About our Study Week

"And this will we do, if God permit" Hebrews 6:3

Young People’s Study Week 2013

We take over a Field Centre in Devon for a week with the object of creating an environment that allows young people who desire to know better our Heavenly Father and his Son, and the way to his kingdom, to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Bible and its message. This is a private venture and a number of brothers and sisters of Christ join together for the work - in particular, catering for up to 50 adults and young people - the numbers vary year to year. We invite all children and young people who attend our Sunday Schools and Bible Classes around the country, and who are from ten years old and upward. Obviously parents have to pay, but by doing most the work ourselves, we keep the cost to a minimum.

Our programme of activities is centred round Bible reading and study which take place in classes each morning. During the afternoon and evenings various group leisure activities are organised. These include exploring nature through bush and field craft, rock climbing, visits to wild life centres, and country walking. Other activities include craft workshops, games, swimming, visits to interesting houses and gardens and even a visit to some local shops for souvenirs and presents.

There is also free time to relax in or activities around the house in the lounges and games rooms and in the grounds. Thus we hope to enjoy together the good and wholesome things of our Heavenly Father’s creation that he has provided for the benefit of his creation in a week of sharing that makes and develops worthwhile friendships between young people and adults of all ages who have the common desire to learn the Christian way of life.

Part of the success of our week is the wonderful meals we enjoy together that are provided by ‘Auntie’ Janet - an excellent cook - and Andrew - a professional chef. The rest of the group form the teams responsible for laying the tables before meals, and clearing up, and washing and drying up and putting everything away after the meals. Our transport for these weeks is minibuses driven by several of our older brothers.

We stay in Colehayes Park - a large country house with parts dating back to the 16th century. It is set in a 20 acre parkland with a stream running through which feeds extensive water gardens. Providing a marvellous recreational space for our young people The house has a large dinning room, several lounges and two games rooms giving plenty of recreation space. There are bedrooms enough for 70, but we've never reached that number! It is hidden away in the countryside on the edge of Dartmoor allowing us with a good measure of separation from the world at large, especially as we have no television or gadgets with electronic and computer games, so that this week gives us an almost unique opportunity to focus on what our lives are about, and how best to use them. The small town of Bovey Tracey is just 1½ miles away.

Colehayes parkland

Colin John entertains

Crafting time

Games Room

Breakfast

One match fire making