Jubilee Celebrations and an Old Friend ....

Over a windy Jubilee bank holiday weekend 34 young people aged 9-12 had their own version of the Jubilee celebrations - with a flotilla, a Royal ball, Royal visits and audiences, Royal toasts, a jubilee concert, beacon lighting and a tea party. There were some surprising visitors too!
Meanwhile on the Thames, the Gerald Daniel celebrated in style!

Norman on Radio Solent

Julian Clegg recently had his regular catch up with Norman on Radio Solent.  In the interview Norman describes how well the new ship has been received by everyone who comes to CYE, and talks about our new partnership with PACSO, and the Family Fun Day that we held last Bank Holiday for around 20 PACSO families.

 Click here to listen to the interview (3.8MB MP3 file)

Tell the teacher we're surfin' ....

The season is well underway here at the Centre with school groups following each other in quick succession, and sometimes even overlapping!

We were pleased to welcome back the Women on the Water, who visit us at the beginning of every new season to improve their confidence and refresh their sailing skills. With a ratio of one instructor to two students they had plenty of opportunity to concentrate on specific skills and enjoyed an exhilarating couple of days sailing in strong winds in a safe and controlled environment.

The particularly wet weather at the end of April meant that the eagerly-anticipated Lads and Dads Wilderness Trip had to be postponed for safety reasons. We look forward to running the event later in the season when the rivers are no longer in flood.

And now our surfers are "waxing down their surfboards" in preparation for the trip to Devon this weekend.

Blink and you miss it!

Getting Active!

This non-residential event was enjoyed by a small group of young people, with numbers fluctuating daily from about 7 to 14. We were most encouraged when many children persuaded their parents to sign them up for more days during the week.

All types of activities were tried - from sailing and kayaking to archery and the assault course. Due to high winds, the day sail to East Head had to be postponed, but Plan “B” - the fudge trip to Bosham in open canoes - went down a treat.

On Friday the CYE site was invaded by pirates; cutlasses were discovered in the saloon and treasure found aboard FloBob. Despite high winds and strong tides rafts were made, judged and raced. On dry land all rafts were considered winners in their own unique way, but in a dramatic reversal of fortunes it was Titanic that stormed ahead on the high seas, leaving the others upturned in her wake.

Come to CYE and expect the unexpected!

Sail and Study

The first week in April was Holy Week this year - and also the chance for young people preparing for public exams to come to our Sail and Study Event. 

Many of these campers commented that they did more revision here than they would have done at home, and the great weather meant that the afternoon activities were often enjoyed as a whole group. 

Alongside studying and socializing there was also plenty of opportunity for discussion -  led by Mark Stratton and covering topics from Jesus and the Bible to the purpose of life.

All the staff at CYE wish these young people well in their exams and hope that the week spent in community here will have supported them in their studies and also encouraged them in their faith journey.

St Lawrence Primary - our first school group this season.

St Lawrence probably had the warmest and sunniest March booking CYE have ever taken. The weather was so hot we had to do an emergency sun cream shop!

The 43 children and 4 leaders had a great time on land and sea, enjoying pico sailing, kayaking, canoeing, orienteering, archery - and much, much more!

The evenings included assemblies which, due to the CofE background at the school, presented a great opportunity to really challenge the youngsters to ask questions and make decisions for themselves.

One youngster remarked "this is the best day ever" as they arrived on site at the start of the week! It rapidly turned into their best week ever!

PACSO kicks off in style

As part of an exciting new initiative with PACSO (Parents And Carers Support Organisation) our first group of PACSO kids took to the water with a combination of CYESC instructors and PACSO staff.

The new partnership between CYESC and PACSO has already benefited from a £13,000 grant from West Sussex County Council. This has meant that we have been able to buy specialised equipment including a new range of Sit on Top Kayaks, Buoyancy Aids, Road Trailer and an array of safety equipment.

The net result of all of this is that we are now providing weekly opportunities for young people with special needs to experience exciting outdoor development opportunities as part of a long term sustainable programme.

Hive of Activity

PREPARING FOR THE SEASON
Work is going on on all fronts to prepare for a very full 2012 planned.
We also have groups in each weekend from the end of January.
Can't see the wood for the trees - The Assault course additions
New Engines fitted for Longboats Mary and Peter - now relaunched
More spacious and tidier Equipment stores after rebuild

We hope to see you there in 2012!!

Christmas Assemblies 2011

A team of 7 from CYE went to 16 Primary schools over the last 2 weeks. 3500 young people and teachers have heard the Gospel message and got a free glow in the dark wrist band with "John 3 v 16" written on it.

We did a secondary assembly with Cranleigh Baptist Church too so about 4500 people have heard what Christmas is all about from CYE in 2011!

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Please Pray for all those who heard the message and have a wristband, that God would meet them this Christmas time.

Bring on 2012!

Kev's Leaving Do

It was an emotional evening at the the 'Memories of India' curry house where over 50 of us gathered to say a fond farewell to Kevin Kindleysides. For 14 faithful years, Kevin has been the Maintenance Manager here at CYESC but has always been so much more to so many people. As well as making the place run smoothly, Kev over the years has been a wise counsellor, raconteur of the highest calibre, fixer of all things, but most significantly - a great friend to everyone.

Amongst the leaving pressies were a Watch, a History of CYE (with comments and pictures) and a 'Congratulations on your Retirement' framed letter from Dr. Ian Paisley (who Kevin used to protect during the 80's).

We are indebted to you Kevin in many ways, and look forward to seeing you back here soon.

JB