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The summer has come and gone, and our attention now turns to the cooler, darker seasons ahead. We had a busy summer season, with many schools visiting the campsite for Basecamp activities. At the time of writing, we still have visits scheduled through September and October. Looking ahead to 2026, there are still gaps in our bookings. If you can help spread the word to local schools or youth groups, we’d be delighted to provide you with materials to share—please do get in touch.
We’re also mindful of the financial challenges schools are currently facing. Sadly, we had to say farewell to two of our Chaplaincy posts at the end of the last academic year due to funding constraints. This meant parting with Kori and Aimee (St. Matthew’s Primary School) and Tom (West Suffolk College and Abbeygate Sixth Form). Each has served faithfully, and we’re grateful for their time with us—please keep them in your prayers as they take their next steps. We also thank Max for all he contributed during his year of studies at Ridley Hall and his placement with us. Although he’s stepping away from his course, we hope to welcome him back as a volunteer.
You’ll find our usual diary of prayers and other updates in this document. Please be encouraged by all that we are doing! One key change: our annual Supporter Celebration will move from the end of the calendar year to Spring 2026—more details will follow very soon!
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support—we truly couldn’t do this without you.
SIMON SCOTT CEO
WEEK 1 - ANT
After welcoming our new Year 7s, I pray for those children already on my heart. I’m thankful for Sue Bridges, our CofE Pioneer, who collaborates with me in this care.
Chaplain to Chantry Academy
Join me in thanking God for relationships built through after-school clubs last year. We had such fun on our summer trip! Pray for wisdom as I consider a new club exploring faith.
WEEK 2 - URSHIE
We have a great need at CYM to grow our team of volunteers, please pray into this today.
Previously, I asked for prayer around bereavement care. Sadly, our school lost a student before last term ended. May God continue ministering comfort through my Chaplaincy presence.
Finance & admin
Many schools are now planning their future residentials. Please pray that more schools will choose to partner with us at Vauxhall for these valuable opportunities.
WEEK 3 - LUCY
Several Chaplains are developing faith exploration groups for young people this term. Pray for guidance in the planning—and that young people would be excited and open to exploring faith.
WEEK 4 - ABI
We pray for protection over students and staff this half term. May it be filled with rest, peace, and joy-filled experiences that refresh body, mind, and spirit.
CYM is so thankful for you—faithful prayer warriors supporting our work. Today, give thanks for those who continue to lift us up in prayer behind the scenes.
Director of Chaplaincy
This year, I’m again considering how best to communicate the incredible impact of School Chaplaincy to staff and funders. Please pray for creativity, insight, and the right words.
This month, we’re preparing ‘Christmas blessings’ for Chaplains to give staff. Pray these small gifts would powerfully reflect God’s love and encouragement as term draws to a close.
Chaplain to Raedwald Trust
As we enter the half term leading to Christmas, we pray for open hearts to Jesus and for meaningful conversations centred around the truth of the Christmas story.
School is about student learning and support, but Chaplaincy embraces the whole community. Pray staff remember I’m here—and God is near—to care for them too.
BCY WILD
Please pray for Josh, Frankie, and me as we work together. Pray for strong relationships as we seek to grow and strengthen the campsite ministry.
Fridays are set aside to focus on caring for our staff team. One way is through our book café. Pray that as we lead others, our love for God inspires us.
12TH)
Praise God for His constant provision for us as a charity. Our prayer is that more individuals feel called to support and grow CYM’s work financially into the future.
HOME-ED (TUES - WEDS)
I’m part of a working group with a vision: a Chaplain in every UK school within the next decade. Please pray for God’s provision, leadership, and inspiration.
Today, thank God for the in-school line managers who work closely with our Chaplains. Pray blessing over these wonderful people who offer encouragement, support, and vital partnership.
Thank you, God, for the Raedwald Trust. We pray Your blessing over it and the dedicated staff who support students in need of extra care and guidance.
We lift up Angela, CEO of the Raedwald Trust. May she know Your wisdom, guidance, and peace as she carries many responsibilities and makes key decisions.
Please pray for Beckie and me as we return to work. May we carry the light, love, and hope of Christ with us wherever we go.
WEEK 1 - SIMON
Let’s pray today for all returning to school or college after half-term. I’m praying they feel refreshed, encouraged, and ready for the term ahead.
CEO
Please pray for opportunities for me—and others in our team—to visit local churches and share about our work with those who may want to support or partner with us.
WEEK 2 - FRANKIE
Lately, I’ve felt prompted to seek God’s awe and wonder. Please pray we would notice His beauty and majesty in the small, everyday moments of our lives.
I’m praying today for our Trustees. Please join me in thanking God for their dedication, wisdom, and commitment to the work and mission of CYM.
Campsite Programme Coordinator
I thank our incredible CYM staff and volunteers for their support this year. I pray they find true rest and experience God’s loving presence in their daily lives.
WEEK 3 - BETH
We thank God for ‘Stir’ and ongoing conversations around faith and life. Please pray against barriers - especially a culture of busyness - that prevents young people from coming.
Please pray for more volunteers who are passionate about CYM. Also pray for Josh and me, that we’ll know how best to support our current campsite team.
YOUTH WORK WEEK (3RD - 9TH)
Please join me in praying for God’s continued provision. He has always supplied what we’ve needed to carry on, and I’m so grateful for His faithfulness.
Today, I thank God for our incredible staff team and volunteers. Their joy, generosity, and servant hearts keep CYM thriving— we simply couldn’t do this without them.
BASECAMP HOME-ED (TUED - WEDS)
Please pray as I recover from limb reconstruction surgery and adjust to life with an external fixator again. I’m praying for rest, healing, and patience in the process.
Chaplain to Ipswich Academy & Community Youth Worker
In Nacton, our vision is to see young people restored and rooted in strong foundations. Please pray with us through Isaiah 58:11–12 as we pursue this calling.
WEEK 4 - PHILIP
Pray for East Bergholt students to come together as a community, growing in faith and support for one another in their school journey.
We thank God for opportunities to offer reflective spaces in schools, especially during this season of remembrance. Pray for deep conversations and a movement of the Holy Spirit.
Chaplain to East Bergholt High School
Please pray I continue to receive guidance as I act between local churches and the school, fostering strong partnerships for the good of the students.
WEEK 5 - VOLUNTEERS
Thank God today for our amazing volunteers who give generously of their time and talents across the campsite, chaplaincy, trusteeship, and general support.
We thank God today for David, who volunteers every week to keep our Hub space clean. We are so grateful for him!
Children have been raising faith more often in discussions. Pray this continues and deepens, evolving through the coming months and year with greater understanding.
Pray today for open doors and warm hearts as we share about volunteering opportunities in local churches, inspiring others to join and make a difference through CYM.
We long to see God rebuild young people—separate from past experiences and generational struggles. Pray they feel inspired to live differently, with courage and God-given identity.
Pray over school staff, especially the SSAs, as they face funding cuts for support services. May God sustain and strengthen them in this challenging season.
Please pray that more people will feel called to volunteer with CYM—whether at the campsite, in schools, or supporting the charity in other vital ways.
I’m praying for new opportunities and fresh connections with schools. May more schools see what we’re doing at Basecamp—and may many sign up for 2026!
We thank God for the young people growing in faith this year. Pray for wisdom as we disciple them and help connect them into vibrant, welcoming church communities.
Wherever my path leads, I pray God watches over my family and me, guiding us with wisdom, patience, and strength in all that we face.
We thank God for volunteers’ faithful commitment. Pray they feel encouraged, valued, and refreshed as they serve, and that their passion continues to grow.
