Resource
Three year cycle of events
Discernment by Yearly Meeting Agenda Committee and Quaker Life Central Committee on the three year cycle of events for children and young people
Image © Mike Pinches 2015
Events for ages 0 to 11
2020 Events
Yearly Meeting Gathering Children's Programme
Britain Yearly Meeting has postponed the 2020 Yearly Meeting Gathering. The ongoing public health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to bring 2,000 people together for this event. Please see the press release for more information.
The event will now take place from 31 July—6 August 2021.
The Children's Programme (0—11 years) offers the chance to explore and engage with the Yearly Meeting Gathering theme in creative, fun ways, worshipping together, exploring spirituality, playing games and hearing stories.
2019 Events
Yearly Meeting 2019 Children's Programme
Yearly Meeting 2019 Children's Programme for ages 0 to 11 took place from 25—27 May at Friends House London. During Yearly Meeting the Children's Programme was on Saturday, Sunday and Monday in the mornings and afternoons.
We welcomed 79 children to the Children's Programme at Yearly Meeting. We had a wonderful time on the children's programme creating, playing, singing, dancing, worshipping and learning.
You can read the Minutes from the Children's Programme's here:
Spiritual Adventurers 2019 Minute.pdf
Events for ages 11 to 15
2020 Events
Yearly Meeting Gathering Young People's Programme
Britain Yearly Meeting has postponed the 2020 Yearly Meeting Gathering. The ongoing public health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to bring 2,000 people together for this event. Please see the press release for more information.
The event will now take place from 31 July—6 August 2021.
The Young People's Programme (11—14 years) enables young people to have fun while exploring their spirituality, experiencing Quaker practices and reflecting on their Quaker live
2019 Events
Yearly Meeting 2019 Young People's Programme
The Yearly Meeting 2019 Young People's Programme for ages 11—15 took place as a residential event from Friday 24 May—Monday 27 May, at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddeston. We welcomed 29 young people to this event. Young people engaged with Yearly Meeting topics through exploring their theme 'Opening our hearts and minds to transform the world'. Games were played, base groups were enjoyed, sessions were engaged with and the Swarthmoor lecturer visited. Many lasting friendships were made as the young people came together as a community.
You can read the Minutes from the Young People's Programme here:
Living as a Quaker
Living as a Quaker for 12—15-year-olds event took place at The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire. It ran from Friday evening to Monday afternoon, 18—21 October 2019. Young people gathered to explore Quaker values and personal beliefs. They also participated in team building activities like crafts, cooking, campfires and shelter building.
Events for ages 15 to 18
2020 Events
Junior Yearly Meeting at Yearly Meeting Gathering
Britain Yearly Meeting has postponed the 2020 Yearly Meeting Gathering. The ongoing public health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to bring 2,000 people together for this event. Please see the press release for more information.
The event will now take place from 31 July—6 August 2021.
Junior Yearly Meeting (14—17 years) provides a variety of opportunities to explore the theme through activities, speakers and discussion, experiencing Quaker practices and worship, as well as participating in Yearly Meeting Gathering sessions.
2019 Events
Junior Yearly Meeting
Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM) for young people aged 15 to 18, took place as residential event in April. The programme was arranged by a group of young people with the support of adult volunteers and staff. We welcomed 70 young to JYM and created a memorable weekend.
You can read the Epistle from JYM here: Epistle of Junior Yearly Meeting (PDF)
You can view the JYM photos and access the Minute and Epistle at the yqspace website.
Accompanying
Accompanying for young people aged 15—18 year was a part of Yearly Meeting 2019. It provided a space for young people to gather in Friends House and participate in Yearly Meeting, with an adult team alongside them, as well as offering some social activities.
Facilitation and Leadership
Facilitation and Leadership is an invigorating event for 16—21 year olds. This is a great opportunity for young Quakers who want to facilitate activities for other young Quakers. We will look at how to build community in groups we're part of and how to reflect Quaker beliefs, values and practices in our facilitation. The event is open to people new to facilitation and those with previous experience.See the yqspace website for further information.
Three year cycle of Junior Yearly Meeting events
Document
[DOC-END]
Events across age ranges
Information for future events when they are planned will be made available here.
2020 Events
Young People's Online Programme
Young People's Online Programme for 11—17 year olds was held virtually on Zoom, 3—7 August 2020. We welcomed 41 young people, who gathered to build community and connection, to explore personal faith and current issues, to develop spirituality and have fun. Daily two-hour Zoom sessions provided an opportunity to connect young Quakers with their peers, give structure to in an uncertain times and offer support in/post lockdown.
“It's been very interesting to hear other people's opinions on different topics that have been discussed. It has stretched my views and challenged how I think about certain topics." – a participant of the Young People's Online Programme
“This was a really good way to connect with new people in the times we are in." – a participant of the Young People's Online Programme
“I've met lots of people who I haven't met before, and the discussions have been extremely thought provoking as well as thought Quakerism much more than usual." – a participant of the Young People's Online Programme
Events for all-age worshipping communities
We are committed to offering opportunities for all-age gatherings where this is possible. Information for future events when they are planned will me made available here.
Regional events
Link groups
Link groups are Quaker youth groups for young Quakers from neighbouring area meetings. To find out if there is a link group near you look at the find an event page of the yqspace website for young Quakers.
Young Quakers Calendar
The calendar includes information on national events which includes; Junior Yearly Meeting, The Young People's Programme, Leaveners, summer events, regional events and link groups. The calendar can be found by going to the find an event page of the yqspace website for young Quakers.
Past events
Pictures, videos and fun stuff from all of the young people's events that have taken place can be found at www.yqspace.org.uk.
Header image © Mike Pinches 2015