This summer, Sandiley Venture marked an extraordinary milestone - 60 years of life-changing holidays. Run by CPAS for 10-16s, Sandiley has transformed the lives’ of thousands of young people in a field in North Yorkshire, where tents, laughter and worship rise together into something truly special.
Every summer, around 85 young people and 50 leaders gather for eight days to share food, faith and fun – featuring from barn dances led by Chris “Waggers”, (long-standing leader) and to quiet spaces for reflection.
During his 45 years of volunteering at Sandiley, ‘Waggers’ has played an elf, a time-travelling scientist, a superhero and a headmaster, to name a few.
‘You give them a great holiday,’ says Waggers, ‘and you also help them grow as Christian disciples. The fruit it bears just keeps going – many have gone on to become vicars or youth leaders.’
For Jack, one of the Overall Leaders, Sandiley has been personally transformative:
‘I first came as a Junior Leader when I was 16 - it’s a big part of my life. We get to witness many people’s first time preaching or leading, because it's a safe space and with a real family feel. It’s given me so many leadership opportunities and a real passion for seeing people come to know Jesus - now I’m training to be a vicar.’
Just this summer, one young person shared, ‘It’s the highlight of my year and a really special place.’ Another said, ‘I learned that we can’t be separated from God’s love.’
Through decades of change - from its move from Sands End to Filey 20 years ago following the foot-and-mouth outbreak, to this year’s Christmas in July celebrations (involving a snow machine and a full Christmas dinner!) - the heart of Sandiley remains the same: creating a space where young people from all backgrounds can belong, be loved and meet God.
‘Some things change,’ says Jack, ‘but ultimately we still gather in a field, tell young people about Jesus and they go away changed.’ He recalls the testimony of one girl this year who said she really struggles to make friends at home, but at Sandiley she made loads. ‘What does that say about a community that loves Jesus?’
Please join us in thanking God for 60 years of Sandiley, and all that he has done through these life-changing holidays.
