Are you looking forward to Yearly Meeting at Queens College, Melbourne, January 3 – 10 ?
Queen’s College
So are Victorian Friends, who are getting ready to welcome you to the most liveable city in Australia, if not the world.
Mornington Friends will be ready to register you from 2 p.m. on Saturday. Other Friends are preparing to staff the YM Office and to make sure that Melbourne meets your expectations and you don’t lose your way. The Children and JYFs Committee has prepared an exciting program.
Don’t forget that our weather can be changeable so bring with you:
- Sun hat, sun screen, insect repellent
- Umbrella
- Jumper/cardigan
- Water bottle
- Mug
- Small electric fan if you need one as rooms are not airconditioned
- Cushion for chairs if you would like to sit comfortably through the business sessions
- Bathers, towel as the university swimming pool will be open ($5.50/adults)
- Carry bag for documents
- A song or an act ready for the concert
- A smile
Registration is still possible, but from the beginning of December the cost will be 10% higher.
YM2015 Children and JYF Programs
The Children (aged up to 12) and JYF (aged 12 to 17) programs at YM 2015 will have a good balance of planned activities and relaxed time. The venue at Queen’s College is great for both age groups. We are hoping to have three separate age groups (preschool, lower primary and upper primary) in the Children’s program if the numbers are sufficient. The Children’s program will include yoga, a visit to the Melbourne Zoo, daily sessions on silence and worship, visits from Friends involved in a variety of roles and social justice initiatives, white poppy and tapestry making, and games. The JYF program will include a service activity, the Peace Vigil, a swim at St Kilda beach, and a fantastic outdoor adventure camp at Stringybark Lodge in Gembrook.
The YM 2015 Children and JYF program organisers would encourage Friends to help in a number of ways:
- By volunteering their time and talents to come and spend time with the young people, or help with childcare within the Children’s program so that we can meet the child protection requirements and the main carers can have some breaks and the opportunity to attend relevant YM sessions. Everybody would be welcome, but we are particularly keen for men to help in the Children’s program, and also active people who are good with physical activities. A Working With Children Check (or the equivalent from other states) is not necessary to come and help, although it is handy if you have one. Such a check from states other than Victoria are acceptable for the duration of YM
- By loaning or donating board games, sports equipment, books, art and craft material. We would appreciate any unwanted 8 ply white wool and 3.5 gauge knitting needles and crochet hooks for making white poppies
Please contact Jenny at quakersaustraliacjyf@gmail.com if you are able to assist. For further information contact Jenny at quakersaustraliacjyf@gmail.com for the Children’s program or Andrew at andypbray@gmail.com for the JYF program.
Something we would like to alert families and people working with young people to is the launch of the extensively revised book “Adventures in the Spirit. Stories of Australian Quakers” by Lyn Dundas and Ros Haynes, which was originally produced in 2000. This is a fabulous book about Australian Quakers with activities and discussion points to be used with children and teenagers. The launch will take place at YM 2015 during morning tea on Monday 5th January. We would encourage Friends to attend the launch and purchase copies of the book for families, Local and Regional Meetings. The cost is $27.
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