Thirty six youth members from Schools in Belfast and Keady met up during a two day annual retreat at Corrymeela in Co Antrim.   "Time flies when you're having fun" - this could certainly be applied to the Camp Vincent that has come and gone.   Wednesday 25th - Friday 27th June were the dates that so many young Vincentians were looking forward to. It's amazing to think that the third annual get-together, hosted by Corrymeela, is now but a memory!

Giant jigsaw 'montage' of SVP click to enlarge

The programme for the Camp was jam-packed and included plenty of outdoor activities, games, discussion and even a ghost walk! With Lulia and her great team of of Corrymeela volunteers, and our own Youth Leaders behind us, the three day adventure got off to a flying start. Breathtaking view overlooking Torr Head at Ballycastle The group were very lucky with the weather on the north Antrim coast and capitalised on it by heading into Ballycastle on foot on the Thursday morning via Maguire's Strand. Maguire's Strand, Ballycastle It really was a glorious morning and once they reached the town, they indulged in ice-cream and some even took a quick dip on the way back! The service held in the "Croi" on Thursday night focused on renewal and youth members prepared the music, readings and reflections. They were delighted that regional spiritual advisor Fr Perry Gildea was able to join them and share in the service. outdoor activities group bonding let's work together trust walk evening stroll sing star volleyball surroundings pause for thought group debate chill out moment easy listening Brid and Kyle bonfire quick dip scenic view artwork crafts finished pieces svp jigsaw Ballycastle and Ballymoney SVP Fr PerryGildea regional spiritual advisor Donal Henry regional vice president Ballycastle members with Kevin McKillop Iulia takes centre stage croi service mission statement Maeve initiates icebreakers         click on any image to enlarge Sharon Tuohy     In addition to the leaders, we were delighted to have the company of Sharon Tuohy, the Youth Development Officer from the Breffni Region (Sligo, Leitrim, North Mayo and Achonry) who outlined the sterling work being carried out by transition year students in their community under the banner of the Youth for Justice Project. Feedback has been great, and it is obvious that all who participated enjoyed themselves thoroughly and were physically, emotionally and spiritually refreshed by the whole experience. Such event could not have been a success without the help and hard work of the Corrymeela staff and volunteers, and above all the dedicated young Vincentians who gave up their time...to all "well done; and a big thank you to all involved"...