York youth leader clocks up miles to help fund summer camp

A Salvation Army member hit the road to complete a sponsored half marathon to help raise money so that two students can attend a summer camp. 

James Wright, 26, who leads the youth work at York Salvation Army, ran 13.1 miles round the outskirts of York raising £200 which will go to two students so they can attend the Yorkshire and Humber six-day Divisional Camp, held at Ashville College in Harrogate next week. 

The yearly camp is open to young people aged 12 to 25 who are associated with The Salvation Army across the whole of Yorkshire and Humber. 

James, who leads the student worship at York Salvation Army, which is based in Burton Green Primary School, said: “After the summer camp last year, the feedback we got from the students in York was about how much they enjoyed it and how much they got out of it, but they brought up that it was a struggle to pay for it because of the cost of living going up. I didn’t want there to be a financial barrier for them attending or for them to worry about being not being able to attend this year so thought I would challenge myself to a half-marathon and get some sponsorship.” 

The camps cost just over £200 per person for six nights Sunday to Saturday including all meals, accommodation and entertainment. Each year the camp has a different theme or focus. Last summer it was ‘rise’ and this year it will be ‘defined’ with music, dance and media activities focused on relevant Bible passages. 

James continued: “Last year, I led the media option so we created different videos based on Bible verses set each day. There’s also a quiz night, themed party, inflatables for sports and games. Last year we had an illusionist and a 90s themed rave party. It’s a lot of fun and a great way for children to explore their Christian faith with others. 

“The two students who went from York Salvation Army said how nice it was to meet other Christians and Salvation Army members from outside of our own church, they had conversations with lots of new people and could grow in their faith.” 

James used to run as a teenager and looking for a way to get back into it set himself the target of a half marathon. 

He ran from York to the village of Tockwith and back again last month during the very hot weather in just over two hours. 

He added: “It was okay for the first hour or so and I thought it would be fine, but then about 10.30am it just went really warm and I had to slow it down a little bit. It was nice, a beautiful day for it, possibly too nice! I was really pleased with my time and managed to raise £200 which I’m going to split between our two students so it covers half the cost for both of them. 

“Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, the support has been really incredible. Now I’ve done a half I’m thinking shall I push myself to do a full marathon next time?!” 

Major Kay Cullingworth, who leads York Salvation Army, added: “Summer camps are a great opportunity for young people to develop friendships and to explore their own personal faith journey. By raising money in this way James is supporting the young people and students of York Corps to experience the camp this year. Well done James!"