On the weekend of 4th - 6th October, five young people from Fulwood joined others from the Circuit for the annual '3Generate' weekend at the NEC in Birmingham. Friday evening started off with settling into the camping area and going for something to eat. They then had a chance to walk around the arena to see where things were going to take place and maybe join in a couple of activities or talks. Bedtime was at 11.00pm, although the ladies had to queue for about 20mins to use the facilities! In the end I think most were asleep by 2.00am!

Saturday started at 7.00am with the lights coming on and waking everyone. This was followed by breakfast - full English on offer, followed by a varied programme for all ages and taking part in preferences - sports, climbing, art, crafts, talks, tech, music, caving or even taking part in a scratch choir. Then came lunch, followed by the rolling programme. Three of our 4 - 7 year olds came for the day, to join a mini 3Generate which was separate from the main event. Activities for the youngsters included crafts, and sessions led by Forest Church, Rainbow Fish Theatre show and the Brass Band. The youngsters were very tired at the end of the day but really enjoyed their time. A big 'thank you' needs to go to John Ferris who drove the minibus on the day!

Back to the older group and later in the afternoon we all came back together at the camp site for some group time. There the youngsters were asked the question, "What has God been saying to us and how we would like to respond and take action?" Answers included 'trusting in God'; 'being grateful for what we have' and lots about 'looking after the environment'. Then it was time for more of the programme and dinner and we finished the evening with a Late Night Communion. Bedtime was earlier, thankfully!

The next morning it was time to pack our things away, followed by breakfast, again full English was available. Some played in the dodge-ball tournament, whilst others chose things from the programme. After this there was a choice of 13 different styles of worship which included arty worship. Taizé, silent disco worship and Forest Church worship. We then finished with a big picnic in the park area and more worship, before finally departing for home after a great weekend.

Some quotes from the weekend,-
"fun", "tiring", "lots to do", "exciting", "good experience", "a must do", "recommend going", "best weekend ever",
    "a bucket-list thing for children",
"I really liked listening to the Moses Brothers and the magic show, it was all amazing",
"I've never seen an actual brass band before",
"I loved the late nights but the food needs to be better and the queues were humungus".
My favourite was, "They had a pub there, Mum, and we weren't allowed in it, but Darren was in there all the time.

    He was relaxing!"
            Darren

PS. The pub was 'The Well', a place where staff could go and eat cake, and have a drink and also listen to various talks. Ginger beer was the strongest drink available!
Have a look at HERE to find out more about the weekend.