Young people from Church of England parishes in every part of Lancashire headed to Borwick Hall in the north of the County this week, eagerly anticipating 'Endeavour '26' - the latest in a series of much-loved annual youth camps.
The four-day residential was led by Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, alongside other leaders from the Diocese and brought the teenagers together for a time of fun, friendship and faith.
Young people attended Endeavour ’26 from Burnley, Blackburn, Darwen, Clayton-le-Moors, Chorley, Preston, New Longton, Ribbleton, Goosnargh, Inglewhite, Garstang, Penwortham, Lancaster, Skerton, Morecambe, Scorton, Torrisholme and Cleveleys. See below for a full list of churches.
Endeavour '26 included outdoor activities, games and shared experiences, alongside Christian teaching and worship.
The annual camp is a key part of the Diocese’s ongoing commitment to place children and young people at the heart of church life, creating space for them to explore faith and grow in confidence together.
And the event is proving so popular now that, from 2027, the Diocese hopes to hold two camps to accommodate as many young people as it can. Further updates on that in due course.
Speaking after the camp’s closing Eucharist at St Mary’s Church in Borwick, Bishop Philip said: “What a brilliant time we’ve had at Endeavour ‘26! I headed home exhausted but feeling very thankful and encouraged.
“We have been blessed with beautiful sunshine but, far more than that, by the company of a group of remarkable young people. From playing games on the water to testing their limits on the high wire and holding snakes, in our gathered times and in the quiet beauty of compline it has been a real joy and a privilege to share time with them.”
Bishop Philip continued: “The real highlight was the final Eucharist at St Mary's in Borwick. It was so prayerfully and confidently led by the young people themselves.
“I am deeply grateful to all the leaders who have given themselves so generously and to the guest leaders who joined us too. Their care and commitment shaped something truly special.”
Churches represented at Endeavour ’26 included:
· St Matthews Burnley
· Blackburn Cathedral
· St Cuthbert's Burnley
· St James Briercliffe, Burnley
· St James Over Darwen
· St Peter's Darwen
· All Saints Clayton le Moors
· Chorley All Saints
· St Peter’s Chorley
· St George's Chorley
· Preston St Stephen
· Ribbleton Parish
· St Mary's Goosnargh and Inglewhite Congregational Church
· Garstang St Thomas
· United Reform Church, Penwortham
· New Longton All Saints/Hope Methodist
· St Luke’s Skerton and Lancaster St Chad’s
· Morecambe Parish Church
· Lancaster Priory
· St Peter's Scorton
· Church of the Ascension, Torrisholme
· St Andrew’s Cleveleys
Captions for the above pictures, top to bottom:
Pictures taken by Esther Gregory-Witham
1. Tug-of-war was one of the fun games at Endeavour ‘26
2. Bishop Philip and the young people play games at Endeavour ‘26
3. The Christian faith was central to the week and on one day the young people watched a modern-day recreation of the arrest of Jesus as part of Endeavour ‘26
4. A group of girls prepare for water activities at Endeavour ‘26
5. Outdoor activities get under way at Endeavour ‘26
6. The worship group leads praise at Endeavour ‘26
7. A group of lads enjoy crafting activities at Endeavour ‘26