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The Climbing Wall

This year’s Adventure Camp took place over the August Bank Holiday, Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th. More than sixty people travelled from many parts of the country (North Wales, Plymouth, Northampton, London) to attend the event, which was held at the Well End Activity Centre near Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. There were 24 campers aged between 6 and 13, along with a large group of teen helpers/campers and staff and all enjoyed a fabulous weekend of fun, friendship and activities.   Many were first time attendees which was most encouraging.

Children took part in a wide range of activities: archery, orienteering, field games, candle making and many more. The young adults helped organize and run activities – many thanks to them. Adults and children commented on the great atmosphere.  The weekend also included an engaging interactive church service, organized by Sylvia Lowe with singing, prayers and scripture readings by children, while Tony Goudie gave the main message. The theme this year was ‘The Olympics’.

Fun and Games

At the close of the event there was a sad but very grateful and fond farewell. Judy Harper who has helped run, organize and administer Adventure Camp for many years is stepping down from the organizing committee. A beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Judy by the children as a token of appreciation for the countless hours of her time she’s given to help make Adventure Camp run smoothly. She will be missed!

The whole weekend was a very successful, fun-filled event and the campers have vowed to return. It was indeed a fantastic Camp.

 

 

Baptism in Loch Lomond!

Since the middle of July there have been seven baptisms within the WCG UK. Three took place during SEP with some of the older campers who wanted to make a commitment to Christ (Glen Thompson, Mark and Anise Francis). Two more baptisms took place in Loch Lomond - Darren Glennie’s occurred during SEP set-up and Steve Dickson’s took place at the end of SEP take-down.  They are both from the Glasgow congregation.  Another one took place on Saturday 26th July, as members from WCG Nottingham gathered to celebrate the baptism of Paul Bescoby in Lincoln.  A Bible Study is held there once a month, which Paul started attending after being invited by his friend, Daniel Gray.  The baptism was performed by the WCG Nottingham Pastor, Ian Woodley. Sebastian Woolford’s baptism took place during the first part of August in London.  To all of the people involved, a warm welcome to the body of Christ and we rejoice with them.

  

 

 

Welcome to S.E.P Loch Lomond

SEP at Loch Lomond in Scotland, which finished a week or so ago, is a bit like Brigadoon, the mysterious village in the musical of the same name that appears every 100 years for one day and then disappears. SEP, however, our youth village, appears for two weeks before once again disappearing for another year. 

A large field is transformed into a bustling hive of activity and fun during that time. This year 110 campers enjoyed the opportunity to experience a surplus of physical, mental and spiritual activity. Sports activities such as fitness and football, volleyball and netball vied with the water sports of sailing and canoeing. Hill walking and mountain biking provided more strenuous outlets while art and crafts, worship preparation and Christian living classes gave the opportunity to express creativity, spiritual development and individuality. Evening activities, which involved the whole of camp, ranged from the sports competitions to sing-alongs to dances and quiz and movie nights.

Behind the scenes are the staff, including qualified instructors in their various fields, as well as a small army of volunteers who donate their holiday time or who even take unpaid leave to make SEP a very special experience for the young people who attend.  During the camp a camaraderie develops between the campers and the staff which helps to make all the sacrifices being made worth while.  Even when the weather doesn’t always cooperate there is a cheerfulness that prevails, and the good food provided from the cooks in the barn kitchen keeps the spirits up.  

One of the highlights of camp comes with the Final Banquet for which the main marquee is transformed from an everyday field workplace to whichever exotic hotspot has been chosen. This year it became a Night at the Loch Lomond Oscars which included a red carpet for the entrance of the evening’s celebrities as well as two ten foot Oscar statues.  

Campers outdid themselves dressing up for the occasion which featured a lovely meal, special Oscar awards and was followed by a disco.  

The final day included a worship service which was followed by three baptisms in the loch witnessed by all the campers.  The rain which had plummetted down all day stopped and the sun shone for the baptisms.  It was a wonderful way to conclude a very successful camp.  We look forward to the reappearance of the SEP village again next year!