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Camp Vincent

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Group photograph taken of the 50 strong Youth contingent that attended our first "Camp Vincent" in Corrymeela

 

Wednesday evening got off to a good start with a meal and some outdoor fun and games designed to help everyone get to know each other. Regional youth president Michael Gormley joined the group for some more 'ice-breaker' sessions, which proved to be entertaining, to say the least!

 

The group then made their way into the lounge for the Corrymeela Community Worship programme which provided everyone with much 'food for thought'.

 

The evening rounded off with mask making in the "Croi" (heart), quickly followed by a rapturous sing-song into the wee hours led by Paddy and Nathan on their guitars.

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click 'Here' for more about Corrymeela...

Fifty young members of the Society attended the inaugural "Camp Vincent" at the idyllic setting of Corrymeela between 28th and 30th June 2006.

 

Camp Vincent is the latest in a string of events and activities aimed at strengthening our Youth base here in Northern Ireland.

 

The group was made up of young members attached to our school, college and university conferences aged between 14 and 17 years of age and included two nights and two and a half days of fun, games, discussion, prayer and music.

 

A coach left from SVP hq in Belfast and another from the Derry office and headed for the Corrymeela Centre near Ballycastle, on Co Antrim's north coast.
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Boarding the coach at the regional hq car park in Belfast

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thursday morning was relaxed, and following morning worship, we split into 4 groups for some "team-building" exercises. The tasks were based outside, challenging at some points, but above all great fun. Following another filling meal, we broke into smaller groups and spent time discussing and reflecting on SVP Youth, the role we play, the work we carry out and the possible changes and challenges that we face.

 

After a bit of "free-time", group photo and a bite to eat, we launched into the painting of the masks, providing many with an opportunity to show off their artistic ability. A great variation of colours and designs were put on display before we headed into the "Croi" to join Fr McCullough for what can only be described as an enlightening and refreshing service of thanksgiving.

 

Fr McCullough led us in a very reflective service taking time to think out our skills and talents as individuals, as well as looking at the work that the SVP Youth have contributed to over the past academic year. With song, prayer, readings and reflections we gave praise for the talents that we have all been blessed with. We nearly managed to twist Fr Ray's arm to get him to stay for the disco....

 

Thanks also to Donal Henry, SVP regional board member, from nearby Portstewart who came along and spoke highly of the Youth members....in return we must thank him too for the great support he has shown with his involvement in all our previous activities.

 

Finally, after being spiritually revived, the disco commenced with real disco lights and ice to boot. A great time was had by all. Big thanks to DJ Robbie who supplied the tunes and to all the guys and gals who danced the night away. The night ended with a mega sing-song with maestros Paddy, Nathan and Robbie who led us in song, with everyone joining in.

 

 

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Team Building

 

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Painted Masks

 

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The 'Croi'

 

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Disco

 

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Team Leaders

 

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On the Coach

Friday morning came quickly, but with everyone pitching in to get Corrymeela back into ship-shape, we were able to enjoy the one last "Croi", which centred completely around time here at Camp Vincent. David from the Corrymeela IT staff, very kindly put together a powerpoint presentation...using our photos in his display, along with reflections and a song from Nathan. Croi provided the perfect medium to reflect on our time and our response before saying goodbye.

 

The fun evaluation was the final task that we participated in before boarding the buses to Derry and Belfast, before leaving the North Coast for another year??

 

Thank you to all the young members who attended, our enduring Team Leaders Francine McAuley, Harry Jones and Catherine Dallat..and last but not least, the pleasant and helpful staff at Corrymeela.

 

Sarah Jane Loughrey (Youth Development Officer)

 

 

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