Dorset DT2 7BE. Tel: Main Office

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24 Pax et bonum 24.