Youth Development Team
Camps
Camps are a huge part of what we do here at Scripture Union. Between Easter, Summer, Parenting, and Weekend Adventure camps we engage with over 1,000 young people per year and get the opportunity to share the gospel with them! This is also a great time for us to connect with our volunteers and develop young leaders!
On the 5th to the 7th of January, Scripture Union held their 3rd annual young adult retreat, where 75 people came in anticipation to see God move. The theme for the retreat was “Seek First” based upon the verse of Matthew 6:33 - where we had people come and start their year by putting Jesus as their first priority in worship, bible reading & fellowship. Check out this quote from one of our attendees!
“My time at SU YA Retreat was amazing. The presence of God in the retreat was indescribable. Scripture Union was what I needed to start the year refreshing my relationship with God and also diving in deeper waters. I recall one day asking God to give me an opportunity to have more Christian friends and connections, and while at this camp I made new friends and I could see that they were God sent.
I am truly grateful for everything that I experienced during this weekend. May God bless each member that made the retreat happen. Can’t wait for the next one !!”
Retreats
The SU Youth Development Team run over 20 faith-based school retreats for Primary and Secondary schools each year from all over the country. Each retreat includes Bible Stories, content on a relevant issue for teens, music, sports, table quizzes, and LOTS of games! We try to create an environment where young people can take a break from the stress of school as well as explore faith in a safe and relaxed environment. This year we are shifting our focus to include supporting faith groups in schools on a regular basis as well as supporting the teachers who work with them.
We are so excited to launch our first ever Chaplains and RE Teachers Retreat at Ovoca Manor this spring! This year we are also running our first Confirmation retreats for 6th class students in collaboration with Marino Parish. We love every opportunity to support and equip our schools!
‘Ember’ Faith Leadership in secondary schools
In partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Dublin for over 10 years SU have facilitated the Ember Faith Leadership Programme held in Ovoca Manor every September with over 20 schools and 200 students. Ember’s vision is to cultivate leaders within schools who will demonstrate faith in action and strive to make a difference in the lives of their peers. Students participate in several workshops to enhance their skills in areas such as listening, group dynamics and effective planning strategies. Their goal for the year ahead is to find opportunities to develop the community of faith within themselves, their school, and the wider community.
“The warm welcome, well-maintained facilities and tasty nourishing food make our stay with you one of the highlights of the academic year. Your availability, kindness, and generosity in your approach to our team and our students mean a great deal to us. It is so important for our young people to experience God in the beauty of creation as well as in the warmth of community and in the silence of quiet places. Many thanks.”
