Youth & Children’s Team

Volunteer with Us!

Alongside the adult programme, Castlewellan Holiday Week runs a parallel children’s and youth programme.

It takes a lot of willing volunteers to co-ordinate and deliver a programme for children from the ages of 4 – 18 years old. If you join us, you will become part of a passionate team who serve children and young people, passing on faith to the next generation.

We have the privilege of getting to work as a team, using our gifts and skills as we enjoy serving the children & young people of Castlewellan Holiday Week.

We are one team which eats, worships, and has fun together. Within that, we have three strands: children’s team,  youth team, & support team.  

One Team, Three Strands

Children’s

Our theme-based programme uses drama, craft, songs, games, fun and Bible stories which are age appropriate to help them experience, learn and grow. 

As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to engage with a group of children in small groups, encouraging them to continue the conversations with their parents/guardians when they leave.

Youth

Our programme focuses on age-appropriate Bible teaching, worship, small groups, and prayer each morning, with a diverse programme of fun, community building, seminars and Late Night events in the evenings. 

As part of the youth team, you will have the opportunity to facilitate small group discussions, serve on prayer team, and be a role model of someone who lives out their Christian faith.

Support

For those who want to be part of team, but don’t want to do face-to-face children’s or youth work, we have places available on the logistics, kitchen, and tech team.

You will still be encouraged to be part of team life, and to support those who are doing the face-to-face work. We need people like you who are passionate about service and supporting others.

Volunteers must be:

  • Over 18 years old (if you are 17 years old and have volunteered with IMYC at Soul Mates and are able to organise accommodation with families or youth groups on the site then an application may be considered at the discretion of the Y&C Team Leader).

  • A committed Christian who is willing to work under the ethos of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Castlewellan Holiday Week leadership team. 

  • Able to provide references on their application form.

  • Safeguard trained & Access NI checked through the Methodist Church in Ireland within the last 3 years. 

Volunteers will receive:

  • Church hall floor accommodation (if you wish to seek alternative accommodation this is your choice)

  • Access to showers in the school

  • Three meals a day except on two evenings where the kitchen will be closed. 

  • A Team t-shirt for using during programme. 

Applications for Youth & Children’s Team 2026 will open in the New Year

 Y&C Team FAQs

  • Over 18 years old

    (If you are 17 years old and have volunteered with IMYC at Soul Mates and are able to organise accommodation with families or youth groups on the site then an application may be considered at the discretion of the Y&C Team Leader).

  • Accomodation is provided for team on the floors of Castlewellan Presbyterian Church hall. If you wish to seek alternative accommodation this is your choice.

    We have access to showers in the school.

  • No! There is a self-serve breakfast in the church halls each morning, and our wonderful kitchen team will provide lunch and dinner each day with the exception of 3 evenings where the kitchen will be closed, one of these days you will be with a CHW family for dinner.

  • Stamina, energy, and passion

    A good attitude.

    Any resources required for your programme.

    Clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on (team t-shirts will be provided and are encouraged to be worn during programme).

    Sleeping supplies (airbed, pillow, sleeping bag, etc.)

    Money for takeaway dinner on 2 nights.

    A blessing (in the form of a sweet treat to share with the rest of the team!)