After seven years of working with one of our town’s most deprived communities, we decided it was time to do something special: a summer camp designed to give local young people a sense of hope, space and possibility.
For many of the young people we work with, opportunities like this are rare. The thought that they might miss out simply because of cost was heartbreaking, so we reached out to our incredible supporters for help.
What happened next was beautiful. One simple campaign, shared via email and social media, raised well above our target. The generosity we saw reminded us why we do this work. Because of the support we received, every single young person who wanted to attend camp could go.
They spent a week laughing, learning and building relationships. One young person said, “This has honestly been one of the best weeks of my life.” Moments like that are exactly why this work matters.
It wasn’t just the young people who benefited. Ruth, a wonderful supporter, said, “I believe in the power of community and that space away from normal life gives young people a chance to grow in relationships with others, but also in themselves. I wanted the young people connected to this project to have the opportunity to think about what reaching their full potential might look like. Opportunities like this are few and I didn’t want anyone to miss out.”
Thanks to everyone who gave, shared and believed in these young people, we’re now planning another funded camp for next year. It’s a chance to keep the momentum going, to continue nurturing confidence, friendship and hope in a community that deserves it.
Looking back, that week at camp wasn’t just a series of activities and games. It was laughter, learning and life-changing experiences, all made possible by the kindness and belief of people who wanted to see young people thrive. It’s proof that when a community comes together, incredible things can happen.
Lewis, who attended the camp, said, “I would not change a thing; it was a brilliant week.”
Simon Scott
CEO, Christian Youth Ministries
Reflect
‘And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’
Hebrews 13:16
Pray
- Pray for young people who need encouragement and opportunities to thrive.
- Ask God to help you work with others to bring His love to your community.
- Thank Him that generosity grows when we act together.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Buy or make a small voucher booklet filled with acts of service – like a night off cooking, a lift or an hour of help. Give it to someone who could use a few kindnesses to draw on this Lent. |
About Christian Youth Ministries (CYM)
Christian Youth Ministries (CYM) is a Suffolk-based charity supporting children and young people from primary school age to early adulthood.
Through its School Chaplaincy project and residential activity centre near Ipswich, CYM provides safe, faith-rooted spaces for young people to explore identity, purpose and community.
Support Christian Youth Ministries (CYM)
