Rock UK welcomed over 1,000 children, young people and youth leaders to this year’s Urban Saints Spree weekends.
Rock UK welcomed over 1,000 children, young people and youth leaders to two of this year’s Urban Saints Spree weekends. In June Spree in the Borders was held at our Whithaugh Park in Scotland. In this blog we share an insight into Spree Central, held at our Frontier Centre from 6th – 8th July.
Spree is a fun-filled weekend of activities together with an inspirational Christian teaching programme for children and young people aged 8-15 years. Working in partnership with Urban Saints our Rock UK team organised a memorable weekend of activities, outdoor adventure and an opportunity for young people to connect with their Christian faith. Youth leaders and young people began arriving on Friday afternoon with our campers setting up their tents. Various accommodation options were provided at the centre for our other guests with self-catering and catered options. Spree Central kicked off on Friday evening with a monster barbecue, enjoyed in glorious sunshine surrounded by beautiful countryside with views across Stanwick Lakes, followed by teaching sessions and various evening activities including a night hike.
On Saturday there was a jam-packed day of activities including canoeing, raft-building, King Swing, abseiling, archery, football, arts & craft and giant inflatables. Along with teaching sessions (Create, Explore and Deeper) for different age groups. In the afternoon many crowded into the sports hall to watch England qualify for the World Cup semi-finals!
Throughout the scorching weekend our guests consumed over 750 ice pops. Our Frontier Team kept hydrated with bottles of water, choc ices and plenty of sun cream! There was no time to get bored with an evening programme which included a silent disco, cinema, a chill zone, bonfire, indoor games and much more. After such a busy day, lights went out for everyone at 11.30pm for some much needed sleep. On Sunday children and young people took part in tug-of-war, plus more adventure activities as well as bush craft, dance zone, and further opportunities to explore their faith.
Alex, a Youth Leader at St James Church in Devizes, said: “We’ve had an amazing weekend, it has been a well organised event with so many friendly people. The kids have loved all the activities, but were really engaged in the Explore and Deeper teaching sessions, which was great to see.” Tyler, age 12, said: “It has been a really fun weekend. I enjoyed the laser tag and water slide the most.”
After lunch it was time to draw to a close with some final group teaching sessions. As everyone started their journeys home they will take with them memories that will stay with them forever. We would like to thank all Rock UK and Urban Saints staff and volunteers that worked incredibly hard over a very hot weekend. It was a brilliant event and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to next year’s Spree events www.urbansaints.org/spree
Find out more about holding Christian, youth or team building activities at your nearest Rock UK adventure centre