Youth Development Team

As we come to the end of the year and reflect on all of our camps, school work and interactions with families, young people and volunteers, we are filled with deep gratitude for all that has happened throughout 2024. It has been a year of transition in many ways as we have brought in some new staff, changed our approach to our school ministry, and introduced some new structures and methods at our camps and events. As with all transitions, there have been challenges, tensions and lots of learning - and we are grateful to everyone who has walked with us and shown up in any way with our work at Scripture Union. 

Through the leadership and hard work of so many volunteers, we were able to run 16 camps over the year. Whether it be organising chaotic games, giving talks, dressing up as some odd Bible character, leading small groups or washing a pot that’s covered in lovely Bolognese, these camps would simply not have happened without you. We have also hosted some worship nights & training events throughout the year that have allowed us to connect with people outside our annual camps. 

To kick off 2025, we have just had our wonderful young adults retreat - Seek First - in Ovoca Manor. This event is always significant as we draw our attention towards God at the beginning of a New Year. Planning for our Easter camps is underway, as well as preparation for our Chaplains & R.E Teachers Retreat in April. We will also continue to meet with volunteers, church leaders, youth workers and teachers as we look to increase our training and leadership development over the years. 

As we look forward, we are excited to see how God will work through all of our activities and all of you. We hope to see many of you throughout the year and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to gather with us, get involved, and participate in helping young people and families experience the fullness of life as God intended. We pray that you will recognise God’s goodness over the past year and that we will all move expectantly into the next year. 

Mark Murray - Youth Development Team Leader

Chaplains Retreat

This year we have shifted our focus to include supporting Teachers and Chaplains, and faith groups in schools. We launched our very first Chaplains and R.E Teachers Retreat at Ovoca Manor in April. We had 23 Chaplains and R.E. Teachers attend from across Ireland - from Galway, to Kildare, and beyond. We had schools from all Christian faith denominations. Every attendee benefitted greatly from the retreat, and would like to attend again next year. We have also supported the Ember Faith Leadership programme which ran in September with over 18 schools in attendance. We continue to support Teachers and Chaplains by visiting schools and supporting their faith groups throughout the year. We love every opportunity we can get to support our local schools.

Sarah - Youth Development Worker

Bible Engagement

Scripture Union - it’s in the name! Bible reading and teaching has always been a part of what we’ve done.. This past year we conducted a survey on young people’s engagement with the Bible. The findings were fascinating and have pushed us to explore how we can be more effective in helping people read and understand the Bible across all of our work and with a variety of ages. We’ve found that one of the biggest challenges that young people face today while reading the Bible is a lack of confidence and understanding. We believe that we can make a difference by updating the way that we teach at camps, develop new resources and equip our volunteers!

Lezanne Snyman - Bible Engagement Co-Ordinator & Leadership Team Member

Volunteer With SU

SU are looking for people to fill particular roles at SU camps and activities. If you have a specific interest in volunteering as an SNA or in covering duty, please contact Suzie.evans@scriptureunion.ie or mark it as a 'General Interest' on your profile on the My Impact App.