We arrived safely at the Youth Village with everyone in high spirits.  The Youth Ministry team welcomed us, then we met the other schools and got to know them with some ice breakers.  The children were put into teams with their friends plus some children from other schools. The evening meal was lovely then we got settled into our lodge (Bishop Ambrose).  There was a fun filled night with lots of high jinx and eventually we all settled down to sleep.

After a breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and toast we headed to base camp to complete a carousel of activities.

The theme of the retreat for the Jubilee year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.

Pope Francis asked people to make 2024 a year of prayer and preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.  The opening of the Jubilee Door marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year.  The children will consider how God opens doors in our lives, encouraging us to ‘Ask, Seek, Knock’.

In the carousel of activities, the children enjoyed a selection of craft, social justice, chapel, outdoor, and team building challenges.  They explored what ‘hope’ means for us, each other, our communities, and the world as they completed their Pilgrim Passport!

The lunch was amazing. Here are the children tucking in. Spot our surprise visitor!

The children enjoyed some free time before our nature walk.

We had a bracing walk through the woods then played football and rounders.

Our next activity was an Escape Room.

After the activities, the children watched a movie then went to bed. No high jinx tonight just 27 tired children and 2 tired teachers. Silence!! Everyone was super organised this morning – bags packed, beds stripped, breakfast eaten.

There was a final activity where the children shared their ideas about what a planet they designed might look like.

Our last photograph before leaving the Youth Village!  A great few days was had by all!