August 23, 2002, Alice Holmes, Aberech, UK

To Abererch and Back

Saturday: The week started and all the excitement brewed up at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay, when the coaches pulled in and I was reunited with my friends once again. We waited half an hour until the coaches finally pulled out for a fantastic week ahead at MCYC ( Merseyside Christian Youth Camp) The coach trip seemed endless and tiring even though we were excited and only took about 2 hours. We realised we were almost there as we travelled up the stony and bumpy lane and we could see the boys tents. The suitcases were unloaded from the coach and we knew that we had arrived, ready for a great week. All the girls gathered on the Girl’s Field and waited for the Girl’s Director (Ruth) to direct us to our chalet accommodation for the week. I was lucky as I shared a chalet with my best friend, Lyndsy. After about half an hour of unpacking we got ready for a trip to the local beach (Abererch) and to go swimming if we wanted to. Not many wanted to, only 3 lads and Lyndsy and I took the plunge and a swim in the sea. The first day passed quickly and the high spot of the day came when we had the ‘Icebreaker’, a time when we got to know our leaders better and have a laugh playing silly games. This was followed with supper and 15 minutes later we sang some worship songs and listened to the Padre’s talk. Then we had some free time to talk with the leaders, our friends or play Pool or go to bed. I must admit that Lyndsy and I decided to keep the leaders up by talking and having a laugh. It took the Girl’s Director, Ruth, to come and chase us to bed. Sunday: We spent most of the day relaxing and spending time with each other and reading our Bibles. Even though it was Sunday, we didn’t get out of duties and inspection that easy. Each morning and evening we spent time looking at God’s word ( the Bible) and also to play games to do with the Bible. In the mornings we mostly play games to do with the Bible and then go to our quiet time groups where we were looking at some Miracles and Mysteries in the Bible. Our theme for the week was ‘M&M’s’ which means Mysteries and Miracles. On Sunday evening we played some disgusting games, including one involving a pigs trotter, (If you want to know more, just ask me) We had our worship time with singing and listened to the Padre before supper. At about 11.30pm the lads and girls were separated and sent to get ready for bed. Midnight, the leaders expect the campers to be tucked up in bed, asleep, well the leaders don’t know what goes on behind the chalet door. Monday: **8.00am** the leaders came banging on the door to wake us up and get us ready for breakfast at 8.30am. We did our duties then got ready for inspection. 10.15am the whistle went for us to make our way to the recreation room for our quiet time. We stayed together for half an hour and then split into groups for about an hour. We used this time to share our thoughts about the Bible. After quiet time we went to the Bank and for free time to relax and get ready for the trip to Llandudno and to the dry ski slope, it was really funny. Tuesday: We were awakened after a good nights sleep as in the afternoon we had sports day and a giant water fight. At about 8.00pm some of the crazy leaders did some entertainment called ‘God is Love Bingo’ it was so funny. Wednesday: Today we had a choice of activities including playing golf, rock climbing, pony trekking or shopping in Porthmadog ( Guess which I did!). When we got back to camp the weather turned nasty and started raining unfortunately, but we still carried on having fun. Thursday: It was coming to the end of the week but it still didn’t spoil our fun. It was raining again but we still went into Pwllheli to go shopping. It was so funny walking around in the rain, looking like drowned rats. Friday: It was nearly time to end the fun. Most of us were starting to pack so we weren’t rushed on Saturday. We went for an afternoon walk to the beach where we played rounders and some other fun games. Friday night came quick and we were all excited, as it was the ‘M&M’ awards and ‘dress to impress’ event. It was such an amazing evening because we were all dressed up really smart. The tables were set like a restaurant with tablecloths, wine glasses (plastic) and candles lit. It was just unbelievable. We had menus and the leaders had to take our order and to serve us. After dinner the awards were given. This was followed by a Disco with non-alcoholic drinks until the close at about 1.00am. Afterwards we all watched the camp video showing us making a joke of ourselves, which Ruth had recorded. We finally got to bed at about 2.30am and ready for a good nights rest as Saturday was going to be a very busy day. Saturday: Unfortunately we had to get ready to go home. We had about 6 hours to say our good byes to everyone and to make sure everything is packed. Our cases were taken up to the boy’s field and we knew that this most fantastic week was nearly over. We had our lunch at about 12.30pm and we had our photos taken as a whole camp. At 2.00pm we made our way to the boy’s field to say our goodbyes then board the coach for the 2 hour journey back to Eirias Park. We had 20 minutes there for our last goodbyes because as the clock struck 3.50pm I waved the coach good bye and we all went our separate ways, thinking and hoping that we’ll see each other again.