Some of the young people at the all-age quiz that they hosted. Photo: Trish Carn
Minute from the Young People’s Programme (11 to 15 year olds)
Young Friends in the 11-15 year old group at Yearly Meeting Gathering share their experiences
Throughout the week, we have had many different activities surrounding our theme of ‘Sustaining Ourselves’ (although this was broken down into a different theme each day: Sustaining Quakerism, Sustaining the Economy, Sustaining the environment, Sustaining our spirituality and Sustaining friendships) and also many non-themed activities to connect with one another to reinforce old friendships and create new ones.
We explored our themes in a variety of ways, including speakers, and activities such as using junk to make useful objects, and watching a film: Freedom Writers. Everyone enjoyed this as it was very moving and provided a stimulating discussion afterwards. We came together with the whole YMG in sessions such as George Gorman lecture, which we found very interesting and thought provoking. Also we came together with the JYMers (15 to 18 year olds) and the Spiritual Warriors (9 to 11 year olds).
Throughout the week we explored our spirituality through different sessions. We invited speakers from YMG to share their personal stories on how the Quaker testimonies have changed their lives. Many participants were inspired and moved by these, and felt they could relate to them. Alistair Fuller ran an activity to show how to share your Quaker journey through music. This helped us to tell our stories. The business meeting was a good chance to select which of the daily themes meant most to us as a group of young Quakers. Chat rooms provided a perfect opportunity to discuss our views on Quakers opinions of topics such as: Simplicity, Peace, God, Equality, Justice and the environment. Some of you may have attended our simulation to show the injustice of the economy, The Dangerous Game. Finally, we had some facilitated sessions on the true cost of coal, tobacco and the effect of it on the planet, and sustainable energy security. These issues opened our eyes to some topics that would usually be overlooked.
As well as themed sessions, we had non-themed sessions, which helped us to relax and bond as a group throughout the week. These were activities such as drama, singing, music, exploring the labyrinth, craft and sport. These were repeated throughout the week as breaks from our busy program. We also had larger non-themed sessions that gave us opportunities to explore the campus – some of you may have seen or heard us!! These were a treasure hunt and hunt the Quaker. Many of us enjoyed playing guitar (and other instruments) together and we shared our talents at our spectacular open mic night. Outside of our program we provided a space to allow people to make friends and socialise, the YPP space. Each day we appreciated periods of silent worship for us to reflect and centre down.
Not only has this week opened our eyes to the issues of sustainability, it also brought us together as a community in which we find acceptance whoever we are.
