Aged 11–15? Book now for the best-ever 3-day sleepover!
Be quick! Time is running out for young Friends to sign up for this year's rocking residential at the Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire.
The Young People @ Yearly Meeting event (YP@YM) is part of the wider Britain Yearly Meeting at Friends House in London from 1–4 May.
"We're passionate about creating an event where young people can really be themselves; be seen, ask questions, test their beliefs, let their guard down and make friends for life, " said Kirsty Philbrick, the team leader for children's and youth development work. "We meet at an adventure centre, run by Rock UK, a Christian charity, which means as well as all the opportunities of the programmed Quaker activities, young people can also do outdoor activities to help them push boundaries, widen their horizon, grow in confidence and discover capabilities they didn't know they had."
The event has been designed by four youngsters who were selected at last year's event to plan for this year. They've put together a fantastic programme with the theme of 'Connecting across divides: how can we overcome our prejudices and understand people we disagree with'.
"As well as the brilliant outdoor challenges and creative theme activities," said Kirsty, "we're also looking forward to sharing worship together around a campfire and enjoying some great discussions about how we build bridges in a divided world."
The experience will be topped off by joining more of the Quaker community at Friends House in London for the final day of Yearly Meeting.
"We want young people to know they're valued members of the wider Quaker family," Kirsty explained. "Their voice really matters and it's important they have the opportunity to help shape the future of our community by having a presence at Yearly Meeting."
Young people attending the residential will be supported by experienced Quaker facilitators trained in creating safe and inclusive environments.
The cost is £295 which includes activities, overnight accommodation, meals and transport between London and Northampton.
If you need help with funding, please get in touch with your local meeting or area meeting clerks who will look at ways to support you.
So if you're ready for a week of friendship, spiritual discovery, meaningful participation and being part of something special you need to get your skates on as registration closes on 1 March. Have a brilliant time!
YP@YM, the Children's Programme and Accompaniment and the programmes for under 18s to engage with Yearly Meeting are an important part of being an inclusive all age church and are all coordinated by the Youth, Children and Families staff team. You can find out about other Yearly Meeting programmes here:
Find out more about opportunities for children and young people at Yearly Meeting