Christian youth holidays: Squeezed but growing!

The principal of a youth holidays organisation says greater choice is partly responsible for a decline in numbers.

Organisations such as the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS), Scripture Union and West Runton “built a tradition later joined by festivals and family conventions,” Tim Friend, of Ventures and Falcons (CPAS’s camps for 8–18 year-olds), explained. “Overall numbers on holidays have fallen in recent decades, partly because churches now have so much more choice for their young people.”

“But decline isn’t the whole story,” he added, “several of our own holidays are actively growing, thousands of young people are exploring life with Jesus and lives continue to be transformed.”