On the foggy evening of Friday, December 11th 2009, 11 of us gathered at Bonaly Scout Camp on the outskirts of Edinburgh for an informal Christmas weekend. This of course meant that upon arrival we meticulously Christmas-ified the building. Lights, tinsel and stockings were hung and no ornament was spared in the decoration (or redecoration) of the tree. With hand made secret Santa gifts placed carefully and Christmas music playing in the background (both good and cheesy) the scene was set for this opportunity to smile and laugh together.

It was an opportunity which, I’m sure you’ll be glad to know, we took with gusto. Playing blind man’s bluff, carol singing, walking, dancing and movie-watching was enjoyed by all and nearly as much fun was had taking responsibility for the weekends more functional activities, like cooking. As the youth organised the whole event it all went, perhaps surprisingly, well. Even Christmas dinner for 22 people (parents were invited) was achieved with ease ;D

On our last day together we gave Sunday service. It was based on what we had been doing the previous couple of days. Sharing. A number of short testimonies were given by individuals to express what is going on in the lives of the youth of the region right now. What came across quite clearly is the diversity of skills, interests and personalities in what is a relatively small number of people. Brought together this kind of diversity has great potential.

What set this weekend event apart from other ones, on a personal level, was being able to stand on a hill with Dominik and Nik at 1.30am and look up to see shooting stars. That will be something I can always look back on. For the group as a whole it was something different, a sense of things to come. We became more open with each other and more open to the idea of doing more. With the possibilities that come with a new year I think we will find that there are great things ahead.’ by Magnus Webster