Quinta Weekend 2009

Every year the Diocese arranges a weekend for youth groups from different churches to get together. This year, for the first time for several years, one of the young people from St Bridget’s (Edward Saunders) went to it, and Dave Cashen went as his ‘leader’. Let Edward and Dave tell you about it themselves.

Edward writes: Early in May I went away on a youth weekend organised by the Chester Diocese. Though I was the only one from our Church, at least 200 other people (aged 11 to 18) were there from all over the Diocese.

We did lots of activities over the weekend, some of them based on religious themes, others just for fun (e.g. Messy Games!). We also had prayer workshops where we discussed topics such as prayer methods and the meaning behind prayer. In particular, one of the workshops talked about proclaiming your faith outside of Church and letting people know that you are a Christian. I now realise how important this is, because when I arrived at Quinta not knowing anyone, I discovered that there were several people from my school who I didn’t know were Christians. They go to nearby Churches in other towns, and until then they probably didn’t know that I was a Christian either.

The worship sessions that were held over the weekend were also very enjoyable. It was a different style of worship from what I have experienced before, and involved different methods of prayer. The sessions included lots of songs that were accompanied by guitars and drums, and we were all encouraged to join in with them. The words to each of the songs were displayed on a projector, which made becoming involved easier. The projector was also used to display videos, which reinforced what the service had been about.

Every dorm time (once in the morning and once before going to bed) Dave Cashen, our youth leader, came round to our dormitory and discussed the message that had been carried throughout the day’s worships. We were each given cards with a bible reading, a question about the passage and a picture relating to the reading, and these were used to remind us of what the theme for that day had been.

On Saturday night, we had a barbecue and a campfire. There was plenty of food for everyone at the barbecue, and not only did it feed us, it also gave us some time to relax and chat with others! The campfire was also very good, where we sang songs and performed small sketches.

Overall, I think the weekend went very well. I really enjoyed the experience and, since I wasn’t sure what to expect, I wasn’t disappointed with anything. I am really looking forward to the next time I can go again (the weekend is organised every year), and I would very strongly recommend it to anyone of this age, particularly those who couldn’t make it this year.

Dave writes: Like Edward, I wasn't sure what to expect and looked forward to the event with some trepidation. I needn't have worried, however, as everyone was very welcoming and leaders from the churches were given guidance sessions and were encouraged to participate in all the events. There were about 24 leaders accompanying young people from the churches plus about 8 trained youth leaders from the Diocese who had planned and organised the weekend.

Lots of the youngsters and leaders had attended in previous years, which speaks for itself, and it was a pleasure to see all those participating this year, both young and old, having such fun whilst worshipping and learning together. Virtually everyone I spoke to said they would be going again next year, especially those who were attending for the first time.

Edward and Dave definitely hope to be going again next year: will you (or a teenager you know) be joining them?

Dates for next year’s Quinta are 7 to 9 May 2010.

Look out for more details and booking forms etc in the New Year.

http://www.chester.anglican.org/page_youth.asp?Page=8

Tina Upton

June 2009