4Mission Summer Camp second edition: once again a success

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

In July 2025, the Holy Family Cluster in Leicester held their annual 4Mission Summer Camp at Sacred Heart Church, Leicester,  which was funded by the diocesan Mission Enabling Fund. There were 56 children who came throughout the week and 34 volunteers who helped with the various activities on offer, as well as organising liturgies. The children were also blessed to have amazing parishioners who led a new flower arranging activity and who made lunch for the children.

Fr David Cain, parish priest to the Holy Family Cluster, explained a little more about the camp: “The weeklong faith-based summer day camp took place from Monday 21st to Friday 25th July 2025. '4Mission' derives from our four communities of Sacred Heart, St Margaret Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel & St Joseph’s in Leicester. The 4Mission Summer Camp is designed to equip children aged between 7yrs to 13yrs (Post First Holy Communion and Pre-Confirmation) belonging to the Holy Family parishes & schools to live out their Catholic faith, in their daily lives.

“The call to become missionary disciples following the Gospel teachings is to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, the entire 5 days was orientated towards forming a solid foundation built upon learning more about their faith, as the 56 children took part in the various activities available throughout the week, beginning and ending each day with a liturgy. Thursday was the only exception, where we started with an outdoor Mass and other parishioners joined us, before getting on the coach to Lincoln.

“There were 6 activities that will be running with a chance for everyone to also learn some sign language. The activities are Dance, Arts and Crafts, Sports, Games, Gardening and a new flower arranging activity led by parishioners. Most importantly, we embed Church teaching in the activities such as action songs and faith-based creations.”

Rebecca Dias, Youth Worker for the Holy Family Cluster, also reflected on the event:

“Our community of young Catholic girls and boys grew even more this year, with many of the children returning from the year before, and the arrival of some new children too! It was clear how much they love the Lord. I remember being asked earlier on the week ‘Are we having adoration tomorrow?’ after we had adoration that Tuesday and another girl really wanting to be part of liturgy for dance or drama. Their desire to constantly seek God in their actions and words show that they are certainly on the path to becoming missionary disciples!

“What happens when you have a week of prayer and joy in our church community? A memorable summer! For these young children, it is essential to bring them up in the Catholic faith and to surround themselves with good company. 4Mission continues to provide opportunities for children to learn and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus whilst having fun. We look forward to many more 4Mission events to come!”

Fr David Cain, also talked a little more about the funding application for the summer camp: “After a very fruitful 4Mission Summer Camp in 2024, funded by the Mission Enabling Fund (MEF), I applied for the funding for a second year.

“The 34 volunteer young leaders throughout the week, were teenagers who had received the sacrament of Confirmation. A formation programme had been led by NDCYS (our Diocesan Youth Service), parishioners and our Safeguarding lead prior to the week. The funding application to the MEF was firstly to fund a Full-Time Youth Leader for a week's preparation, delivering the week and one week's follow-up where she will lead days in Advent & Lent supported by our Parish Deacon. The application was based on the nationally recognised JNC Unqualified Youth Worker Pay Scale 5 for 105 hours.

“We also applied for coach travel to Lincoln Cathedral to develop the young people's understanding of our wider Diocesan Mission and explore the life of our patron St Hugh. We also applied for funding for resources, exclusive use of the venue and administration.”