Who's been to Spring Harvest?

[Milliways]

DS has signed up to go on a school trip next Easter. I've always wanted to go for the music. Is there much for an 11 yr old boy?

Spring Harvest is a great event and there will be loads going on for a boy of 11 as they have a very very good children's programme arranged.
I would have thought it was more a family event, or something to do through church youth groups or something, than a school one, though. Who is organising the trip? Is your family Christian. I love Spring Harvest but it is aimed at quite happy clappy evangelicals like me. If I were you, if this isnt your take on faith, I would have a look at the website where you can see what is going on there, including such things as their statement of faith, you can find it here
I would love it and would take my kids without question.

Me - I hated every second of it.

I did and it freaked me out to be honest but if this is the usual sort of church you go to, i'm sure you will enjoy it. There are lots of things to do and age appropriate programme for the kids.

I went as a lapsed catholic, dh's parents were evangelists.

Spring Harvest has so many different types of worship that you're bound to find something that suits yours tastes. Put it this way our verger at church who is one of the "don't you dare stop having Evensong, even though we no longer sing the pslams and only get about 3 people (that don't have to be there) turning up" ...ie he's very traditional - and avoids the Family Parade service like the plauge - went last year - and is going again next year!!

There are LOADS of kids activities (right from reception age upwards).

Thanks for the replies. Roisin- what did you hate about it?

We are a Christian family & the trip is organised by the school CU which DS has joined & is enjoying all the activities.

I have a lot of time for Spring Harvest, I took a youth group once & know some of the youth leaders. It's very well run, really the Marks and Spencer of Bible weeks: big, predictable and thorough. Like M&S it isn't everyones cup of tea though and can be a bit intense!

At 11 he will probably be at the younger end of the secondary school age "youth" programme - he'll probably really love it. Most of it is great fun, silly games, music, videos etc.

Just make sure that the group leaders are prepared to support him as it does have a serious side and can bring up some personal issues/fears/challenges which can be a bit much if Mum and Dad aren't there.

Also who's responsible for making sure he goes to the activities and what if he doesn't - there are always a few kids who don't go to sessions and rampage around Butlins instead and 11 can be a notoriously silly age for boys. You might have to give the leaders permission to "be firm".

Hope that's helpful, you should have nothing to worry about if the group leaders are clued up and I guess they have done it before.

Thank you.

The leaders are teachers at his All Boy Grammar School, so no probs with how to handle silly 11yr olds!