September Update 2024

Have you ever wondered how to best disciple young people and encourage passion in them to put their relationship with God front and centre in their lives? Primarily, I would say that is done through consistent relationships with each other and trustworthy adults. However, it is also well worth considering taking your young people off to camp. In youthwork, there is nothing quite like taking a few days away on retreat with the sole purpose of intensely exploring God. It can sometimes feel that more is achieved in those few days, than a whole year of weekly gathering (although I would posit that it is the weekly discipline that allows for retreats to be so effective).

This is exactly what illuminate did this Summer. We spent a year discipling groups from both Stroud & Dursley, eleven of whom then signed up to spend 5 nights camping on a field in the Bath & West Showground at the Satellites festival (organised by Youthscape). Christian summer festivals have had a little bad press in recent years, but I would contend that when approached with the best attitude, can be wonderfully transformative for young people, set them on fire for God and equip them for the year ahead.

A typical morning included early morning prayer & Bible study, followed by a main worship gathering. In the afternoon, there was music, cafes, the marketplace, crafts & sports competitions – something for everyone. Illuminate entered the football competition and even won a match! Then in the evenings – there was another worship gathering, with inspiring teaching followed by live music, cinema, discos, quizzes and more. One night we got to participate in a live interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury. We arrived a little early and he came over and shared his chips with us – a memorable moment of kindness indeed!

There were so many memories to cherish. One afternoon our group started an impromptu party with a large conga line of dozens of people that walked through the whole site banging out classic tunes like the Macarena. On a more serious note, many of our group met with God in a really profound way, especially during the worship. One young person said that they ‘had always had a knowledge of God, but this was the very first time they felt His presence for themselves.’ They were just so hungry for everything God had for them, it was such a privilege to be able to take them there. We plan to go again next year – so don’t dither – commit your young person to go now – they won’t regret it!

Chris (Youthwork Manager)