A visiting leader’s perspective: Although usually based in Oxfordshire, it was my third time working with the Northern team. This time we were in Chester at the great location of the “Crocky Trail.” When we were put into groups, it was great to see how a lot of my fellow leaders had grown in confidence and were taking on new roles such as that of group leader and games leader.  Then the young people made the day their own. Here are some of my favourite stories:

Two young people lose their fears and another conquers adversity - One of our leaders was so surprised after doing the indoor maze that she exclaimed, “I can’t believe I just did that! I’m supposed to be claustrophobic.” A little voice beside her said, “I know so am I!” It was one of the young girls who was on her umpteenth breakout and loving every minute of it!

Later on one of the boys who has a physical disability found the courage and the determination to keep trying at the enormous humped travelator ride.
Somehow, being supported by the team and being on a Breakout day seemed to give him what he needed to keep going with it. Eventually, he made it to the top and stayed there for some time, which was no mean feat in itself! We were all so happy for him!!

One young lad finds enormous strength! – One of the leaders reported that although the smallest member of their team was only half her height, he put out his hand to help her to dismount the swing across the ravine and then stood solid as a rock as he helped her up the bank. The whole team were amazed at his strength which seemed to have come from nowhere and it was great to see him celebrated by the rest of the team!

The Avatar theme really came to the fore when we were invited to imagine that the Crocky Trail was in “Pandora.” Pandora is the name given to the land on the alien planet’s surface in the Film. This land has an almost heavenly quality because the human characters’ minds are placed in new bodies and it becomes a place where seemingly impossible things can happen.  Quite suddenly we were in a very effective atmosphere for demonstrating what it can be like living in God’s kingdom because as Christians we know, that when we get it right, amazing things do happen and people do manage to master their fears and overcome their adversities.

Although I had to leave part way through the day, I later heard that there was a very good response to the talk at the end with many young people choosing to start living God’s way in their daily lives. At this news, I was overjoyed,… and for a moment I was back there,…back in that place where anything was possible,.. that place that doesn’t have to be in a film or in a specific geographical location,.. the place where God speaks and we hear and act in harmony with each other and with Him.  Readers, wouldn’t you like to come with us to that place next time? I know that I would move heaven and earth to be there!

Peer Leader