Kyle has fun packed camp

15-year-old Kyle was one of three junior leaders who assisted at the four-day camp for 21 young people aged eight to 12 years from five Salvation Army churches, including Lurgan, at Lorne Guide Centre in Holywood.

‘Super Natural God’ was the theme for Camp and each day the young people took part in bible study and activities illustrating God’s power in everyday situations. These included crafts, singing, bunge- trampoline, water fights, grass sledging, baking, dancing and even a chance for would be DJ’s to ‘mix and scratch’! The young people also met a range of animals from cuddly sheep to hens at The Ark Farm to hissing cockroaches and tarantula’s during a visit from Mantella Environmental Education Centre.

As a junior leader, Kyle worked alongside the adult team to supervise and organise all aspects of camp, gaining valuable experience and insight into future leadership roles.

Junior Camp Leader, Captain Scott Cunliffe, who has responsibility for Children’s Ministry in The Salvation Army across Ireland said,

‘Equipping, encouraging and giving young people experience in leadership roles is a great way for them to develop and have confidence in their faith. It was great to see Kyle taking on a leadership role at camp this year, he really had an affinity with the children and you could see this developing as the week went on.’

One of Kyle’s many highlights was the lively singing and dancing during daily worship.

“Each night I read from the book ‘Jack and the Wardrobe’ where a boy turns to God to deal with his everyday problems including Mum leaving home, his Dad drinking too much alcohol and coping with bullying at school. The young people really related to his situation and how God could help with situations in their own lives,” explained Kyle.

Kyle came to Lurgan Salvation Army five years ago when a school friend invited him to Sunday School. Despite no musical experience, he joined the junior band and quickly learnt to play the baritone horn. Kyle became a Junior Soldier or member of the church in 2006 and continues play with the band at Sunday worship.

“Junior Camp is a really important experience for the young people of The Salvation Army. I’ve enjoyed being a Junior Leader and fel more encouraged to get involved with the young people at Lurgan Salvation Army and help out more with the multi-media and sound requirements,” concluded Kyle.

Captain Scott Cunliffe, said “The Salvation Army Junior Adventure Camp has been a great opportunity for our young people to make new friends, have fun and learn about and experience God’s love and ask all sorts of questions about faith. I’d like to thank our hard working volunteers for their help during the week and particularly our young leaders.”

Over the coming weeks The Salvation Army will be collecting vital funds for Annual Appeal where 100% of all donations will directly support the church and charity’s work to help people in need. Please give as generously as you can and return blue collection envelopes as soon as possible to the address provided on the back. You can also learn how Annual Appeal funds are used locally in Northern Ireland by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/annualappeal to view a short video about one family’s experiences of The Salvation Army Thorndale Family Centre in Belfast.

For further information about the wide range of activities at Lurgan Salvation Army, or to arrange a talk to your church, school or social group, contact the ministers, Major Graham or Captain Keira Wood at 3832 3222, or call into the shop at 76-82 Union Street.