St Albans Cathedral was a vibrant hub of activity and joy last week as it hosted its first-ever summer camp, run by the dedicated Children and Families team led by Father Calum and Anna Chambers. The camp, which was attended by 71 enthusiastic children, offered a variety of 12 different activities including storytelling, yoga, samba drumming, cooking, and flag making (with 84 flags crafted!), to name just a few.

With a team of six staff members and 13 volunteers, the camp provided a total of 2,405 hours of child care over the week. This remarkable effort ensured that each child received attention and care, contributing to an enriching and enjoyable experience for all.

“We are already having parents asking if we can run it again next year, and I can’t wait to see where that goes!”

Fr Calum, Youth Chaplain

Each day began with collective worship, including a special session led by the Dean, fostering a sense of community and reflection among the young participants. Another daily highlight of the camp was the daily telling of Aesop’s fables by Steve, captivating the children with timeless stories that imparted valuable life lessons.

Father Calum expressed his delight with the camp's success, stating, “I am absolutely delighted with how our first ever Summer Camp went. It was amazing to hear and see the Cathedral alive with the energy of so many young people having such a good time, and as ever my gratitude goes to all the volunteers and everyone who helped make it such a success. In particular, it was a joy to have young people who did not know the Cathedral community spending a week making this place their home. We are already having parents asking if we can run it again next year, and I can’t wait to see where that goes!”

A home-made rocket being launched in the Nave!

Anna Chambers also shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Summer Camp was a real highlight of the year for me. The hard work paid off, and it was hard to know whether the staff or children were having a better time! For me, the sound of children making new friends and getting immersed in the activities was such a joy – especially the amazing samba drumming!”

The inaugural summer camp at St Albans Cathedral has been hailed as the best value summer camp locally, offering a diverse and engaging program that catered to a wide range of interests. The positive feedback from both children and parents alike suggests that this will become a cherished annual event, eagerly anticipated in the years to come.

For more information on upcoming events and activities at St Albans Cathedral, please visit the children's page on the website or contact the Children and Families team.