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Groups

It’s been quite a busy month with three schools and two youth groups. As well as that we hosted a day’s Alpha Course ‘away day’ for local youth and a group of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; again from the local area.

Two of the schools groups were new to Min y Don which is great to see. We love our faithful friends who come back year after year, but it’s also good to see new groups joining the list. Both booked again for next year, so we take it that they had a good time!

Staff Training

Staff have been busy both on and off site with regards to their training. More experienced Team were given a week with a representative from ‘Technical Outdoor Solutions’ to look at new techniques in working safely at height, particular with regards to checking and servicing equipment.


Training off site saw our Trainees working towards their qualifications in paddlesports, climbing, bushcraft and biking. Quite a few staff have been out and about attending training and assessment courses, many with the excellent Getafix assessors for water-based activities who provide us with such a fantastic service all year round.

Staff Team

We’re sad to tell you that Hannah Hilson has moved on. Hannah joined us at the end of last year and made a great contribution to our Team, but other commitments have meant that she has had to relocate. We miss you Hannah, and hope you can stay in touch and, God willing, come back and join us again one day.


As is often the case we are fielding applications for Trainee and Instructor positions as well as Gap Year interest too. We’ll be interviewing again soon, so your prayers for guidance are really appreciated.

It’s summer Staff we are short of for this year, so if you think that this summer, Min y Don might be the place for you, please get in touch and we’ll issue an application form and further details.

Lynne Cousins

Many of you will know that next month our wonderful Housekeeper and great friend, Lynne Cousins retires from her work at Min y Don. Lynne has been with us for over 15 years and we can’t really imagine Min y Don life without her. (How will we get by without ‘Monday Cake’?!) If you’d like to send Lynne a message to wish her well then just get in touch; email the office (holidays@minydon.com) or write to us at Min y Don, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1BZ and we’ll pass them on.


 

Steve Hobbs

April 2019 also makes another milestone, that being Steve’s twenty years of working here at Min y Don. Steve’s been one of God’s provisions for the Centre and we are so thankful for Steve, and Zoe’s loyalty, stickability, dedication, expertise, perseverance – and above all – patience (!).

Let’s not forget too, that Paul also joined us for the first time back in 1999. Their whole family has blessed Min y Don over the years – and long may it continue!

The Adventure Awards

It’s nearly decision time and the voting has now closed. We eagerly await the news of how we’ve done in the ‘best canoeing and kayaking experience’ category and we want to thank each and every one of you who voted – more news (hopefully good) next month!

Malawi

In three weeks’ time Pete, Joe and Jacob will be joining up with Starfish Malawi and heading out to see, and give a hand with the work that’s going on out there. We can’t wait to tell you all about it and would very much value your prayers and support. Please pray for our safety and health, and that we can encourage those working so hard over there to make a difference.

Local Youth Work

The work goes on each week with large numbers of youth coming along to the Friday evening sessions. Whilst this is an encouraging sign, we’ve been very thankful for the increase in those interested in coming along to the ‘Extra Time’ group on Sunday evenings. In these sessions we look more closely at the teaching introduced on the Fridays and hope to encourage more youngsters on their journey of faith.

This time of the year is also one where we focus on promoting attendance at summer camps and we are also plugging ‘Mexico 2020’. That’s because next year we are planning another excursion with Urban Saints to head out to assist with their ‘Rebuild’ projects.

It’s a great opportunity for young people to put their faith into action as well as take a step out of their comfort zones in their walk with God. Your prayers are hugely appreciated for the ongoing work and for this big time in the lives of the youth themselves.

So there you are; another update and reminder that life’s never dull here in deepest Arthog. We want to thank you all again for your support and prayers.

We pray that you’ll have a great April and we look forward to being back again next month with further updates of what’s happening here at MYD.