Quaker Junior Gathering and Senior Conference Offer Week-Long Programs for Young People

Junior Gathering and Senior Conference are week-long Quaker gatherings for young people, one for ages 11 to 14 and one for ages 15 to 18. The organisers describe the week as busy and exciting, offering the chance to meet like-minded young people in a Quaker environment as well as a wide range of activities.

Each day begins with meeting for worship and ends with an epilogue. In between, the programme includes music making, arts and crafts, sport, swimming, building large-scale projects, discussion groups, team challenges, biscuit making and barn dancing. Participants also take a day trip to Cambridge, join lively evening entertainments, and attend a fancy-dress disco and a bonfire.

The gatherings explore a central theme through visiting workshop facilitators, simulations, workshops and small-group discussions. Each participant belongs to a small “base group” that meets daily to get to know one another, play games and talk about the theme. The organisers say these groups function like a mini family for the week.

The material notes that many young people will need help to attend either event. It says local Meetings or Area Meetings may have funds available, and that the organisers are willing to give further advice on request.

The organisers also state that, under FSSE policy, no one should be prevented from attending for financial reasons (Isaiah 58:7), and that a small bursary fund is available. Anyone needing help, even for a small sum, is invited to contact the organisers.

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