On Sunday 7^th August 2011, 43 young people and 10 leaders arrived at Moyallon Residential Centre, near Gilford, for a busy week of activities, fun and teaching!

Once the campers got settled into their rooms for the week, we had a quick introductory chat together, before going for a walk.  This gave everyone the chance to chat to each other – about half the campers had never been with us before, so there were a lot of new names to learn.

We based the talks during the evening meetings on the story of Jonah.  Various themes were introduced, such as - consequences, changing your mind, going your own way, God’s mercy, following God’s way.  We were really encouraged by the willingness of the young people to take part in the evening meetings – some introducing a favourite song, others sharing a special Bible verse etc.  The highlight of the meetings was the prayer times – hearing so many of the campers pray out loud was a great blessing and encouragement.

On Monday we boarded the minibuses and headed to the Tayto Factory in Tandragee, now a firm favourite for all the campers! We went bowling in Lurgan on Tuesday morning, followed by playing some team games at the centre in the afternoon.  Wednesday took us outdoors to the Craigavon Water Sports Centre for banana boating, and then snowtubing at the ski slope.  The snowtubing in particular is a favourite with the campers and leaders!  On Thursday the campers all really enjoyed making prayer journals with two of the more creative members of the leadership team.  We all headed to Rushmere for some shopping on Thursday afternoon. Our final full day on Friday was spent in Lisburn Pool and then getting a great interactive tour of the new Coca Cola Factory.

The campers also enjoyed playing some wide games in the grounds of Moyallon at night, chatting round bonfires on two nights and listening to leaders being interviewed during our sofa talks.

Although small in number, the team of leaders worked extremely hard throughout the week and we’re thankful for everything they did to make the campers have such a fun time, while also learning a lot about God.  We are thankful to God for giving us such a lovely bunch of young people to work with, and for keeping us safe throughout the week while travelling and taking part in all the activites.  We were reminded again of God’s faithfulness and care of His people, and are privileged to have been involved in Armagh Camp 2011!