Freedom
Youth Gather - Mersea Island - 10th to 11th October 2009
Last year around 200 young people enjoyed a packed weekend of activities, speakers, music and entertainment. The weekend includes time for discussion about important issues as well as plenty of time to enjoy all that Mersea offers, including caving, archery, a ninety foot climb and abseil, and much more. This year we are proud to announce that London band, The Rileys will be playing a set for us on the Saturday night. Two of the band's members have been heavily involved with BCYS events in the past and we're delighted that they have been able to take time out from their busy schedule to perform at this year's event.
Youth Gather is open to all in year 9+. Transport will be provided from various areas around the diocese. Read our FAQ below for more info on this year's event.
Apply Now!
For general information on the campsite itself, go here.
Can you promote this event? Download the Event Flyer
FAQ
What is Youth Gather?
Exactly what it says - a gathering of young people. It happens each year in October.
So who goes?
Young people from Essex and East London. People just like you - they want to have fun, they want to be in a place with other young people, and they want to be somewhere that helps them when they have questions about what is going on in their life and whether their faith makes any sense.
It's at a Youth Camp site, right?
Right.
So is it all camping?
No. There are heated cabins for the first 100 people who book, but if you like to camp, then there's that possibility too.
It's being run by the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service, does that mean it's all prayers and Mass?
No! This year's youth gather includes drama, music, speakers, walking on high ropes, climbing walls, using low ropes, song writing and time for you to relax and socialise. The youth gather lasts for 36 hours - yes there is time for prayer and Mass, but there is time for a lot of other things as well!
But I don't go to church very much. Will that matter?
Not at all. No-one will ask you.
I live miles from Mersea Island - how will I get there?
There are coaches from Stratford, Romford, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Southend. When you apply, tell us where you want to get the coach and we will send you details of the meeting point.
What age will the people be who are there?
Anyone age 14-20 (year 9+). With the different events, we will split the age groups so you will always be with people your age.
What do I have to bring?
You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow, some old clothes for activities, and a musical instrument if you play one.
What about food?
Your food will be provided from Saturday lunch time to Sunday lunch time.
What does all this cost?
The cost is £55 if you are using transport organised by us, or £45 if arranging your own transport. Please let your parish priest know that you are going to Youth Gather, they know about this event and may be able to offer some financial assistance.
OK, I'll try it. What do I do now?
Fill in the form and send it to us with a cheque and we will write back to you. Please do it today - places are likely to go very quickly and if you do not apply soon you could miss out. See you there!
To look at the photo archive from the last Youth Gather go to: YG08 »