The summer holidays are always a busy time for one branch of the SVP – the members and volunteers who help, organise and run the children’s camp on Lindisfarne. This island location has a special connection to the development of Christianity in the north-east, being the home of Saint Aidan and then Saint Cuthbert, both of whom King Oswald made bishop of Northumbria.
We are lucky to have Holy Island in our diocese and the SVP are lucky to own a camp in such an iconic location, which is filled with such natural beauty as well as historic influence. ‘Vinnie Camps’, as they are affectionately known, have run at Holy Island every summer since 1954, so this summer saw the camp’s 70th anniversary. However, Holy Island is only one of several ‘Vinnie Camps’ throughout the country, which all offer a week of fun, excitement and friendship to boys and girls who may well need a break for any reason; just to get away from urban life for a while, or because they are acting as young carers, or as they are experiencing family problems such as unemployment, the cost-of-living crisis, illness, bereavement or relationship breakdowns.
During the school holidays, 271 young people were able to benefit from a week at Ozanam Camp. Activities included liturgies, talent shows and table tennis tournaments at camp, silly sports day on the field, rounders and paddling in the sea at North Shore beach, jumping down a large sand dune known as ‘Devil’s Drop’, playing Laser Tag in the old Lime Kilns, spending money around the shops, having the castle as an impressive backdrop on a treasure trail and walking to the pyramid at Emmanuel Head to hear legendary tails of pirates and plunder.
As you can see, the camp offers a wide variety of opportunities and experiences and is of great benefit to children from a range of backgrounds, but this is only made possible with the incredible generosity of willing volunteers. A massive thank you to all who helped in any way this summer, whether that be for a day or two, a week or more! Perhaps this is something you or someone you know might consider helping out with next year, either as caretaker, member of the kitchen staff or dormitory helper? New volunteers are always welcome.
Article written by Deacon Patrick Rutherford, Membership Support Officer (Tyne) who can be contacted by email at: PatrickR@svp.org.uk.
About the St Vincent de Paul Society, England & Wales
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) was established in England and Wales in 1844 and is part of a large and thriving Christian voluntary movement dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need in 153 countries. Our core value is one of service and we treat each person as a unique individual deserving of dignity and respect. Person-to-person contact is therefore at the heart of our work and spending time with people is our greatest gift. We offer non-judgemental support to anyone in need, regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation, background or circumstances.
Our 870 local groups comprise 8,600 trained volunteer members who visit vulnerable or isolated people and offer them sincere friendship and practical support. In ten areas of the country our work has evolved into vibrant local community support centres which respond to local needs and offer a warm welcome to everyone.
