From Monday 26th – Friday 30th May 17 children and 9 adults went on the Explorers Time Away! This is our annual week away for children in Years 5 and 6 (10-11 year olds) which takes place at a Christian activity centre in the Cotswolds called ‘Adventure Plus’.
This year we went on an Egyptian Expedition, travelling through ‘Egypt’ as we learnt all about Joseph from the book of Genesis. The children were divided into three teams, the Powerful Pyramids, the Mighty Mummies, and Super Sphinx (I couldn’t think of what the plural for Sphinx was). We enjoyed spending time together both in our teams, and all together as a big group. We took part in team challenges, archery, mountain biking, a zoo trip, and a very silly photo treasure hunt! We collected points for our teams and the final winner was the Powerful Pyramids, led by Harry and Laura.
Other awards were also given out. One group of boys won the ‘Tidiest Cabin’ award, and many people were awarded a ‘Goonie Prize’. These are prizes for those who have done very silly things. These included Ben and Jonty crashing their bikes into each other and falling into a bush of stinging nettles, Sophia squirting ketchup on herself as she missed her plate, and Lexi bumping her head during a Bible study. The week ended with a talent show, where children and adults shared their amazing talents. Particular highlights were the girls’ caterpillar impressions, Elijah’s conga line, Max’s magic tricks, and a showstopping gymnastics competition ‘Maiya and Lexi versus Harry and Nick’. (I still think Harry and I should have won!)
The real highlights of the week were the opportunities to spend time in God’s word. We had four talks from Genesis 37-50, hearing about how Joseph’s brothers rejected him, and his terrible journey to Egypt. We learnt that while these things were awful, God still used them for a good purpose. We spent times in the morning in Bible studies learning about Jesus, and hearing how his arrest and crucifixion were used by God for a good purpose, to save us from our sin.
I always find Joseph’s words in Genesis 50 so incredible:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph was really bullied and left for dead by his brothers, yet all those years later he forgave them and saw how God used those evil plans for a good purpose.
It really was a hugely encouraging week, and I am so thankful for all of the children who came, for the parents who sent them, and for the leaders who sacrificed a whole week to serve the Lord in this way. I am also really thankful to God for the way in which he provided for us and continues to be at work in the children. Please join with me in praying for all those who went, that the children would be growing closer to Jesus, and that the leaders would have been blessed and encouraged in their faith as they served.
Here are some quotes from a parent who sent their child on the week away, and from a child who came along:
“My daughter went to the Explorers trip away with a little trepidation. However, her fears were eased as soon as we arrived at church and she saw the leaders who were going. She happily went off chatting and laughing with the leaders and other children.
As a mum, I really appreciated the photos and emails we received every night to let us know what the children had been up to and how they had been enjoying their day.
When she arrived back she was smiling. We did then have a few tears due to tiredness but this was swiftly followed by 45 minutes non-stop chatter about what she had done, learnt, eaten and the many “Goonie Awards” that were handed out.
I know that she had a few wobbles while she was away but the leaders really looked after her. They listened to her and prayed with her. They encouraged her to join in but also recognised when she got overwhelmed and needed time away from all the excitement.
She is due to go on a PGL residential trip with school next week and was very worried about going. Having had such a lovely time away with Explorers, she is feeling much more comfortable about going away.
I cannot thank the leaders enough for their care, kindness, patience and joy in looking after my daughter this week. I know that this time away has impacted her positively on so many levels but especially her faith and confidence.” – Donna Lee
“It was extremely fun doing many activities including bike riding, archery, rock climbing and many more. My favourite activity was the very last when the leaders went against us in a game of crocker (cricket with a football). Also I enjoyed watching Mr Bean every evening. I learnt a lot about Jesus and how Joseph’s life points to Jesus, how they got money for selling him and so did Judas as he exposed Jesus. But in the end it ended in something good and now I know that God always has a plan when something goes wrong. I very much enjoyed all of it including the talent show where I landed a cap flip.”- Jonty Adams
We look forward to next year, happening 25th – 29th May 2026! If you have children who come to church and will be in Years 5 or 6 next year, please do pray for them and invite them to think about coming along in 2026.
With love in Christ,
Nick McDonald