Media release: More more more!

The Scripture Union holidays and missions programme has grown for the fourth year running, enabling more children and young people to have fun, make new friends, and talk about religion.

137 holidays and missions have taken place in 2006 – many of which happen during the summer holidays – which is a 3% increase on 2005 and signals a 43% growth since 2002. The number of volunteers also continues to rise, with almost 4000 giving up their time and money to make the programme happen.

The programme runs at dozens of locations across England and Wales and caters for a wide range of children and young people aged 5 to 18. The events themselves are also extremely varied, including adventure and activity holidays, events designed for those with special needs, traditional beach missions, relaxing events for young people who have just finished exams, inner-city missions designed for both Christian and non-Christian children and young people and holidays for refugee families.

Simon Barker, Scripture Union’s Development Manager for holidays and missions is delighted the 2006 programme has gone so well. ‘It’s great to come back from visiting and taking part in the summer events and be able to reflect on what has been a fantastic year and we are so grateful to the thousands of staff and volunteers who played their part.’

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1) For more information or hi-res images, please contact Scripture Union’s Communications Manager Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or 01908 856161 or email: adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) Scripture Union also run short and long volunteer placements abroad including opportunities in Peru, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Romania and Ukraine.

3) Scripture Union is an international mission movement working in more than 140 countries in schools, churches and local communities, and through holidays, missions, international placements, training and published resources.