News feature 7 to

IT was great to hold the Severn and Somerset Junior Camp in person and in a residential setting this year, Divisional Relationship Manager writes Andy Hurd. The Poplars saw 26 children and 9 adults gather under the theme Monsters Stink, exploring what the Bible says about overcoming fears that may seem like monsters in our lives.

We considered what God says about disobedience, bullying, loneliness, fear and how he has a plan for each one of us. All this allowed the children to discover more about themselves and their importance to God while showing them that God is on their side and is bigger than any of their monsters.

Other activities included a film evening, a talent night, a disco, bouncy castles, scary animal encounters, a Nerf battle, team games and time for reflection and worship.

There were also opportunities to go offsite with an afternoon at a swimming pool and a trip to Cattle Country, where the children loved exploring the grounds and play barns.

Everyone had a great week, and we were all blessed to see God working in the lives of our children.

SOUTHERN

AFTER a two-year absence, returning to the Southern School of Christian Arts (SSCA) was extremely exciting, writes Katie Wileman (Winton). The week was based upon Philippians 1:6 with worship and discussion on the theme of Belonging and exploring the concepts of becoming me, becoming us and becoming more!

Throughout the day, streams such as vocal, art, dance, sport and worship allowed us to take part in something we enjoy and acted as times of worship. New for this year, community space also meant that all students took part in a different stream each day, one that they may not have picked. Despite some apprehension at first, this actually ended up being one of my favourite parts because it was great to try something that I hadn’t done before!

In the evenings, everyone got involved in activities ranging from a quiz night to a silent disco and more. On the last night, we presented what we had done to our families and friends through an energetic final festival.

Overall, SSCA 2022 was an incredible time where amazing worship took place and hilarious memories were made. I look forward to returning next year. Severn and Somerset Junior Camp

West Midlands

West Midlands WEST MIDLANDS

SUMMER School 2022 was a week of transformed lives, life-changing decisions and young people and leaders learning what it means to be rooted in Jesus, reports DYS Laura-Jane Kingscott. Each day we looked at ways in which we can be rooted in Jesus, including in his promises, through prayer, in his justice and much more.

Alongside powerful and sincere moments of worship and Bible study, the different activities brought lots of excitement and fun. The colour run was a huge hit and, with lots of laughter and fun, friendships were developed, strengthened and deepened.

The week came to a finish with a brilliant celebration, where family and friends joined with the school to worship and share in all that had happened. One person joining the celebration commented on the community spirit they felt when entering the holy space that had been created. Before the students arrived, the staff had prayed that the young people’s lives would be different when they left. As a team we truly believe that lives were transformed.