Over a bridge and down a winding lane populated by chickens and sheep-dog puppies; over a railway track, through a gate, and there you are – standing on the brink of a week’s adventure.
Sometimes it’s raining, and there’s been more than one force 8 gale in our field. But mainly we remember the warm summer days, when this beautiful sheep-strewn Welsh valley sparkles and shines – and the unmistakable smell of farm life tells us we are once again ‘on camp’.
A heart for the gospel
Christian Camps in Wales (CCIW) have been operating at Brynglas Farm, Tywyn, Gwynedd, since 2000, and this year we will run for five consecutive weeks during the summer holidays. A senior camp is held for one week outside Barmouth, at Tal-y-Bont.
CCIW is a group of Christians with a heart for young people, camping and the gospel. Many of us have led camps like these for as many as 30 years and are well experienced in running and leading evangelistic camps in an outdoor
environment.
Most leaders, though not all, are married couples who bring their families with them to share this special kind of holiday with about 80 campers, and they have a strong team of indispensable officers to assist them. The chaplains are also married men, often pastors or ministers, who sometimes bring their family with them to enhance the family atmosphere.
What goes on?
On the spiritual side, we spend an hour or so each day in a morning service and again in a tent Bible study at night. On Sunday we have two services and a quiet programme in between, giving campers time to get to know one another over meals and a leisurely walk.
The chaplain gives a series of talks throughout the week and is always available to chat with any camper who wants to ask about the Christian faith. Over the years many young people have come to know the Lord Jesus during these weeks, and some come back to serve him as officers.
>From Monday to Saturday there is a day-time programme of outdoor offsite activities – including swimming, canoeing, bivouacking, gorge-walking and mountain walking – as well as trips to different towns for souvenir hunting, showers and the inevitable chips!
There are also on-site team games and activities like table tennis, volleyball and football to keep the children happy. Very often on the last night there is an entertainment, where officers and campers delight us with their comic and musical talents – followed, weather permitting, by a camp fire!
Obviously, since each camp is led by a different set of leaders, no two camps are identical, and activities also vary according to the weather, be it heat or rain.
Dates and details
The first camp starts at Tywyn on Saturday 28 July, and the last on 25 August. The senior camp also starts on 28 July in Tal-y-Bont. Any child between 11 and 17 can come to Tywyn. The senior camp in Tal-y-Bont is for those aged 16-23.
How can you find out more? Our website www.cciw.co.uk will tell you all you need to know, and will show you lots of photos from past years. The campers find the website a great way to keep in touch with one another during the year, and to pass on photos and messages in a safe protected environment.
The cost for a single camper is £97, and there are discounts for second and subsequent children in one family. You can book a place by using the website – by downloading a booking form – or if you don’t have access to the internet you can phone us and we will send you a colour brochure and booking form by post (Rob and Jane Plant on 01535 273772).
