Quaker Summer Schools for 11-18s
"A packed week of friendship, nurture and fun"
Junior Gathering, and Senior Conference offer the opportunity for young people aged 11-18 to come together for a week long residential event each summer. They are run in a Quaker way, which means that the Quaker values of Truth & Integrity, Equality & Community, Peace, Simplicity and The earth & Environment are what guide us in creating a packed week of friendship, nurture and fun.
Participants do not need to come from a Quaker background or be involved in Quakers, and funding is available for those who need it.
"A chance to meet new people and have fun"
For young Quakers aged 11 to 14, Junior Gathering is a week long event packed with activities and a chance to meet new people and have fun.
There is a variety of fun, creative and active workshops, including music, art and craft and sports as well as swimming. There is also an afternoon out and a day trip; lively evening entertainments and discos.
Both Junior Gathering and Senior Conference are held in the spacious location of Leighton Park School, Reading.
"A place of friendship, laughter, and reflection"
Senior Conference is a spiritual gathering and a Quaker conference run by and for young people aged 15 to 18, a place of friendship, laughter, and reflection, which builds a strong and supportive community over the course of the week, and friendships which last for a lifetime. Senior Conference is an LGBTQ+ positive event.
During the week we explore the theme with speakers and in small group discussions and activities. Senior Conference also offers a variety of workshops, daily worship, an outing, social events and ample spare time for rest, chat and making new friends.
Bursary information
It is their strict policy to ensure that no-one is prevented from attending an FSSE event because of a lack of financial resources. FSSE receives grants and gifts that enable them to support participation by young people who could not otherwise afford the full fees, but the total sum available is limited.
In the first instance, we warmly encourage parents to seek financial support from their local meeting, or from area meeting.