Today I have been packing away our camping equipment, ensuring the stock is taken, items are accounted for, and working out what has seen better days and needs replacing for the Isle of Wight in 2024. I hate this part of the CO role, for a few reasons; it’s one of those jobs that takes ages and it’s heavy lifting of boxes. But most of all, I know that camp is at its furthest point in the year until we go again.

One item that is very carefully packed away is our camp flag. I am not sure when it was made, who even made it and when we started using it; but in my nearly 30 years of camp it has always been there.

It’s strange to think this flag has flown over multiple camps, multiple campers and multiple staff. It’s looked over many camps over the years, the washed out ones, the windy ones, the smaller camps, and the biggest camp. It’s seen multiple wide game run-ins, it’s been in multiple camp photos, and it’s seen camp change and evolve. That flag probably saw me on my first camp, arriving at camp as a shy 9-year-old boy in the juniors (no air tents then for juniors), turn into a cheeky senior, grow into a teenager in the 14+. Maybe it missed me in the 2 years that I didn’t attend after I turned 18. But it was there to welcome me when I returned as a staff member. It has seen my two boys attending their first Camps. Now, I am responsible for safely storing it so that it will continue to fly over our camp for many years to come.

This year at the end of camp, John and Sadie had their last year as campers, and therefore lowered our flag at the end of camp. Everyone circled the flag pole to mark John and Sadie’s final moments as campers. Hopefully we will see them back as staff members next year.

This is what camp is all about, it continues to give the same experiences and moments to children year in year out. Nearly all of our staff were once campers and they know what it means, the friendships you make, the games that you will never forget, and for many it’s that first experience of independence, the relationship or introduction you can have with God. We know how camp can shape you. This is why the staff volunteer every year, we don’t see it as volunteers as we love it. Why? Because camp is a part of us, we are a part of it. So, I know that some of the juniors that attended this year will one day be staff members.

Camp is run for the campers, but we all get something out of it. This year there was definitely a feeling of this being one of the best ever, as I look back I think there are a few key reasons why:

A larger number of campers and kindergarten – we had over 50 children on site, all of them bringing something special, all unique and each one having fun. Filling the field with laughter and enthusiasm, from PT to sports, programme games to worship. So a big thanks to them all.

Hard working staff – camp is at its best when everything is on time and people are not feeling rushed. Every staff member not only delivered on their roles but were willing to lend a hand where needed, from helping on orderlies or just playing cricket with the campers. Amazing work from them all, my thanks go to them but their ultimate reward is the campers joy.

The sun – of course the weather always helps and on site at Beeston Regis with the stunning view of the sea – its an amazing way to start the day. The field is always dry, so no damp feet or washed out games. So we were really blessed this year.

I hope any parents reading this blog have heard multiple stories from their children that attended this year, I hope they will attend next year to build on these memories, or spread the word to others to join. Don’t forget, while nothing can replace camp we can continue to reconnect at our local youth groups – if you are unaware of these do please reach out.

Next week I will share the feedback comments from the campers. I can’t wait to read their view of this year.

Hopefully see you soon, if not then I’ll see you next year when we go to the Isle of Wight and fly our flag again

Warren