Summer 2023: Fun, worship and community

It was my first time attending the East of England Youth Summer School, writes Connie Attwood. I was immediately welcomed and accepted. I’m so grateful for the amazing time I had and everything I learnt from the incredible, supportive community.

My options for the week were media and discussion. Discussion provided me with a space to share things that others could relate to and this made me feel understood and part of something bigger. In media, we did editing, lighting and filming and created a nightly live podcast, interviewing different staff members and students.

My favourite event was the worship night. This was especially impactful; I find music such a powerful tool in connecting with God.

I grew up at Saffron Walden, a small corps with few young people and, because of this, these divisional events mean even more to me.

The theme of the week was Storyline. I learnt that the more we try and control things, the less enjoyable and easy life becomes. I learnt the importance of trusting God; his timing is consistently perfect.

I have no idea what God will do with me yet. While that seems a little scary and daunting, it’s also amazing that God has a plan and purpose for everyone. Sometimes we might try writing our own stories. We might not even be doing this intentionally, just not taking time out to stop and listen to God. God will not give up and will keep knocking at that door until we listen. I’m so excited to find out what God has planned for me!

The theme for the division’s first summer school was See, I Am Doing a New Thing, writes Divisional Youth Officer Captain Ben Ellis. It was based on Isaiah 43:19. Young people from across the division and the wider territory spent the week considering what it looks like when we give everything to God, who continues to do immeasurably more than we can imagine.

Students joined various streams throughout the week, including band, creative arts and sports and all joined together for a whole school choir.

On Wednesday afternoon the entire school engaged in local mission in the busy market town of Newtownards, supporting the corps officers, providing music for the many people enjoying the sunshine, giving out sweets and engaging in conversations.

Students also took part in activities provided by the Ganaway Activity Centre, including laser tag and an assault course in which teamwork, support and care were put to the test.

A final celebration and time of worship was shared with family and friends at the end of a joy-filled and God-honouring week where all were encouraged to share the joy of the Lord.

Junior camp

Children, predominately from disadvantaged backgrounds and connected with The Salvation Army across London and the South East, were invited to go to Infinity and Beyond! at summer camp, writes Captain Nick Ward (Mitcham). Our Morning Mash-Up worship sessions – featuring Cosmic Challenges, interviews with Whizz (our resident alien puppet), singing and dancing – helped us wonder what friendship, courage and life look like when they go to infinity and beyond.

Each day was jam-packed with fun activities, including workshops, baking, crafts and swimming. Those who couldn’t swim were given lessons from our trained lifeguards and it was a real highlight seeing non-swimmers grow in confidence while in the pool!

We had loads of fun on our outing, enjoyed avoiding alien imposters in our camp version of the popular game Among Us, tackled giant inflatable obstacle courses, launched rockets 400 feet into the night sky during an evening prayer session, and finished every day reminding ourselves of a wonderful God who guards, protects and watches over us.

This and much more took place because of a team of fantastically brilliant people who, when it comes to caring and serving children, went to infinity and beyond!

Summer school

Eighty-three students and twenty-nine staff gathered for the divisional summer school, write Divisional Youth Specialists Rachel Gash (London) and Anita Gellatly (South East).

The theme was Salt and Light, based on Matthew 5:13–16. Each day, students took part in a chosen stream – faith, leadership, justice, art, dance, sport, gospel choir, brass, media, worship and young leaders. We also gathered for worship, cell groups and activities as we built community together. We had healthy discussions around justice, inclusivity and relationships and we were able to hear their voices about their experience of church.

There were significant moments, most of which took place in our Tent of Meeting. Who knew a tent in a field in Surrey could see such incredible things?!

This week was so powerful with a real desire and passion for worship, which was a privilege to witness and be a part of. We laughed, cried, prayed and worshipped together, lives were transformed, real decisions made and Jesus was praised throughout the week. The Holy Spirit was at work from the moment we arrived.

We have two prayers coming out of this week: that our young people are able to be salt and light in the world they live in, and that these wonderful young people are listened to as they return to their home settings. They are so amazing! If you are a corps leader of a young person who went to summer school or a parent/guardian, please take time to listen, learn and empower them in their faith journey.

The theme for the North West and Isle of Man Division Summer Camp was Undignified, writes Divisional Youth Specialist Darren Highton. It was based on John 4:23: ‘But the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth’ (New Living Translation).

Over 100 students and staff spent the week considering what it looks like to live an Undignified life of faith. Daily Bible studies were spent digging deeper into living ‘flipped’ lives for God in the here and now.

Students joined in various options throughout the week, including singing, worship, brass, sport, science and faith, dance, drama, media and art. Themed evenings included a Saturday Night Takeaway Quiz, a wellbeing night and the penultimate evening was spent enjoying worship together on the beach. Daily ‘Selah’ time and God Dating were part of the rhythm of each day. The students had an inspiring visit from Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee Dee in Coronation Street, sharing her story of faith and how she lives a ‘flipped’ life daily in her acting career.

A final celebration and time of worship was shared with family and friends at the end of a God-filled week where new commitments were made to live an Undignified life for God.

Junior camp

The division once again held its junior camp at the Poplars with 34 children and 8 adults gathered under the theme of Superheroes, writes Divisional Operations Manager Andrew Hurd.

During the week, we focused on Bible heroes Abraham, Esther, Elijah, Moses, and Jesus, thinking about what made them superheroes of faith and what we can learn from their stories. Exploring thinking fast, facing our fears, and trusting in God allowed the children to discover more about themselves and how God wants nothing but the best for them while showing them how they can be superheroes wherever they are.

Other activities included a film evening, karaoke, disco, inflatables, treasure hunt, a Nerf war, crafts and team games as well as time for reflection and worship.

There were also opportunities to go off site with an afternoon at a local swimming pool and a day trip to Cattle Country Farm Park, where the children loved exploring the grounds and play barns, meeting animals and even a sheep race.

Everyone had a great week, and we were all so blessed to spend time with an amazing group of children, having fun and seeing God working in their lives.

Summer school

The first of three summer camps in the division was held at a farm in Ledbury, writes Divisional Youth Specialist Beth Gweshe.

The theme was Rooted and, through fellowship, fun and creativity, we explored what it means for us to be rooted in our relationship with God. The week involved many different expressions of worship from music, art and fellowship to cooking, campfire, slingshot building and so much more. We also challenged ourselves with leadership, discussion and relaxation workshops that aimed to give young people a toolkit for sharing their faith beyond the week of summer camp. Please pray for these young people and the others who attended church camps this summer.

Ephesians 3:14–21 was a piece of Scripture we kept returning to in the week: ‘I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.’ (New Living Translation) Amen.

Summer camp

The third of three summer camps in the division was held at West Buckland School in Devon, writes Youth Development Worker Alice Hodge. The theme, like the first camp, was Rooted, which was explored by looking at biblical characters whose lives were transformed by Jesus and went on to live rooted in God. The young people went deeper with the theme through various streams.

Everyone spent a fun day at a local activity centre, where the young people and some brave staff got to rock climb, dance around the high ropes, learn team-building on low ropes and realise their own strength while bouldering. On Wednesday, the young people ran a community day in a park in Tiverton. They had face painting, nail painting, craft, sports, parachute games and more. The young people came out of their shells and achieved a very successful day.

Everyone spent one day at the beach and had an opportunity for a surf lesson. Even though the days were packed full, the evenings included quizzes, silent disco, movie night and a campfire. A highlight was seeing the young people from the Plymouth Youth Network (Pulse) run a prayer night where they shared what they had learnt from the 24/7 Prayer Origins course through different prayer spaces.

The week was absolutely brilliant. God blessed it with a wonderful staff team and a great bunch of young people.

Young people from the division gathered at Malvern College to explore the theme of One God – The Father Who Loves Us, the Son Who Saves Us and the Holy Spirit Who Transforms Us, writes Lieutenant Corinne Seabridge (Birmingham Ashton).

The week included a variety of evening activities such as team games and ‘hunt the staff member’, silent disco, a water[1]themed night, Sam & Charlie’s Wednesday Night Take Away and our own Glasto-style festival night.

Each day started with God Morning Summer School and then everyone met in Bible Study groups. Main studies followed – including drama, art, dance, singing, brass, media – and then options, including timbrels, crafts, big questions, worship band and sport.

Everyone met together for a time of gathered worship each day. Guests during the week included Divisional Mission Officers Captains Lorna and Richard Weston, Lieutenant Rebekah Frost (Cannock and Hednesford), territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, Sports Mission Specialist Rob Moye and divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels JP and Karin Ramos.

The week concluded with a final celebration where friends and family joined everyone to thank God for an amazing week together. The different studies allowed everyone to express their testimony and worship the One God!

Sixty young people joined together for worship, teaching, music and fun at the Yorkshire School of Christian Arts (YSCA), writes Joshua Chapman (Sheffield Citadel).

The week’s theme was Rise, with three main sections: Sit, Walk and Stand. We explored the promises found within Ephesians, looked deeper into what ‘grace’ is – and what wearing the full armour of God looked like with the school’s very own trashion show.

Alongside worship and teaching, students developed their talents through main study subjects of brass, vocal, sport, media and dance.

At the end of the week’s YSCA Showcase, students performed what they had learnt to parents, family members and friends in an incredible act of worship, including music, dance and videos created by the media main study.

Each evening featured an activity, including a gameshow, Stick or Twist– which saw six staff members get covered in porridge, baked beans, custard and more – a visit from Christian magician John Archer, and a Praise Party led by YSCA’s student and staff worship bands.

For 17 of the young people, it was their first experience of YSCA, and for some it was their first experience of church. The staff felt an immense sense of privilege to journey alongside them and introduce Jesus into their lives.

For 17 of the young people, it was their first experience of YSCA, and for some it was their first experience of church. The staff felt an immense sense of privilege to journey alongside them and introduce Jesus into their lives.