CloseOnline applications for Youth Gather 2019 now closed. If you still wish to come, please email [email protected]
We are delighted to be back at Essex Outdoors on Mersea Island for our annual Youth Gather, where there is new 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.
This year at Youth Gather we will be joined by a panel of “BCYS alumni.” Part of the BCYS over the last 10-15 years, this interesting group includes a strategist in the Home Office, a Metropolitan Police Sergeant with a very special role, a person collecting taxes at HMRC, a classroom teacher and a school lead practitioner. Two of the panel are married to each other, and one is engaged. Come and hear them tell their stories, and share how they navigate the (sometimes very difficult) balance of decisions in their working life and living their Catholic faith. It will be a fascinating encounter for teenagers considering their own pathways in life.
The cost includes lunch and dinner on Saturday 26th, breakfast and lunch on Sunday 27th, two Mersea activities, 2 BCYS workshops, and a night in a Mersea log cabin – all of this for just £50. 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.
TRAVEL
For those who have selected to travel to and from Youth Gather on one of our coaches, they will meet you at the following times and places on Saturday 26th October and return for the stated times on Sunday 27th October:
Coach 1
09:00 – Stratford, Great Eastern Road, Bus Stop P Return time approx. 17:15 on Sunday 27th October.
09:30 – Romford, The Campion School, Wingletye Lane Return time approx. 16:30 on Sunday 27th October.
10:00 – Chelmsford, St John Payne School (Partridge Avenue Entrance). Return time approx. 16:00 on Sunday 27th October.
Coach 2
09:00 – Southend, St Thomas More School, Kenilworth Gardens Return time approx. 17:00 on Sunday 27th October.
09:20 – Basildon, Holy Trinity Church, 71 Wickhay Return time approx. 16:40 on Sunday 27th October.
09:40 – Brentwood, Ingrave Road (Outside the Cathedral) Return time approx. 16:15 on Sunday 27th October.
Please ensure you arrive at your pick up location 20 minutes prior to the stated time on Saturday 26th October to ensure a swift departure once the coach arrives. Our young leaders will be on each coach to check you in and help you should you need it! We will aim to update social media as the coaches leave each stop so you should have an idea when they’re on their way as well as when they leave Mersea Island on Sunday. We will ask those on the return coaches to keep you updated directly on the Sunday in case of any problems or hold ups.
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.
We will be finishing the weekend with Mass at 2pm on Sunday 27th October. Family and friends are welcome to join if they wish, and if you are there, the young people can then make their way home with you. Please do just let me know in advance so we are aware if there is anyone who will not be returning on a coach!
WHAT TO BRING
Kit Lists have seen 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. If you have not received this, please email [email protected]
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”.