Guess what? We’re officially halfway between last year’s epic camp and this year’s one, and the excitement is reaching levels only rivaled by kids in the tuck shop! It’s like waiting for Christmas morning, but with more tents and potatoes peelers involved.
Now, we know you might be thinking, “Isn’t it a bit early to talk about the summer?” Well, buckle up, because we’ve got news hotter than the porridge we serve. We’re headed to the Isle of Wight, a campsite favorite of the staff.
Picture this: camping under canvas, surrounded by the sweet embrace of August weather (fingers crossed for sunshine, not too much rain, and just the right amount of sunscreen). It’s the kind of experience that leaves your kid with stories for years to come. We’re talking about seaside dips, amusement parks, sports and day trips to theme parks that would make even the coolest teenager jealous.
And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – our bespoke, brilliant games crafted by our camp staff, who are basically wizards of fun. We’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill sack race; we’re talking about challenges that make ninja warrior courses look like’ kindergarten’s play.
Now, if you’re worried it’s too late to hop on the camp bandwagon, fear not! Spaces are filling up faster than our water balloons, but there’s still room for your little adventurer. Don’t miss the boat – or the ferry, in our case – and secure their spot in the summer spectacle of a lifetime.
So, grab your sleeping bag, dust off your hiking boots, and get ready for a camp-tastic adventure. We’re counting down the days, and we can’t wait to see your camper at the Isle of Wight!
With Christmas vibes creeping in, we’re here to sprinkle a bit of sunshine your way. Guess what? We’re gearing up for the Belmont and Carey Youth Camp 2024 on the fab Isle of Wight, rocking from August 17th to 24th! Now, we don’t want your kiddos to miss out on the adventure, and we certainly don’t want you to miss the cool discount vibes. So, drumroll, please… Get in on the action NOW! 💃 Save a cool £25 per camper by tossing in their application form and deposit before January 1st, 2024.
Are you still not sure, here are some of our Highlights from Camp 2023:
1. Wide Game – Charis cleverly distracts in a pitch-black field, allowing a successful break for many others. – Keon, Dylan, Bradley & Ebony sprint in swiftly, outpacing staff, achieving a win for the 14+ group. – Sadie’s deception outclasses James, securing the 10th successful runner.
2. Morning Service & Quiz: – Hazel and Tim led services on the importance of groups, friendship, and family. – Engaging quiz on collective nouns for animals.
3. Sports Highlights: – Reggie earns Player of the Match in a spirited football game. – Super Squad Sports was won by the Falcon.
4. Age Group Activities: – Juniors enjoy cinema and popcorn; Seniors excel at bowling. – +14 group explores a VR experience, engages in game shows.
5. Programme Adventures: – Seniors encounter Wo Snite in the woods, engaging in creative challenges. – Juniors venture to the beach for Pokemon-themed games and hatching eggs.
6. Intersquad Competition: – Squad C (Captain Marvel) wins the overall intersquad competition.
7. Beach Excursion and Messy Church: – Enjoyable trip to the beach with sun, sea, and ice cream. – Messy Church involves creating superheroes with superpowers .
8. Camp Champs; – Squads earn points through various activities; Black Panther wins Super Squad award.
9. Creative Camp Games: – Juniors excel in a riddle-solving game; bonus points for creativity. – Seniors undertake an Aladdin-themed challenge with successful wishes. – 14+ group embarks on a “Stranger Things” adventure in the woods.
Come and join us next year for more exciting days with many surprises!
Below are a few comments we have received from our campers this year.
Holly, 14+ – This years camp was great. I finally got in the square during the wide game and the squad I was in won, so overall I am a WINNER!!
Caitlin, 14+ – Such a fun year! AmaIng game in the woods by Barry – great fun. A real feel of community, friendship and kindness making the week so enjoyable. Great additions to the menu this year and good new systems. All round an amazing week, thank you!
John, 14+ – It was an amazing week as always.
Sadie, 14+ – A brilliant final year as a camper for me. We had great games, new foods and the 14+ won the wide game! Feeling very grateful for my group – this camp really gives you a second family.
Ebony, 14+ – An exciting first year at camp. I enjoyed all of the activities, especially the snow at the beach. and the wide game.
Naariah, Senior – This has been a wonderful year at camp and I have just loved everybodies smiles and joy over this week, but I want Jen-Ka to come back.
Jemion, 14+ – This week has been very memorable with so many things! Big thanks to every staff member, especially Barry and Josh!
Dylan, 14+ – This week has been very enjoyable and allowed me to realise how much I need camp, and the camp family, in my life.
Nana, 14+ – This year at camp has been one of my favourites. It’s always great seeing new and old faces at camp and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
Lizzi, 14+ – I had an amazing week and tried lots of new things. It was really lovely seeing everyone after two years. Incredible evening programmes, had lots of fun. Thanks.
Christopher, 14+ – Seeing all of the staff and Campers on the first day really reminds me how important everybody is to this camp, and what a delight it has been to leave with so many memories.
Harriet, Juniors – My top 3 favourite staff, in order, are Jessi, Kath and Tom Fleming. I loved all the games and the days out. Thanks for a lovely week.
Evie, Juniors – My favourite day out was when we went to Bewilderwood because it was so fun.
Ben, Juniors – My favourite staff member is Jessi because she’s kind, funny, and always makes me laugh.
Luka, Juniors – My favourite day out was when when we went down to the beach and dug up some Pokémon eggs.
Giorgio, Juniors – My favourite day out was Bewilderwood because it was really fun.
Kai, Juniors – James made us wake up at 7pm to do PT.
Paige, Seniors – I loved everyone and everything. Thanks for the week and I enjoyed the food.
Sophie, Seniors – Thank you to Maddie for keeping me occupied.
Isla, Seniors – I really enjoyed the great day trips and the food. Bowling was great and the climbing was fun!
Ellis, Seniors – I enjoyed the evening programmes.
Jayden, Seniors – I loved the food and the climbing was good.
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
Last night the campers and staff attended the infamous Camp Cabaret – this is the part of the week where kids can showcase their hidden talents or just attempt to make the marquee laugh.
There were some great acts on display, particular fan favourites were Squad B’s song and Squad F’s thumb war tournament. A number of brave people got up and sang brilliant solos, these included Sadie, Elizabeth, Nana, Dylan and Kayleigh.
There were also some fantastic acts from our kindergartens – animal frenzy, hickory dickory dock, tuck shop higher or lower, little bambinos and if you’re happy and you know it. Well done to them all!
Stealing the show was Simon’s brilliantly funny act, Kitchen Goblin, which scooped the award for ‘best staff cabaret act’.
Throughout the cabaret Kieran and Warren hosted the BCYC oscars, here are a list of the winners:
Rising Star Award (Kindgarten) – Oscar Best Programme Game – Jo with the junior game ‘Quaxley’s Quest’ Act of Kindness – Alex for helping Lyndsey during Hunt the Officer Staff Member of The Week (Camper Vote) – Barry Wide Game Legend – Chris for being so close, yet so far away from getting into the square Top Tent (scores from the week) – 14+ girls Sports Award – Kai’s cricket bowling Marquee Moment – Charis’ text Best Original Cabaret Act – Elizabeth’s song Super Squad Results – John Boy’s Black Panther
Afterwards the 14+ went to the beach for a BBQ and the rest of camp went to bed for their last night under canvas. The perfect end to a brilliant week.
And now it’s home time, stay tuned for updates about the coach’s arrival time.
It’s the final morning as we type this, what a week it has been. We will post a reflection tomorrow.
Seniors went to a bouldering and rock climbing centre yesterday where they were tasked of trying to climb the most difficult climbs All the children managed to climb the bouldering walls with special mentions to Albert, Paige and Naariah for managing the difficult climbs When faced with the climbing walls at least they all got over halfway with big mentions to Callum, Sophia, Isla and Shay for facing it head on! All the seniors enjoyed their time (and the staff) and we are proud of all of their efforts today!
As the end of camp approaches, the Juniors enjoyed their final full day at Norfolk’s exciting Bewilderwood, a treetop-style adventure site with ample climbing activities, a maze, a boat ride, and lots more. Half of the Juniors partook in the face-painting (and half of the staff too!), so we ended up eating our packed lunches looking like a happy herd of multicoloured dragons. Hours of climbing, running, playing, and crafts later, we ended the experience walking through the gift shop, resulting in multiple teddies and lollies joining us on the minibus. Now to enjoy a lovely dinner before the best and biggest evening of the week – the Camp Cabaret! We will share the Cabaret review shortly (on the coach home).
Yesterday the kids took part in super squad; this is a competition in which they have to compete individually against their fellow age group with some all squad games as well. James and his team put on a great event, well done everyone.
A personal highlight for me was when Olivia dominated her game – think cat & mouse with stealable tea-towel tails. She protected her tea-towel and won 3 times in a row!
Other honourable mentions being Kai with his awesome ninja rolls in the sleeping bag race, the whole camp conga and Pippa winning the kindies game of musical statues.
The overall winner of super squad was Black Panther with a massive 25 points (9 more than second place!) so congratulations to them.
This week staff and 14+ have been competing and were tied 1-1 so we had to settle it after the sports were finished. This led to one last competition – the T-Shirt relay race. It was neck and neck up to the final few people but the winners were ……………. THE STAFF!!!!!!!
In the afternoon and evening the juniors played some mini games on site that included some Pokemon brainteasers and the most competitive game of Rock, Paper, Scissors I’ve ever seen! They then set off to the beach and continued to enjoy a series of challenges, most notably Pictionary in the sand. Once everyone was all sanded out they headed towards their dinner destination and tucked into some delicious fish and chips before spending some time in a nearby playground. It then looked like the town centre was the popular choice for our next destination, so we wandered in and spent our remaining shrapnel on claw machines and 2p machines in the arcade. It was at this point we realised we all needed something sweet after our take away dinner, so the ice cream shop next door was suddenly overflowing with Juniors! We tucked into our uniquely flavoured desserts as we headed back to the campsite. Once there we decided that our sugar overload wasn’t quite finished as we brought out a Colin the Caterpillar cake and sang happy birthday to our very own Cara. A cup of hot chocolate and a slice of cake later, the Juniors went to bed with full bellies and smiling faces.
The seniors had fun in the Sheringham, trying to locate Cinderella slippers and replace it with one of their shoes. First they need to capture the mouse and fairy godmothers wand. Once this was successful they walked into Sheringham and had to steal cinders slipper and the other Seniors shoe. The winner of this game was Sophia. After this they had fish and chips with the juniors and then headed out to Sheringham for a treasure hunt.
Today is our day trip out and then the Camp Cabaret this evening to round off the week!
Yesterday was another beautiful sunny day in Norfolk, probably the hottest so far. We had a lovely morning with 6 juniors opting to visit the beach and have a swim in the sea.
There was a selection of campers and staff playing cricket, which ended up being a great match. My personal highlights were Martin bowling for a golden duck (by Robbie), Kai (junior) slow bowling out the favourite Jemion (14+), and Martin slip catching James. The overall winner was Jayden with 11 runs.
We then broke with tradition and set up a tv to watch the England Semi-Final. The roar could be heard across the field when the lionesses first goal went in!
In the afternoon we participated in a camp favourite – Hunt the Officer! This is when the staff dress up and hide across the local town (in this case, Sheringham) while the campers walk around in groups and try to hunt them down. This year we had a wide collection of outfits, most of them appearing in the photo below. I am not sure the locals of Sheringham were ready for three giant sweets, two bikers, and the Addams Family!! Captain Marvel located the most staff and won the event, and even doubled and won Super Squad for Wednesday also.
Last night, the Juniors stayed on site and attempted multiple challenges run by our very own Bulbasaur (Jess Tripp). First, they played a competitive game of Elephant Football which saw many of our athletes scoring against each other. Next, they transported multiple balloons between their group members without letting them touch the floor and pop – they actually put the staff to shame here as our own leaders managed to pop half of the balloons before the game even began! Next the Juniors enjoyed a game of Granny’s Footsteps which really tested their balance and agility. Finally they had the pleasure of a one-sided dodgeball game that required them to attack Bulbasaur with water balloons, whilst two other staff had to protect and shield her. Needless to say, we all got a tad wet and victory was had by the Juniors! Overall though, the grand winners were the Crazy Goats as they managed to score consistently high points throughout each mini game, culminating in a massive win after the final round of dodgeball. Well done!
Last Night – the Seniors were tasked with stopping Peter Pan of growing up – they defeated TinkerBell Wendy and The Lost boys by playing Chinese whispers, walked blind folded around collecting bean bags before throwing them into hoops Afterwards they were tasked of making Peter Pan grow up by unscrambling potential jobs, looking after their “egg” children and finding something old, new, borrowed and blue Overall the winning team was Liv, Isla, Izzy, Millie & Naariah Well Done!
Then, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the 14+ Wide Game. The fearless +14 acted like homing pigeons.
The wide game, oh how they run.
I wouldn’t lie to you, last night was tough. The 14+ buoyed by the days events expected to romp into the square with ease, but that walk, man it was rough.
One group underestimated the challenge and had to start moving quick. Another group headed south and when redirected north after an hour they felt so dejected, so sick. There was but one group that travelled swiftly with ease, weaving their way through darkened villages and slinking through trees. no new direction was needed by the passing safety car, this group were slick and covered the long distance fast. After hours of travel that summit was in site, the stars were aligned for a monumental night. The obstacles had been seen, the threat had been eyed, the square could be seen, what a simple symbol of a prize, oh that prize. With stealth they moved, by hedge rowes they knelt. Until that fateful moment to run in their heart and mind they felt. Thump thump thump. Tick tick tick. The silence was deafening. And then it happened, up on your feet the time has now come, I’ll pause it here. This is not my story to tell, of how they won or they fell. And when asked about that night in years to come, it will end with these words. We just got up and run.
As the 14+ arrive and make their way towards the square, the night falls silent and the staff become tense.
The first player runs, it’s John, he makes it towards the square and whilst Sophie grabs him he brings her with him over the line and into the square.
Christopher runs, but alas, mere millimetres from getting in he is tackled and his shoe quite literally ended up in the square after knocking the corner light over.
Charis distracts with a cry of “where is the square, I can’t see it” in a pitch black field with only four squares lighting it up.
This distraction and eventual sacrifice gives many others the opportunity to make a break for it.
Keon, Dylan, Bradley & Ebony sprint in, way too quick for the staff. Especially Joey who out paces Robbie and Mikey.
Holly, Edward and Jamie sprint too, some more confused than others, but they all end up in the square, dazzling the staff with their stealth and then speed.
Finally, Sadie uses her skills of deception to outclass James and make him look a fool as she strolls in.
10 successful runners. More than half of the group. A win for the 14+ and that brings them level, 1-1 with the staff for the week.
We started yesterday with a morning service led by Hazel, who discussed the importance of groups, friendship and family. We had a great quiz within the service about the collective names of animals – the kids did well, how would you fare?
Can you name the collective nouns for these animals:
Ants Bats Panther Falcons Wasp Spider
(Answers tomorrow)
The sun was out, so that resulted in a spirited football match. Player of the match was Reggie, picking up a brace in the 3 nil win. Super Murray was in goal, helping keep a clean screen. We have been blessed with beautiful sunshine.
Super Squad is heating up, with the Falcon now holding the award!!
The Juniors were given popcorn in the afternoon as they went to the cinema, whilst the Seniors went bowling; the winners were….Liv Callum Shay and Reggie
The +14 went to a VR experience, which they loved!! In the evening the 14+ took on a number of gameshows with a twist – one highlight was Emily’s catch (and trip) when taking on the taskmaster. The winning team was
Seniors last night went to the woods and caught up with Wo Snite, they had to bob for poisonous apples and unscramble the Disney films before going off into the wood to try and catch the opposite teams Wo Snite and her Devon Swarfs with the overall winning team being Team White
Today is another sunny day, so Hunt the Officer should be brilliant (as always).
Belmont & Carey Youth Camp 