Pentecost Camp! 🔥
A FREE overnight camp for school-age children and young people, from Saturday 23 May 2026 from 3:00 pm to Sunday 24 May 2026 after Mass!
Get ready to celebrate the Birthday of the Church!
Pentecost Camp is our favourite weekend of the year — a free, fun-packed overnight adventure for all school-age children and young people at St John's — hot dogs, a campfire, fireworks, and a big breakfast they cooked themselves. All in the safety of the Vicarage Garden and Church, with our trained and DBS-checked team looking after them every step of the way. The best bit? It's completely free.
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Arrive from 3:00 pm · Hot dog lunch · Unpack · Pentecost games and activities
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Campfire supper · Evening activities · Fireworks display!
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Cook your own big breakfast · Help at the Pentecost Mass (10:30 am) · Home by midday
🕒 Weekend Schedule:
Why Pentecost?
Every year, Christians around the world spend nine days praying together between Ascension Day and Pentecost — a season called Thy Kingdom Come. Pentecost Sunday marks the day the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples: the Birthday of the Church. Pentecost Camp is how we celebrate that moment in the most joyful way possible, by gathering the next generation of the Church together for a night of fun, friendship, and faith right here at St John's.
FAQs
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Yes, no catch! If you'd like to support the ministry of St John's with a donation you're very welcome to, but it's completely optional.
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All school-age children and young people. No minimum age, though we suggest under-7s consider day camping: join us for the afternoon and BBQ, head home at 8:00 pm, and come back for breakfast the next morning.
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Pack a sleeping bag if you have one — we have spares to borrow. Add pyjamas, a toothbrush, 2 jumpers, 2 pairs of socks, a hat, and gloves. All food and treats are provided, so please leave sweets and energy drinks at home. We also ask that phones and devices stay switched off in bags — the church phone is always available if your child wants to call home.
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Absolutely. Our team is experienced with additional needs and trauma-informed. Contact Mthr Rachael, and we'll make sure your child has the best possible experience.
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We'd love the help! You'll need an up-to-date DBS check. Tick the volunteer box on the booking form or reach out to Mthr Rachael as soon as possible.
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The Church of England's nine-day novena of prayer between Ascension Day (14 May 2026) and Pentecost Sunday (24 May 2026). Pentecost Camp is our joyful celebration of its final day.
Join us at St John’s Vicarage Garden!
Drop-off from 3:00 pm on Saturday 23 May.
Pick-up after the Pentecost Mass on Sunday 24 May, around 12:00 noon.
📧 Fr John: vicar@sjun.org.uk
📧 Mthr Rachael: mthrrachael@sjun.org.uk
📍 Location: St John’s, Upper Norwood,
Sylvan Road, London SE19 2RX
📞 Phone: 020 8771 6686
Follow us on @stjohnsuppernorwood
Child Safeguarding
At St John’s, Upper Norwood, we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for children and young people. All our staff and volunteers are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding to ensure their safety and well-being. To learn more, please visit our safeguarding page or get in touch with us directly.