CAPTION: Devon Christian Youth Camp was founded in 1946, and supports young people in their faith journeys.
Devon Christian Youth Camps ‘a Place For All Young People’
Sharon Blyth, our Children’s and Families Mission Enabler, recently visited Devon Christian Youth Camps (DCYC) summer Junior Mixed Camp at DCYC’s campsite at Blackpool Sands in south Devon.
Next year DCYC will be celebrating 50 years of running Christian youth camps in Devon.
Each year DCYC runs five camps over the school summer holidays. These include boys and girls groups (both for 10-14 year olds), Junior Mixed (12-15 year olds), Senior Mixed (15-17 year olds) and Bliss (for 0-100 year olds).
This year they have had over 700 campers on their site in the various groups
Devon Christian Youth Camps (DCYC), is a registered charity providing the opportunity for exploring the Christian Faith through organising holidays for young people and families, including Camps, Houseparties and Reunions. All holidays have a common purpose, providing an exciting environment enabling the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Word of God and demonstrating the Christian Life.
DYCY is led by a large team of dedicated volunteers, including leaders, cooks, night security, speakers, equipment teams.
Many of the volunteer leaders spoke of visiting DCYC as a child and coming back year after year, and then choosing to serve when old enough.
The camp includes a blend of activities, worship, prayer and Bible Studies.
Sharon said, “The evening worship session was profound, with many young people seeking prayer and experiencing the healing presence of the Holy Spirit.
“Without a doubt, this ‘Junior Camp’ does not mean Junior Holy Spirit, and God was experienced throughout each of the 11 sessions that the Campers participated in.”
“The group showed tremendous ingenuity in playing ‘hunt the officer’ in nearby Dartmouth, surprising locals and visitors in an array of fun costumes- from a banana to Barbie and Ken!
“One leader was mistaken for the England Cricketer Jonny Barstow in his ‘Cricket Whites’, batting helmet and flip flops!”
The camp includes fun activities, including dressing up!
Sharon continued:“the most powerful moment for me was when the leaders were gathered praying before the evening session, and I felt God say, ‘This will be even bigger, because every child would love to be here.’
“I believe that DCYC is a place for all young people, and no one would leave the same as they arrived.”
On Saturday 9 September 2023, DCYC will be celebrating what’s happened over the summer at Belmont Chapel, Exeter at 6pm. All are welcome to come along and join the celebration.
DCYC camps sold out in record time this year, and bookings for 2024 open on their website on the 1 September 2023. Click here to visit the DYCY website.
