Action packed Connor Takes the Castle weekend

Monday October 7th 2024

Action from the sports arena at Castlewellan Castle during the Satruday afternoon Connor Takes the Castle activities.

One hundred and thirty young people from across the diocese headed to Castlewellan at the weekend for an action-packed Connor Takes the Castle.

Of these, 90 young people were there for the full residential from Friday October 4 until Sunday October 6, while around 40 joined the fun for the day on Saturday.

This annual event is for young people aged 11-18 and their leaders and involves teaching, worship and lots of activities together.

This year, sessions were led by Simon Henry, National Youth Officer with the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD).

Despite the forecast, the weather was kind, although those who got a little soggy during the late night walk around Castlewellan Lake on Friday may disagree!

Saturday afternoon’s activities in the castle grounds were run by Laser Tag and Salt Factory Sports and lots of energy was expended on all the challenges by both young people and their leaders.

In addition to the Laser Tag, the young people were set the challenge of (safely) lighting a fire without matches or a lighter, and there were a variety of sports including volleyball, dodgeball and football.

There were talks, worship, a visit to the Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park, karaoke and games on the Saturday evening and of course, hot dogs and more.

We caught up with the young people during Saturday afternoon’s outdoor action…