A group of young people from across south-east Northumberland enjoyed an unforgettable two-night residential at Seahouses Hostel, combining outdoor adventure, friendship, faith exploration and personal reflection in some of the county’s most beautiful locations.
The residential, which took place during the May half-term holiday, was organised by Beyond Youth - a diocesan project working with children and young people in the parishes of Ashington, Cresswell and Lynemouth, Seaton Hirst, and Woodhorn with Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
Blessed with glorious weather throughout the trip, the young people explored some of Northumberland’s most iconic destinations. Activities included a photograph challenge and visit to the Poison Garden at The Alnwick Garden, as well as a day on Holy Island, where the group visited landmarks including Lindisfarne Castle.
Back at Seahouses, the group enjoyed a range of social activities, including board games, a water fight and an escape room challenge. The adventure continued at Druridge Bay, where young people enjoyed taking part in both paddleboarding and kayaking sessions.
Alongside the fun and excitement, the residential provided valuable opportunities for reflection and faith development. During their visit to Holy Island, the group explored sites of significant Christian heritage, including St Mary's Church and Lindisfarne Priory. They also spent time at St Cuthbert's Centre, taking part in reflective art activities.
Throughout the residential, young people gathered for four dedicated reflection sessions, exploring themes of identity, belonging and faith. Together, they considered what it means to have different aspects of ourselves – some that we find easy to accept and share with others, and some that are more challenging or complicated. The sessions also encouraged discussion around the Christian belief that God sees every part of who we are and loves us completely.
Feedback from the young people reflected both their enjoyment of the residential and the strong sense of community that developed over the three days. Holy Island emerged as a clear favourite destination, while several participants asked whether future residentials could be even longer. The overwhelmingly positive response highlighted the success of the trip in creating a fun, meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Children & Youth Coordinator, Dave Johnson said: “Time away with young people is an absolute joy. Over the three days we saw young people forming a community where everyone had a space to reflect, grow, be welcomed, laugh and try new things together.
“Spending 6 hours exploring Lindisfarne in the sun is great at the best of times, but with a group of young people who are there for the first time ever is just the best! I’m so grateful to the team bringing their fun, creativity, energy and love to make such a wonderful time away so special for me, and I hope the young people too.”
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