Calling all kids and young people – book now for friendship, fun and fabulous food!
From toddlers to older teens, this year's programmes at Junior Yearly Meeting and Yearly Meeting offered friendship, depth, laughter—and plenty of ways to take part.
Now staff and adult volunteers are beavering away working on a new children's programme as we transition to a new style of yearly meeting, starting in July.
"Junior Yearly Meeting for 15–18-year-olds was held at the Pioneer Centre near Kidderminster," explained Simon Hardie, team leader for children and young people. "This was followed by Young People @ Yearly Meeting (ages 11–15) who met for a residential at the Rock UK Frontier Centre in Northamptonshire before they joined everyone else at Friends House for the final day."
In the programme for younger children, the Fox Cubs 'made a garden on the window, played and worshipped together' and went home 'happy but tired'. The Light Explorers built a 'Friendship Bridge' from paper bricks, learnt how conflict can start from 'something very small', and finished by 'building a community by snacking together.' Meanwhile, the Spiritual Adventurers shared stories, sang songs and looked after one another when someone was upset.
"The CYP (children and young people) programme is really important, not only to support the children's spiritual development but to allow parents to attend sessions and so parents and children alike can take part in the life of the society," said Jude Acton, head of inclusive Quaker communities. "That's why we're now working hard to offer those same opportunities at the Manchester Yearly Meeting."
In July we move to a continuing Yearly Meeting when we will gather four times each year, with one longer meeting and three shorter ones.
"We're currently designing the CYP programme which will run alongside Yearly Meeting in Manchester, offering children and young people their own dedicated sessions while staying connected to the wider Quaker community," explained Jude. "They will have opportunities to share what they've learned, take part in age-appropriate activities, and feel included as valued members of our spiritual family."
Experienced facilitators will create a safe, welcoming environment where every young person can feel heard and supported. Teens will have the opportunity to join Yearly Meeting sessions at the depth and pace that suits them, or join with their peers in a supportive, welcoming community doing theme-related activities and games.
Places are limited so don't hang about – the deadline for bookings is Monday 29 June 2026.
Click here to book your place. See you there!
Click here for more on Yearly Meeting Manchester, July 18, 2026