600 Children visit CYM’s African Adventure

In the last year 20 schools groups have taken part in African Adventure, run by Ipswich based Christian Youth Ministries (CYM), providing opportunities to meet and build relationships with over 600 children and 60+ school staff.

 

The ground breaking residential outdoor activities programme for local primary schools continues to challenge, inspire and encourage both the children and teachers.

 

“It’s just about the ‘perfect’ residential. A marvellous balance between challenge, reflection, community and an on-going opportunity to contribute to villagers in African.” (Mr A. Gourlay, Head Teacher)

 

As African Adventure approaches it’s 5^th birthday, there are many landmarks:

 

In a wooded area on the site of Sizewell Hall Christian Conference Centre, an authentic copy of a rural African village has been built to provide a base for the week of activities. As one teacher says; “An exciting way to sleep! Much better than sleeping in the Hall! It added to the whole experience.”

 

African Adventure is based upon a story and requires pupils and teachers to use their imagination. In the story, local villagers ask an international development agency to provide an Emergency Relief Team to help solve a variety of problems. Children work in teams to find out what might have taken place, the difficulties faced by the villagers and how they might be able to help. Each activity is designed to teach children about aspects of life in rural Africa, cultural differences, team building and leadership skills.

 

As minefields are cleared, medicine found, shelters built, fires burnt, water cleaned and food collected, children learn how the villagers rely on God to provide for them and how they themselves might even be an answer to one of those prayers. CYM’s wish is to provide a taste of life in a rural African village as faith is shared and opportunities provided for children to think about the world in which they live.

 

 

Rich Blake-Lobb at: rich@c-y-m.org.uk

Or Ian France at:  ian@c-y-m.org.uk

 

Further information at: www.africanadventure.org.uk