Junior Young Friends

Junior Young Friends (age 13-17)

Apart from their regular Meetings each week or each month, young and middle teenagers' highlight of the year is their annual national camp, when they get to meet kids from other Meetings, learn from older teens and young adults, as well as spend time with the older adults who help guide the show. These six night events are held in a different part of the country each year. 

The purpose of these gatherings is to bring Quaker teenagers together at the age at which many disappear from Meetings, so they might have a sense of identity among Quakers. It is an opportunity to help them understand some Quaker philosophy and activities, give them an experience in a Quaker group, as well as an opportunity to get to know each other and have a good time doing things together. The teens are encouraged to participate in daily Meeting for Worship, Business Meeting, a work programme, and to write the 'epistle', a summation of their activity and reflections.

A theme is usually tied to a gathering. This creates a focus for discussions and workshops. Young Friends as well as several adults, help to organize the event and take the role of leaders during the gathering. Young Friend leaders make sure that the day-to-day activities take place.

The gathering structure is generally to have sessions in the morning with talks/activities drawing on Quaker values, attitudes, concerns and/or history. This is a time to talk at a deeper level. Afternoons have a variety of more social activities, such as crafts, community help, visits to places of interest, films, shopping etc.  In the evenings, there is time for games and movies.