> download pdf version

Newsletter		Issue 13 - January 2005

Whithaugh Park 2004
A Look Back

Calling all those aged 11-16! This is a report with a difference…….

I usually find it hard to remember exactly what I was doing half a year ago. I would have to guess at general things like eating, sleeping or Cossack dancing. But, there is one exception…when it is exactly half a year since Whithaugh Park.

For those of you who have not yet been to Whithaugh Park and for those of you that have, come, journey with me back to late July on an expectant Saturday morning. Coach drivers click their backs as they slump down from their throne; big Chris Woolley hugged everyone like long lost friends and Blackers’ clipboard began to smoke with the pace of scribbling. So began the trip to the Scottish Borders.

When we arrived there was an excited frenzy of activity as campers found their lodges and started to make merry with their leaders. This is the time that campers show each other what is inside their suitcases. For most people, this is a mixed bag of clothes, a wash bag and book or two. For others, it is the entire contents of River Island and for some people it is a small sweet shop. Once all this frivolity comes to a close what happens next?

That is a question that has a million different answers throughout the whole week because there is always something else about to happen. The list of activities speaks for itself. Canoeing; mountain biking; gorge walking; go-karting; photography; laser questing; arts and crafting; story time with Simon Dennising; raft building; midnight walking and I could go on …
But despite the activities being absolutely legendary, they were not the best bits of the week. Because some people worshipped God for the first time, some people really understood why praying is great, some other guys realised that God sent his Son for them no matter what they had done. For some people, questions about God were answered; for others they were raised and for some learned that it is OK to believe even though they don’t understand. For a lot of us, that was the most amazing part of the week.

So if you haven’t been to Whithaugh yet, maybe 2005 is your year. You would be very welcome. I would tell you about the amazing weather, sun tans and palm trees…but I’ll let you find out for yourself.

Latest Information
Reviews... Plans... Prayers

Praise God! As we look back at 2004, God has clearly had his hand upon this work. Not only did we have a superb time ‘spiritually’ at Whithaugh Park, but we saw the launch of a ‘Taskforce’ at this camp, and a ‘Living the Life’ weekend, both aimed at 16-18 year olds. The ‘RUup4it?’ events now based at Manor School were revamped in November, with nearly 100 young people attending. Also leader training events were introduced, while more young people than ever before received 1-1 discipleship.

Recently a ‘leadership group’ has been established to bring long term stability, vision and direction for our organisation. We are pleased to say that Tom & Catherine Candlin, Ant & Becki Dean and Dianne Gamble who have shown a tremendous commitment to our work over a number of years, will be joining us to oversee the organisation. Key areas for us this year include, becoming a charitable organisation, raising awareness of our need for increased financial support, and guidance as we consider starting a 2nd week at Whithaugh Park in 2006.

While we should continually thank God for all he has done, we would appreciate all your prayers for the year ahead of us.

Diary Dates
January - July 2005

Friday 15th - Sunday 17th April

'Living the Life'
Wydale Hall, Nr Scarborough
School Years: 12-13 (or equivalent)
Cost: £35
Colour Leaflets Available

Saturday 23rd July - Saturday 30th July

Whithaugh Park 2005
Newcastleton, Scottish Borders
School Years: 6-11
Cost: £162.50
Colour Brochures Available

For further information contact:

Tim Blackburn
12 Stonethwaite
Woodthorpe
York
YO24 2SY
Tel: 01904 705004
Mob: 07985610759
Email: office@ycyh.org.uk
Website: www.ycyh.org.uk

< back to top of page>