REVIEW OF "BREAKOUT 2008"
"Breakout 2008" took place at Cliff College in Derbyshire in July. The following review was written by Revd Mark Gilborson of the Exeter circuit.

As I write I have just returned from ‘Breakout’ at Cliff College in Derbyshire. Breakout is organised by MAYC (Methodist Association of Youth Clubs) and happens every other year. This year seventeen of us, young people and leaders, left Exeter on Friday 11th July for a six hour journey, we finished putting our tents up at 1.15am and I reckon got about 3-4 hours sleep that first night!

Breakout is organised by MAYC (Methodist Association of Youth Clubs) and happens every other year, this year six of our young people from Wonford attended with other youngsters from around the Circuit.

The theme for this year was to ‘go beyond’ that is to not allow our experience of God, one another or the church to stagnate but to explore wider and deeper. The worship, games, activities, talks and spaces all encouraged those who attended to go ‘beyond’ in some way.

For me it was my first time at a ‘Breakout’ event, I did not quite know what to expect but I am glad to report that it went ‘beyond’ my expectations. The site was wonderful, Cliff College has a ‘special’ atmosphere and we were made very welcome. The food was plentiful and varied (so important to teenagers and leaders!) The activities were diverse and no long queues. The worship was modern, accessible, relevant and most importantly it challenged us all with a clear gospel message that many responded to publically and privately.

When we returned at 6pm on Sunday evening we were tired, a little muddy but glad to be home, the biggest criticism of the event was ‘we wished it was longer’.

I want to thank the churches, Circuit and District who made this possible with: financial help, prayers and encouragement, it is so important that we do all we can to enable our young people to go ‘beyond’ their everyday experiences by providing opportunities to explore their faith and make friends throughout the church.

May we, like our young people at Breakout, continue to be challenged to ‘go beyond’: ourselves and how God really sees us, our expectations and what we are being called to, our hopes that are often too small and our understanding of God that is often too limiting.