Doncaster church’s youngsters show commitment to community

Young people from Doncaster Salvation Army have shown their commitment to their community by carrying out a number of good deeds during the school holidays. 

Around 20 members of the youth club spent their Thursdays during the summer break doing a social action such as collecting litter, gardening and running a coffee morning for the community. 

This was part of a range of activities put on by the church and charity to support children and parents during the six-week holiday. As well as weekly activities for the youth club members, who are aged 11 to 18, there was also a ‘Deep Sea Divers’ holiday club for children 5 to 10 and Summer Time Toddlers for the younger ones.

Doncaster Salvation Army Children’s Outreach Worker Charlotte Lilley, who organised the summer groups, said: “Our youth club sessions were focused on social action and looking at the world God has given us and how we can take care of that as part of The Salvation Army’s Care for Creation mission. 

“We were putting other people before ourselves and looking at the idea of being good citizens. We cleaned toys for the parent and toddlers group, did some gardening, a litter pick around the lake, painted the fence outside the community hall and hosted a coffee morning where the kids took orders, cooked and served food, and spent time with customers, with the money they raised going towards new games for the youth group. 

“They loved the litter pick, they made it into a competition as to who could collect the most rubbish then they were rewarded with a McFlurry ice cream! 

“The day began at 11.30am where they did the social action for an hour, a reflection for half an hour, had lunch and got some free time in the afternoon to just be with their friends, play games or watch a movie. 

“It’s not only been about providing activities and food to young people in the holidays, they also got to spend time with each other. It was really nice to see newer friendships form and see how well they worked together.” 

Major Sharon Duff, who leads Doncaster Salvation Army with her husband Major Jim, said: “It really helped build their confidence in themselves. A few months ago, some of them would not have been comfortable serving people in a café environment.” 

The youth club finished their summer activities with a bowling trip then a weekend residential trip to Kingswood, an activity centre in nearby Dearne Valley, where they did abseiling, canoeing, zip wires and bible studies. 

Charlotte continued: “Bible study was threaded through the whole summer of activities. During the weekend away, we had games and activities together, really thinking about and picking apart the Bible passages we were studying such as the paralysed man, and thinking about putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Then they got to enjoy all the outdoor activities.

“We would not be able to do it without the support of volunteers who come with us on these trips, and church members who helped to fund them, it makes a real difference.” 

Youth club member Freya, 15, enjoyed hosting the coffee morning. She said: “It helped people of all ages to bond with each other. We made food and drinks from the menu, took orders, served, sat and chatted with people or played board games with them. 

“I enjoy doing things for other people and spending time with other children and bonding with them. We know each other through Sunday school but we don’t get the chance to chat properly so this was really good.

“After we’d done our community work we had food, played some games or watched a movie.

“If we weren’t here, we’d be at home not doing much, it became a routine every Thursday through the holidays.” 

Theo, 11, enjoyed the litter picking. He said: “It was fun because I enjoyed that we were helping to clean our local area. It’s important that we look after the planet and it was nice to spend time with other people from the group.

“At the coffee morning I took food out, took orders and did the washing up. It’s a responsibility and I got to meet and talk to people I don’t often talk to. I have enjoyed it because it was a challenge.” 

For the younger children, the ‘Deep Sea Divers’ summer club offered crafts, water related games, singing, mini work outs, and Bible study – taking a ‘deep dive’ into Jesus and looking at three ideas, healing the paralysed man, resurrection and Jesus’ baptism. They also got snacks like toast and fruit. 

At the same time, there was Summer Time Toddlers, with lots of games, singing, and when the weather was good playing out in the garden. This proved so popular that an extra session was put on. 

Charlotte said: “We asked for a £1 donation if people could afford it. We wanted to think of things to do that are not expensive for kids because everything is very expensive these days. This gives them chance to do activities over the summer holiday period, enjoy fellowship and learn about God.”