Criccieth discussions
The aim of this is to provide a forum for people to discuss the future of Criccieth Adventure Camp. Use the "Comments" button below to have your say, or email criccieth@tobyscott.co.uk
I will use this forum to compile people's feelings and circulate them. I will also use different topic headings to try and keep the discussions under control. Please include an email address when posting.
Toby
I will use this forum to compile people's feelings and circulate them. I will also use different topic headings to try and keep the discussions under control. Please include an email address when posting.
Toby
posted by Toby Scott at 6/13/2004 03:16:00 PM
7 Comments:
Test.
I'd like to echo what Simon said, especially about our thanks for Andy and Faith and all the hard work they have done at Criccieth since the 1980s.
I'd like to expand on something Simon mentioned about committments for next year. If Criccieth 2005 is to happen, it needs more than just staff on site, more than just money: it needs those, along with prayers and all the other ways people do help. But what it needs is: people willing to volunteer now to help with the planning and administration of camp; and it needs staff or other youth leaders to commit to bring young people.
To take the second of these points first: the reason we have struggled in recent years is not for want of cash, or support or staff. It has been primarily because we have not had the volume of applications from campers. There are numerous reasons for this, many of which are beyond our control. But what we can do about it is to start working out now how many kids from our own churches we might be able to bring. For some, the honest answer is none (for example, the church may already support another holiday). But we all need to play an active part in recruiting the campers for 2005 if it is to happen, and we need to start it now. We cannot rely on outside bodies, including YFC, to do this for us.
On the matter of administration, this is also important. There is an awful lot of paperwork and the like associated with camp and it happens 12 months a year. It is unfair to expect any leader to do all this. If you can help, shout out now.
None of this is intended to criticise anyone: its an attempt to mark out what we need to do *if* we want Criccieth 2005 to happen.
Toby
This is Dave McKie. Thanks for keeping us updated on what's happening and I trust there will be very visible signs of what God's will is for CAC.
I would first like to say that I would dearly love to help and comeback, but two little boys are my focus for holidays at the moment and will be until they are old enuf for camps. If there's a CAC in 3-4 years then count me in.
I still remain connected to other camps that I have been associated with and here's some ideas (simply food for thought).
1. Canvas camps: I still think there's something appealing, but camps recently seemed to have moved with the times and established campsites that combine 19th and 21st century technology. What I'm saying is don't rule out the fact that CAC numbers have declined coz it's canvas - that may be the wrong conclusion.
2. Busy lives: In the 15 years I've been involved in Youth work there is an ever increasing workload being placed on people both from their jobs and their churches. So can CAC be feasible run with volunteers who are already very very busy vs. having somebody employed FT who becomes responsible for orgz camps for the summer (with volunteers of course) but during the rest of the year they would be involved in some sort of evangelism so that they can look for kids and teams for the summer. In church/christian work I consider myself as an enthusiastic amateur and I think there's roles that we may need FT professionals.
The location: Although for those who have spent time on the CAC field you will agree that there's something spiritual about it, I think if CAC were to continue then it might be worth looking for another site. One that will help balance the 19 and 21st Century, one that may be is easier for access.
Anyway for what it's worth there's a few comments. We will continue to pray for CAC and especially for the decision you have to make. Love to all. Dave xxx
This is Bev. Don't know if people are still reading this post and its comments but I'll post anyway.
Of course I don't want camp to end, and my mind can't comprehend God wanting to bring it to a close. However I shall do my very best to keep emotions out of it.
Firstly, I don't think a canvas camp is putting people off. If anything, it would attract. Amongst my friends at uni (and we're quite a varied bunch) about half absolutely love camping, and the other half don't understand why anyone would want to. So inevitably really having a canvas camp is going to appeal greatly to some, and for others put it out of the question.
Secondly, I think that Criccieth is at the cheap end of camps. The other CPAS camp I'm going on this year costs £202. But that's just compared to other camps. I think the greatest problem in getting kids from my church is that the parents don't always have £200 to spend on their kids, especially if there's more than 1 kid, as quite a few kids at my youth group are from council estates. So no matter how cheap it is, any kind of cost will put them off, just because people like things for free. But I can work on my dad (a deacon) and see if it could be subsidised!!! But that's a matter you needn't worry about!!! Oops. Tangent there. Sorry.
And finally, I think it's out by now that I am doing another camp this year! Eek! Yes, I know, I am not in my right mind. It's a CPAS camp and I got involved through my friend at uni coz they needed leaders. Please be assured of my support for Criccieth! I am not defecting over to the other side (or whatever the phrase)!! If camp happens next year, I will be there. And as for jobs throughout the year, I'm very willing but I'm not experienced I'm afraid. If anyone can think of anything I could possibly do, any job you leaders wanna give me, just whack it on over and I'll make sure it's done. It is my 2nd year at med school so this is the most dossiest of them all! I'm a proper student this year :D
Hello it's Heather,
I'd just like to say that I'm willing to do any admin jobs that need to be done for 2005 before and during camp. Simon and I are working on the kids in our youth group, we have 2 new kids this year and hope to have more next year.
just read all those comments...phew!
Sounds to me like everyone is singing from the same hymn book (unusual for a bunch of christians!)So lets make it happen...on a field or in a house isn't really the issue...the real issue is the kids. We've all seen God move at camp...lives have been changed and God has saved many young people at camp using our staff team if we want this work to continue then what is stopping us?
a bit of hard work...that's all. So who's up for it?
And what can you offer?
i've quickly thought of a list of jobs which will need to be done for criccieth 2005, maybe you could manage one...
treasurer
administrator & assisstant
programmes coordinator
transport coordinator
staff cooridnator
equipment monitor
canvas organiser
caterer
publicity designer & coordinator
adjy
commy
padre
'person in charge of insurance!'
'entertainments and events manager'
advance guard leader
rear guard leader
thats only 16 jobs and some will only be small tasks. some might take 30 mins a week, others only about 5 hours the week before camp. What can you do?
From Jo & Tim
we were having a think about what to do to help phil run camp next year (if it's still on)and to be honest we don;t really know what jobs there are that need to be done. Is there a break down or actions plan that the camp leaders follow each month? if we could see a plan for the year it might be easier to find an area where we can all offer our help.
i think the best help we (Tim & i) can offer is in the publicity 'department' Tim is happy to design any posters/ flyers etc we might need to promote camp and to maintain the website, perhaps i could help arrange how to use the publicity and print and send it out to all who require it. A data base of churches, campers and staff would be a good place to start...maybe we could ask each staff member to hand over the adresses of 2/3 contacts they have who might be able to 'provide' campers...we need to spread the word!
i quite like this 'forum' idea...first time i have used a blogsplot...so i may add to this if i can think of anything helpfull!?
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