was
the second Circuit Youth Weekend that I've led in this Circuit. I was joined by
Suzannah and a great team of leaders from around the Circuit (including our
FANTASTIC catering team again!). We had 20 young people with us this year which
was more than the previous year (Way To Go). The
vast majority of them were members of ACTIV8
or the older members of the BIG BUG Club
(known as The Beetles!). These were joined by some young people from Oakdale and
Ashley Road Methodist Churches. As there were too many of us to fit into a
minibus we actually hired a coach and travelled in style!
We stayed at Trinity United Church in Totton and took part in a number of different activities. There were two sessions which we held on site and led ourselves, then we also went shopping in Southampton and Ten Pin Bowling. On Saturday evening we did some preparation for Sunday morning and then joined with the youth club at Totton for some games together. We led the All Age Worship on Sunday morning which included music, drama, interactive stories etc.
The young people that went all seemed to enjoy themselves and the folk at the Church were very welcoming. They were a brilliant group of young people and a real credit to our Circuit.
And here is a brilliant poem written by Claire S (aged 14):
The youth weekend had come at last,
We set off for Southampton to have a blast.
When we arrived the hall was taken,
So Nick went to sort out the complication.
But soon the beds were pumped to bulging,
And in our tea were were indulging
It was quite late when we went to bed.
What was that noise inside my head?
It was one of the helpers - he started to snore,
By 12 O'clock we couldn't take any more.
But soon we were found to be fast asleep.
No more sounds, not even a peep.
We woke and ate on Saturday morning,
Chatting about the new day dawning.
We planned to play and bowl and shop -
By the end of the day we were ready to drop.
With our tummies full of yummy tea,
We settled down when Nick shouted at me:
"Be quiet, stay still, stop squeaking your bed!"
"I'm not in a comfy position." I said.
Sunday morning came and went.
We helped in the service and gave 100%
We sang and danced and did a play,
It was soon 3:30 and the end of the day.
We got on the coach and whilst travelling along,
We were in fine voices singing a song.
100 beer bottles - 100 times more
we sang until Nick sent out a load roar!
Upton Methodist soon came into sight.
We all said our thanks - that was it for the night.
A brilliant time - one not to forget.
Nick and Suzannah, have you booked next year yet?
Actually, next year we will hopefully be supporting the Southampton District Youth Weekend in February 2005 (which Suzannah and myself are involved in the planning of). This will obviously be a much bigger venture. Watch this space for more details when we have them!
