Generations after generations, the camp continues to evolve and thrive, reflecting the enduring spirit that drives us all. This year, we witnessed one of our largest camps ever, a testament to the strength and growth of our camp community.

We look forward to the next generation, it’s heartening to see the cycle of participation and new leadership continue. Nana and Charis, who have now completed their time as campers, will hopefully return next year as staff members, ready to give back to the camp that hopefully helped shape them. This transition from camper to staff is what sustains our camp’s legacy, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and meaningful experience for years and new campers to come.

This past week was memorable, marked by the introduction of new staff members such as Sadie and Kate. We had a significant influx of first-time campers Sam, Luka, Henry, Stanley, Eli, Joel, William, Theodore, & Layton.

I hope our new campers had an enjoyable experience, and from what I observed, they certainly appeared to be having a fantastic time. Whether they were splashing in the sea with friends or engaging in sports on the field, the joy on their faces was unmistakable. Hopefully they forged new friendships and we will see these grow over the following years of camp.

From a personal perspective, it’s heartwarming to witness my sons, Dylan and Connor, forming new friendships within the kindergarten group. Reflecting on my own experience when I first attended camp as a nine year old, I remember how strange it felt to meet so many new people and be away from my family. While Dylan and Connor have a different experience with us (Mum and Dad) being there, it’s wonderful to see them enjoying themselves in the same camp environment.

A special acknowledgment goes to the dedicated volunteers, aka the staff, who invest significant time and effort both before and during the camp. From tirelessly preparing meals for 112 people to securing tents during storms and providing support to the children, their commitment is truly remarkable. Their incredible efforts are the backbone of the camp’s success.

While all the campers displayed incredible talent and enthusiasm, a friendly competition unfolded to see who would become this year’s ‘Super Squad’ and have their name engaged on the John Hay Shield.

We extend our congratulations to Emily and her squad ‘Fury’ (Edward, Ellis, Naariah, Sam and William) for earning the shield this year. Whether it was them excelling in sports or showing unmatched dedication in mastering the art of potato peeling, Emily and the entire squad truly earned their victory. It’s clear that every camper and squad gave their all, and that’s exactly what makes our camp so special.

It was a double celebration for Emily who was also part of the top tent winners with the 14 plus girls, Wispa. Congratulations to you all.

Also congratulations to the following tents who picked up the first place in their age groups: Cornetto and Haribo.

During our week on the Isle of Wight, we were fortunate to enjoy mostly sunny weather and from my perspective it was an exceptional year. The junior program, led by James and team was a particular highlight for me; especially the Mario-themed evening activities, which were executed brilliantly and provided endless entertainment. The children were exceptionally well-behaved at bedtime, which not only made things easier for our staff but also ensured everyone was energized for the following day. While I wasn’t at the senior or 14+ evening activities, I heard wonderful things – from pirates, to soldiers, to ninjas and even spacemen…. the bespoke crazy games kept all entertained every night.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the disappointment we all felt at having to cancel the wide game this year. This event is a source of pride, excitement, and honour for our 14+ age group. However, after careful consideration, the decision was made to cancel due to inclement weather. The safety of our participants is our top priority and I want to extend my sincere thanks to the 14+ for their understanding and resilience. Despite the cancellation, they remained in high spirits and they all enjoyed a fantastic evening at Crazy Golf, so bragging rights were still to be had. I appreciate their positive attitude and look forward to hosting the wide game again next year, as planned!

One of the standout moments for me was the ‘Hunt the Officer’, where numerous staff members dressed up in over 20 different costumes, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to Sandown seafront. Special congratulations to Apollo for winning the game, expertly led by Bradley in his first year as a squad leader.

Additionally, the sports teams excelled in inter-sports with a special mention to Jess for arranging all of this with her team.

Another highlight of the week is the Friday night concert, now often referred to as the cabaret. This event is always a pleasure to organise and perform, and I had a great time collaborating with Kieran, Martin, Ben, and Jenny to bring it to life. The true stars of the evening, however, are the campers who step up and showcase their talents. Whether it’s participating in a gameshow, singing, acting or simply trying something new; this concert provides them with the opportunity to build confidence, push their boundaries and experience personal growth.

A particularly moving moment came when Murray performed two songs to close out the event. He shared his journey of  performing in the concert for twenty years – starting as a shy 16-year-old just beginning to learn the guitar and summon the courage to sing in public. 

Without a doubt, there will be more children benefiting from camp, using it to build their confidence and achieve their goals. This is the essence of our camp —fostering a community where we support one another and assist in every way possible.

Overall, there was never a dull moment and the week was filled with fun and memorable experiences. So let’s do it all again in August 2025, this time in Beeston Regis!

Warren

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