We are excited to be back at Essex Outdoors on Mersea Island for our annual Youth Gather, where there is cabin accommodation and a brilliant range of outward bound activities. We will combine opportunities for climbing high ropes, archery, zip wires and much more to keep you challenged and entertained, with guest speakers and workshops which will give you fresh insights into yourself, and your faith, by telling their stories. 

The weekend includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, two Mersea activities, 2 BCYS workshops, and a night in a Mersea log cabin – all of this for just £55. This price is thanks to National Youth Sunday parish collections, to help us subsidise such opportunities.

This event is open to those in school year 9 and above.

For Youth Gather 2022, we are delighted to welcome Barry and Margaret Mizen back to the BCYS, to share their incredible story and message of peace.

Barry and Margaret’s son Jimmy Mizen was tragically murdered in May 2008, but after Jimmy’s death Barry & Margaret were determined that something good would come from it. They made the choice to forgive, and have dedicated their lives to working for peace in Jimmy’s memory.

The day Jimmy died I promised him two things; one, I would keep his name alive and two, I would dedicate my life to working for peace.

"
Margaret Mizen MBE

The Mizens have shared Jimmy’s story in schools, churches, prisons and workplaces. Their message of forgiveness, peace and hope has impacted the lives of countless people and inspired many to build safer, more peaceful communities.

Barry and Margaret use their powerful story to get young people to think about how they respond to situations, illustrating how anger can cause so much damage and get out of control so quickly and to show how, no matter the situation, you have the power to take control.

We need to look at what is happening when our young people are getting involved in violence. We need to understand them in order to find out why those who hurt others do what they do.

"
Barry Mizen MBE

As well as hearing from these incredible speakers, you will have the opportunity to…

  • Try a range of outdoor activities such as Archery, High Ropes, the Climbing Wall and Zip Wire!
  • Take part in Youth Led workshops, prayer and reflection
  • Get to know other young Catholics from all over the Brentwood Diocese
  • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery of Mersea Island

TRAVEL

On the booking form you will be asked to select how you wish to travel to and from Youth Gather.

If you have selected to travel on one of our coaches, they will meet you at the following places on Saturday 22nd October. (Times and exact stops TBC)

Coach 1

Stratford

Romford

Chelmsford

 

Coach 2

 Southend

Basildon

Brentwood

 

 

Own Transport

For those who have chosen to make their own way to and from Mersea Island, the address is Essex Outdoors Mersea, Rewsalls Lane, Colchester, CO5 8SX.

Please aim to arrive for 10:30 on Saturday morning and pick up will be 15:15 on Sunday afternoon.

 

 

WHAT TO BRING

Kit Lists will be sent out from Essex Outdoors, so please do read it and ensure you do not forget to bring anything you will need for overnight including a sleeping bag and pillow, and appropriate clothing and footwear as well for the outdoor activities.

 

BEFORE YOU GO

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE BOOKING FORM AND RETURNED A SIGNED PARENTAL CONSENT FORM BEFORE TRAVELLING.

If you are unsure if you have any outstanding items, you can check this by logging into your account at www.bcys.net and seeing if there is anything still listed on your “To Do List”.