Adventures at "Christian Summer Camp"

This month, the Guardian featured two differing views on "Christian summer camps" for young people just before I was set to go on holiday - a negative piece from Thomas Prosser, published first, followed by a response from Steve Clifford. Both interested me as the example Prosser focused on was that of Soul Survivor, the organisation whose events I have attended and participated in for eight years now - and the organisation whose summer festival for 20 and 30-somethings, Momentum, was what I was due to head off to.

So what was it all about, this week of brainwashing made palatable by trendy guitar music and "yoof lingo" (as Prosser would have you believe)? Or as Clifford described, was it more of a revolutionary call to inward transformation and action in the community? As I'm heavily biased with a distinct agenda I lean towards the latter, but with good reason. Soul Survivor's festivals aren't for everyone nor should they be immune to criticism but I genuinely believe that the organisation is brilliant at what it does.

I saw a threefold focus this week - on living like Jesus, looking to God and Biblical example through all circumstances, and mobilising delegates to go out into the world and be proactive in realising and living out our callings - the last point being something greatly emphasised (hence "Momentum"). This played out through teaching on the life of Paul and lessons we can learn from his ministry (Andy Croft), through teaching on "living in the desert" drawing on various examples from the Old Testament (Mike Pilavachi), through teaching on Jesus's commands to action and sending out of the disciples and the way this is so important to us now (Danielle Strickland). Twitter has led me to a guy who has helpfully typed up all his notes from the main meetings and seminars he attended and shared them on Tumblr - do have a read if you want to know more because it saves me doing a lot of typing.

Outside of main meetings, there were 80-something seminars and so much to choose from. I ended up mixing things I'm familiar with and wanted to get fresh perspectives on with encountering some new faces and for the first time, material focused on leadership in a general sense. So while this all led me to tried and tested major inspirations Elaine Storkey on the "unchurched, deadchurched and dechurched", Jo Saxton on leading as a woman and Roger and Maggie Ellis on communication within marriage, it also led me to new finds - Patrick Regan from youth charity XLP on politics, discussing responses to the London riots and showing us footage of him in 2007, discussing with politicians the fact that if nothing was done about societal inequalities in London, there would be dire consequences within a few years. It led me to Danielle Strickland speaking on trafficking. This woman is awesome; she's even managed to use cupcakes for non-nefarious purposes - as part of an initiative helping women to exit prostitution and supporting those working in brothels, if you're wondering.

I think things managed to strike a good balance between "meaty" and "chilled" this past week. Here's the thing: I am a geek - and I like teaching which leaves me with several pages of notes and something approaching exegesis-induced brain overload. And quite possibly a reading list with a section headed "heavy" (as I left Graham Cray's seminar on women and leadership holding). I also like simple and straightforward points with real life examples, which focus on the application or exhortation of a specific verse. Via main meetings and seminars I was able to learn from both - and I believe that the two ways of teaching are important and really valid, particularly where young people at different stages of faith are concerned. There's no point in overwhelming, but there must also be challenges.

Aside from the teaching, worship and speakers, I wanted to take some time to explain a bit about why I support Soul Survivor's work. Not because I have some sort of vested interest, because I don't. I'm just writing from a place of knowing what an impact the organisation has had on my life and the lives of some of my friends, and the lives of other people it works with and helps.


Five things Soul Survivor does really well 

1) A passion for young people, their lives and their potential. The work done by Soul Survivor - its summer festivals, partnerships and teaching focus - is geared towards teens and people in their 20s and 30s, who are encouraged to step out, develop their gifts, get stuck in and make a difference. Additionally, the difficult issues faced by these age groups aren't ignored and there is also a real commitment to addressing them in a productive yet non-judgmental way. The organisation's commitment to this generation is clear to see from the enthusiasm of its key figures.

2) A focus on justice. Soul Survivor recognises that social justice should not be the sole focus of Christian life, but as an organisation it's really committed to making activism and global issues a major part of life for young people. There's its long-running partnership with Tearfund through the Soul Action campaign and Soul Action's new What If? campaign, which focuses on human trafficking and was launched at Momentum. Throughout the week we heard from long-time friends of Soul Survivor working for justice in many areas of the world and as always, there were plenty of organisations on site promoting their work - from fighting poverty and calling for tax justice to helping asylum seekers and working with disadvantaged young people in our cities. On one hand, I look at all these opportunities and get ever so slightly jealous, because my mortgage and my office job mean I can't get involved with most of those trips and internships and programmes. But I also know that Soul Survivor really fosters a sense of caring about justice in delegates - underlining that there are opportunities for all to get involved with the causes they're passionate about.

3) An atmosphere of fellowship. One of the things that always moves me about the summer festivals is seeing people who are going through tough situations and making hard decisions being really supported and looked after by their friends. This sounds incredibly cheesy - as if we all head off down to the West Country for five days of vomit-inducing Christian love once a year, but that's not what I mean. Even though people giving out "free hugs" are a common site at the Bath and West Showground in August. There's a real sense of brotherhood and sisterhood and all being part of one body. Great efforts are also made to create a safe space to deal with issues and hurt. No hype; no manipulation; careful explanation of what's happening; support from the leadership team and suitable processes in place.

4) A positive attitude towards gender equality. Because I bet you were wondering if I might just get to the end of a post without mentioning those two words. Seriously - I'm really proud to support an organisation that is committed to a belief that all roles in the church are open to men and women and also to supporting and training women with a call to leadership. As far as I know, Soul Survivor decided to explore making a firm commitment to gender equality after a time of ministry at Momentum several years ago revealed the extent of female delegates' struggles and hurt with this issue. This has translated into seminars, the one day conference, Equal, which I attended in June, right down to some really great women speaking on the main stage - and there are plans to expand on the "Equal" theme with discipleship networks and mentoring. It needs to be emphasised that all this is done in a way which doesn't attack those who disagree, but sets out a firm stance on what's at stake.

5) A commitment to ecumenism. This is pretty simple. I'm big on co-operation and fellowship between denominations, groups, and different types of churches. I don't want to hear partisan rhetoric, I don't want to hear particular churches or groups of believers criticised or mocked from the main stage, and I don't want entire denominations or organisations denounced as "dead" or picked apart over doctrinal disputes. Disagreements are to be expected and totally fine. Particular behaviours arising from such disagreements are not. Furthermore, I don't think elitism is a very effective way to work with young people. And so this week I've met people from a variety of churches, seen loads of people in Methodist hoodies, actually, (was this just me?), heard messages from a Salvation Army Captain and took communion presided over by a bishop (as Catholic delegates also took communion of their own). Not once did I see someone make the Face of Distaste when a particular denomination is mentioned, or make a sermon all about how another group of churches have "gone wrong". And I'm really, really okay with that. Long may it continue.

Image via plinkk's Flickr

I really like my church

Over the last week or so I've been taking a break from all things internet-based in order to take a much-needed holiday. Luke and I spent a few days in Paris trekking round the sights (see above) and have spent the weekend catching up with friends and family. Tomorrow I'll be back to my usual, constantly tweeting and blog-reading self but in the meantime I was inspired to write a quick post after attending church today.

I really like my church. Since we started attending, just over two and a half years ago, we've made some wonderful friends, got involved in a lot and have been able to develop and grow in our faith. This summer the church is focusing on the theme of 'family' (as in the church family) and today Simon, one of our leaders, spoke on the importance of both diversity and unity in the church. We're a really diverse congregation; as was pointed out this morning at least 50 nationalities are represented, as are people of every age and from many different backgrounds and walks of life.

It was so encouraging to hear a sermon in which the fact we all have different qualities, gifts and personalities to bring to the church and that the goal of our church family is to encourage differences and the richness they bring, rather than stifling - but at the same time fostering a sense of unity, family and compassion for one another despite our innate differences. At one point, Simon spoke passionately of our need to be a church which seeks to stamp out 'racism, sexism, ageism, classicism and elitism'.

Plenty of people clapped at this point. Personally I'm so glad to be part of a church which stands for these values to the extent that they're preached from the front on a Sunday. Promoting equality, diversity and unity should be such a priority for churches because it really does make for healthy congregations. In the past I've written about my past struggles to reconcile my personality and views with the church and the fact that I know I can be myself with my qualities and talents being recognised as equally important is such a motivation to get more involved in church life.

And that's just another example of why I really like my church.

Head to the sticks this summer

When I tell people I'm from The Fens I can generally guarantee that they'll have one of two reactions. There's the ‘Where the hell is that?' one or the classic 'Wow, right out in the sticks! Do you know anyone with webbed toes?' response. Unless the person in question is actually from East Anglia as well, in which case you bond over stuff like drainage systems and carrot farming.

Jokes aside, having grown up and lived here for most of my life does have its advantages - the area's proximity to such beautiful coastline for one. And what better way to spend the summer in good old England than on a classic beach holiday?

To me the Norfolk coast brings back fond memories of childhood day trips, sandwiches on the beach, 20-mile tailbacks on the A47 every Bank Holiday - and countless 'seemed like a good idea at the time' windswept New Year's Day walks which could only be described as 'bracing'. In recent years it's become one of the go-to destinations for both wealthy London-based second home owners and the sort of people who use the word 'staycation', enjoy shabby chic and own every single thing in the Cath Kidston catalogue.

But don’t let that put you off. The North Norfolk coast is an area of stunning beaches, picturesque towns, plenty to do and thanks to its renaissance as a ‘trendy’ holiday destination, not short of great pubs, hotels, galleries and shops. If you’re planning a day trip or a longer break I’ve put together a few ideas of places to go and things to see while you're there.

Want your seemingly endless stretches of golden sandy beach peaceful and free from the fairgrounds and amusement arcades of your typical English seaside resort? Look no further than Brancaster or Old Hunstanton. They’ll still be packed on a hot day and have the all-important ice cream vendor/pub combination, but provide a better atmosphere for chilling out than some of the busier resorts. Take a picnic and a couple of good books.

For a taste of the high life and potential celebrity spotting, hit Burnham Market and the surrounding area. Regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in England, this tiny place is a favourite of the second home set, known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ and is consequently home to expensive boutiques, mouth-watering delicatessens and no less than four art galleries.

There’s a wealth of places to stay and eat but the best-known is probably the Hoste Arms, where Stephen Fry can sometimes be found enjoying a drink. Jamie Oliver has also been spotted and Naomi Watts’s mum, Miv, runs her interior design business from the village. Miv’s work can be seen in the Victoria Hotel at nearby Holkham.

Wildlife and walking more your scene? Take in the unique scenery and wealth of creatures via the Norfolk Coastal Path, which stretches 45 miles through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and takes you through picturesque villages such as Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney, where you can book boat trips to see seals in their natural habitat.

There are plenty of places to stay to suit all tastes, but if you’re looking for somewhere quirky on a budget try Deepdale Farm, which is not only a backpackers’ hostel and campsite but a winner of countless awards for innovation and environmental friendliness. If you’re not down with roughing it in a tent, you can hire a tipi or a yurt and sleep in a real bed instead.

On the other hand, if it really is luxury you want, check out Byford’s in Holt, a café, deli, restaurant and B&B rolled into one which describes itself as a ‘higgledy-piggledy world of pleasure’, all housed in a centuries-old building.

As always, remember to pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of layers – you might be pleasantly surprised by the weather but don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security.

This post was originally featured on BitchBuzz. Image via Ned Trifle's Flickr.

Behold! A post!

This morning I realised I haven't updated this thing (apart from to repost BitchBuzz articles) since the beginning of the month. I didn't think I'd left it that long but I do know that all month I've been feeling like I haven't got the time to write anything much. It's not that I have nothing to say, it's that every time I do have something to say, I end up having other things to do.

Keeping up with everything election-related seems to take up most of my internet time at the moment, with brief diversions for things like certain quizzes and features in Company magazine. And the news that I can finally feel validated as a woman because GREAT NEWS GIRLS, the pear shape is IN FASHION! And not just because the Daily Fail was stuck for something to fill the pages of YOU magazine last week, you cynics at the back. Because meaty thighs are REAL! And NORMAL! HAVE ANOTHER BISCUIT! Or don't - because big thighs may be in, but as Mimi Spencer warns, cellulite is most definitely not. No self-worth for you.

As you can see from the picture above, I've been a bit active recently. There I am halfway up Scafell Pike at the end of last month. I'm smiling because we hadn't reached the snow-covered scree slope yet. Despite said slope, we got to the top and were rewarded with a fine view of some thick cloud. On a less extreme weekend earlier this month, I visited Bristol for the first time (and loved it). And now the weather's finally reached acceptable temperatures I've started long weekend runs and speed training. Second 10k race of the year coming up in a couple of weeks!

I've resolved that next month there will definitely be some new posts up here. Honest. I may not be posting but I'm still thinking.

Travels (part two)

My second work-related trip of the year was to Dublin and got off to a less-than-fantastic start due to this winter's ridiculous weather. It was snowing hard when we arrived at the airport and by the time we'd boarded the plane a lot had settled. Around the time we were supposed to take off they announced they were shutting the airport and when we finally got off the ground we were two and a half hours behind schedule. This meant that we had to power round the city taking photographs and couldn't actually get everywhere on our itinerary (including the Guinness factory, much to the chagrin of my colleagues who totally made up for this later).

Nevertheless we found it a really vibrant and fun city, although very much geared towards tourism which meant astronomical food, drink and taxi prices. Although I felt there wasn't as much to see as on our trip to Paris, it was nice to stay over and experience the nightlife.







Truly weird statue of Oscar Wilde which wasn't what I was expecting at all.







More photos at my Flickr.

Travels (Part One)

Life seems busier than ever and as a result I haven't had much time for writing. I have, however, had a couple of opportunities to travel with work which have been really fun and interesting (if tiring). I'd previously visited Paris when I was just seven so obviously it was great to experience the city as an adult (and one who loves city breaks) rather than remembering little more than trotting around after my parents, riding the carousel by the Sacre Coeur and having a fight with my sister by the Arc de Triomphe.

Our Paris trip involved a lengthy itinerary which took most of the day to complete, although naturally we wanted to spend time eating and drinking so had lunch at Crêperie de Cluny and early evening drinks in Montmartre before heading back to catch the Eurostar (45 minutes late - enough time for another drink!). Armed with a street map and a guidebook I managed to navigate us round pretty much all the main sights of the city without getting lost (who says women can't read maps?!) although it was a bit of a rush at times so I'd love to go back for a longer trip with Luke in tow.

Perhaps it was the fact that I was there on a Thursday in January but the city wasn't hugely busy, meaning that getting around wasn't heart-attack inducing in a going-to-London-on-a-Saturday sort of way.

Montmartre


Notre Dame


Saint-Sulpice


At the Louvre


Rue de Rivoli


Place de la Concorde
More pics at my Flickr. In Part Two: our trip to Dublin.

Next Saturday I will be descending on London to take part in the Million Women Rise march, just one of the events celebrating International Women's Day 2010. I've been there at the previous two marches and both were amazing, inspiring experiences. We set off from Hyde Park at midday - come along if you can!

Crete

In June we went to Crete for a couple of weeks away from the daily grind. I can't believe how much more relaxed, positive and happy I felt after just a fortnight away from it all - sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, reading and eating loads of delicious Greek food. To be honest that 'relaxed' feeling has all but gone after a couple of weeks back at work but it was nice while it lasted.






I would definitely recommend Crete for a holiday. In my opinion it needs a two week visit. We hired a car which we definitely didn't regret as it gave us the freedom to visit towns all over the island and explore the countryside too, including the mountains nearest to our resort which were stunning and well worth braving the hairpin bends and sheer drops for. Without the car I don't think we would have bothered going right across the island to Chania and Rethymnon, which were two of the most beautiful places we visited. Having never gone snorkeling before I was proud that on the last day of the holiday, I went out for around an hour to a depth of about 12 metres (and saw loads of amazing creatures).

I also managed to read four books while relaxing on the beach and by the pool which was awesome as I always feel like I have very little time to read these days. I was so glad I picked up The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing on a whim a couple of days before we went because it's one of the most absorbing and inspiring books I've ever read. On holiday I was really inspired to be more proactive about blogging so hopefully this place will see a lot more in the way of posts pretty soon. I plan to update my list of links and sort out the design of the blog this week.