In October’s Sounds, Ruth Harvey considers the wisdom of putting youth at the heart of the Community’s strategic direction.

Over the summer, we have been listening to feedback from young people who have taken part in our programmes at Camas and on Iona.

The researchers also heard from people who have either led groups, worked with us or supported young people to attend Iona Abbey or Camas. 

We asked the young people to reflect on the impact of their experience. Their responses reflect the different ways in which Camas and Iona Abbey changed them. Here is what some of them said: 

“The Iona Community is a place where I feel able to lead. That is something that really doesn’t come naturally to me. I feel like I am able to lead in my own way and that is just as valuable as somebody who’s really comfortable with leading.”

“Iona made me appreciate the people we have in the world. People may be from different backgrounds, different places, whatever, but at the end of the day we’re all human, we’re all basically a big community.”

“Camas helped me gain confidence. It has shaped me in so many ways. I made and strengthen relationships from there. There’s been a lot of learning for me and a lot of discipline. I’ve learned so many things and done so many new things.”

“Our youth have, without exception, been transformed by their stay at Camas. It’s a holy place.”

“Camas embodies the parts of the world and of human life which should be most treasured and that are becoming fewer and further between. It is of utmost importance that we treasure these places and experiences so that they are not lost.”

As set out in our strategic goal to put ‘Youth at the Heart’, we are clear that the space, context and programme offered by our skilled staff and volunteers at Camas and on Iona is transformative for young people most impacted by injustice.  

But the question remains: how do we fund this work? How do we find a funding model that is sustainable not only for the groups coming to our centres, but also for the wider Iona Community?  

Skilled and wise people are working on a plan to answer these questions. Please hold them in your prayers over these next crucial weeks, not only so that the Iona Community can flourish but that God’s ‘new community of hope’, justice, love and peace can grow and deepen in and through the wise young people who visit our island centres.