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!

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!
Book your child's free place today!

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.

  • Arrive from 3:00 pm · Hot dog lunch · Unpack · Pentecost games and activities

  • Campfire supper · Evening activities · Fireworks display!

  • Cook your own big breakfast · Help at the Pentecost Mass (10:30 am) · Home by midday

🕒 Weekend Schedule:

Book your child's free place today!
celebrate the birthday of the church with us at St John's Upper Norwood - Pentecost 2026

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.

Donate to our mission here
Pentecost Sunday marks the day the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples: the Birthday of the Church.

 FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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  • "My daughter talked about Pentecost Camp for weeks. She made new friends, loved the fireworks, and came home absolutely exhausted, which is all you can ask for!"

    Parent, St John’s

  • "Our son was nervous about staying overnight but the St John's Team made him feel so at home. He's already counting down to next year."

    Parent, St John’s

  • "Faith, fun and community all in one weekend. There's nothing quite like it."

    Parent, St John’s

 

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

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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.

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