17 Sep 2025, 20:05Kathy DaltonCornwall, England, United Kingdom
SEC Family Camp 2025 at Chapel Porth Inspires Families to Walk with Jesus
The excitement is building — it’s that time of year again when, all around the South England Conference, families are packing their cases to head down to Chapel Porth SDA campsite in Cornwall. Some have only a few miles to travel; others will be travelling for hours and inevitably hear the cry, “Are we there yet?”
This is a time for families to take a break from their busy lives and spend quality time with their children, making new friends, sharing great fellowship, and simply enjoying the beautiful nature which surrounds this area of Cornwall.
As you drive closer, the lanes become narrower, not really made for large modern vehicles, but from the days when people walked, cycled, or rode on horses to get to work in this tin-mining county. Suddenly, there it is — the sign: “Chapel Porth Campsite.”
Many people have been here before us. This is a special place and holds years of happy memories for people now spread across the world.
Cars start arriving, children leap out, caravans are allocated, and the campsite becomes alive. People across the field start talking to their neighbours and children all start playing together in the middle of the field. Soon we will all become one family in Christ.
The theme of this family camp is “Walking with Jesus.” Our worship leaders are Pr. Rio Espulgar, Pr. Clifford Herman, and Manuela Mai. The first time we will really meet everybody is for worship later this evening.
Before that, there is much to be unpacked, old friends to greet, and new friends to make. The time goes quickly and, before you know it, the bell is ringing. This bell will become our signal for breakfast in the mornings and worship in the evenings. Each time we hear it, it is rung enthusiastically by an excited child. But now, as we are hearing it for the first time, it is calling us to worship.
Worship takes place in the hall, which is used for many other purposes: dining, crafts, games, and our very special welcome of the Sabbath — but more about that later. As we enter the hall, the chairs are laid out in a semi-circle, the organ is playing, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and people are gathering for our first worship session together. People are welcomed and everybody greets each other. Family Camp 2025 has officially started and we are in for a great time.
After worship there is always a session for the children to create, play, and learn. This year’s crafts and games are all based on exploring nature. We will be studying the lifecycles of butterflies, flowers, and trees; making flowerpots and planting seeds; colouring, constructing, printing, and even painting our hands. The evening sessions are a chance for families to spend time together and socialise with new friends.
As many people have had a long journey, we keep the first evening session short. This action-packed family camp of pre-arranged activities will begin straight after breakfast in the morning — so off to a good night’s sleep.
Tuesday was a day out to the very tip of England, appropriately called “Land’s End.” We read about the lighthouse that, over the years, has saved so many sailors’ lives; we visited the first and last house and the famous signpost that tells us we are 874 miles from John O’ Groats.
Wednesday we set out for a cycling trip on the disused rail track from a beautiful little harbour called Padstow. We cycled to Wadebridge — a distance of 5¼ miles. Of course, once you reach the destination you have to save enough energy to cycle back again. It is a very pleasant ride and very doable for families of all ages as you can hire all combinations of cycles from tandems to baby carriages.
Thursday was the action-packed day, appropriately called “The Adrenaline Park.” At this park there were four activities. One was a Big Swing over a very steep gorge. I don’t think anybody from our group went on this as it looked very scary and there were lots of screams coming from this activity. The main activity was Aqua Splash — huge inflatables in the lake where children and adults climb up them, over them, slide down them, and crawl through them. These sessions last for forty-five minutes and the secret is to be changed, line up for your life jackets, and be waiting in the line before your session starts, as your time starts as soon as they open the gate. For those of us watching it was drizzly rain, but for those who were purposely getting wet they were having a great time.
The other two activities were Go-Karting and a Zip Wire over the deep gorge. The most essential part of Go-Karting is your safety brief — we were told these are NOT bumper cars, and the idea is to try and stay clear of other people. A few clues on what to do if you get stuck, and a few instructions on the safety of the vehicle. We are now eager to go! We all resemble F1 drivers. Whilst you are lining up, watching the group before you, it looks easy. Go-Karting proved much harder than it looked. There were clearly some in our group who were practising to be the next Lewis Hamilton. Surprisingly it was the younger ones who seemed to be flying around the track, their sights set on becoming world champion drivers. All who participated, including the author, absolutely loved it.
The final activity was the Zip Wire. I was very happy to hold people’s coats and take their photos. This is something that was never, ever on my bucket list. To dangle from a wire rope whilst flying through the air was not for me. I watched people of all ages all afternoon, resisting the pleas to “come and have a go.” There were some very young children taking their turn — of course they have no fear. It is only us older ones that think about the dangers. Nearly towards the end of the day and after much encouragement, I overcame my fear and had a go. Yes, I screamed all the way down — but I did it. As with a lot of things, the anticipation is worse than the ride. We all survived the day without injury and had a great time.
Friday was a recovery day, cooking day, beach day, shopping day, and preparation day. Some travelled far, others stayed within walking distance. About 7 pm the worship bell was rung. This was not our usual evening worship; this was a special vespers worship to welcome in the Sabbath.
What a beautiful sight greeted our eyes. The tables were in the shape of the cross, the candles were lit, and an agape feast was laid before us. We were reminded that Sabbath is a celebration — a weekly reminder that God set this special day apart after completing all that He had made, and He wanted to spend time with His new human family. This is how special Sabbath should be.
Wow — this time set apart to celebrate the dawning of the Sabbath was something so special, and will be remembered for a long time to come.
The Sabbath day is always a special time at camp. It started with morning service with plenty of joyful singing, a couple of special items from the children, culminating with a commitment activity for everyone. This activity consisted of footprints walking to the cross which became a very special symbol of our Family Camp 2025.
Another feast was to await us for lunch. Each caravan brought something to share, the tables were laden with goodies from all around the world. After a satisfying lunch, a little time for rest and then the “Sabbath afternoon walk.”
For our walk this year we headed out behind our caravan site up onto the cliff where the famous Wheal Coates tin mine ruin is situated. It was such a beautiful sight up there, the sun was shining straight across the sea making it glisten like diamonds. Our local beach at Chapel Porth was just below us so we decided to walk around the headland and down onto the beach. Of course, what goes down must come up, so the climb back to camp was quite strenuous, but the beauty of the area all around us compensated us many times over.
All too quickly our camp was heading to its close. But first the tradition of our sing-song around the campfire with roasted marshmallows and certificates of achievement for the children. Nobody wanted to leave. The reality of everyday life seems very far away when you are in such beautiful surroundings and have discovered a new family in Christ. The call across the campsite was “Hope to see you next year.” Be sure to make a date in your diary for Family Camp 2026! Hope to see you there!
The excitement is building — it’s that time of year again when, all around the South England Conference, families are packing their cases to head down to Chapel Porth SDA campsite in Cornwall. Some have only a few miles to travel; others will be travelling for hours and inevitably hear the cry, “Are we there yet?”
This is a time for families to take a break from their busy lives and spend quality time with their children, making new friends, sharing great fellowship, and simply enjoying the beautiful nature which surrounds this area of Cornwall.
As you drive closer, the lanes become narrower, not really made for large modern vehicles, but from the days when people walked, cycled, or rode on horses to get to work in this tin-mining county. Suddenly, there it is — the sign: “Chapel Porth Campsite.”
Many people have been here before us. This is a special place and holds years of happy memories for people now spread across the world.
Cars start arriving, children leap out, caravans are allocated, and the campsite becomes alive. People across the field start talking to their neighbours and children all start playing together in the middle of the field. Soon we will all become one family in Christ.
The theme of this family camp is “Walking with Jesus.” Our worship leaders are Pr. Rio Espulgar, Pr. Clifford Herman, and Manuela Mai. The first time we will really meet everybody is for worship later this evening.
Before that, there is much to be unpacked, old friends to greet, and new friends to make. The time goes quickly and, before you know it, the bell is ringing. This bell will become our signal for breakfast in the mornings and worship in the evenings. Each time we hear it, it is rung enthusiastically by an excited child. But now, as we are hearing it for the first time, it is calling us to worship.
Worship takes place in the hall, which is used for many other purposes: dining, crafts, games, and our very special welcome of the Sabbath — but more about that later. As we enter the hall, the chairs are laid out in a semi-circle, the organ is playing, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and people are gathering for our first worship session together. People are welcomed and everybody greets each other. Family Camp 2025 has officially started and we are in for a great time.
After worship there is always a session for the children to create, play, and learn. This year’s crafts and games are all based on exploring nature. We will be studying the lifecycles of butterflies, flowers, and trees; making flowerpots and planting seeds; colouring, constructing, printing, and even painting our hands. The evening sessions are a chance for families to spend time together and socialise with new friends.
As many people have had a long journey, we keep the first evening session short. This action-packed family camp of pre-arranged activities will begin straight after breakfast in the morning — so off to a good night’s sleep.
Tuesday was a day out to the very tip of England, appropriately called “Land’s End.” We read about the lighthouse that, over the years, has saved so many sailors’ lives; we visited the first and last house and the famous signpost that tells us we are 874 miles from John O’ Groats.
Wednesday we set out for a cycling trip on the disused rail track from a beautiful little harbour called Padstow. We cycled to Wadebridge — a distance of 5¼ miles. Of course, once you reach the destination you have to save enough energy to cycle back again. It is a very pleasant ride and very doable for families of all ages as you can hire all combinations of cycles from tandems to baby carriages.
Thursday was the action-packed day, appropriately called “The Adrenaline Park.” At this park there were four activities. One was a Big Swing over a very steep gorge. I don’t think anybody from our group went on this as it looked very scary and there were lots of screams coming from this activity. The main activity was Aqua Splash — huge inflatables in the lake where children and adults climb up them, over them, slide down them, and crawl through them. These sessions last for forty-five minutes and the secret is to be changed, line up for your life jackets, and be waiting in the line before your session starts, as your time starts as soon as they open the gate. For those of us watching it was drizzly rain, but for those who were purposely getting wet they were having a great time.
The other two activities were Go-Karting and a Zip Wire over the deep gorge. The most essential part of Go-Karting is your safety brief — we were told these are NOT bumper cars, and the idea is to try and stay clear of other people. A few clues on what to do if you get stuck, and a few instructions on the safety of the vehicle. We are now eager to go! We all resemble F1 drivers. Whilst you are lining up, watching the group before you, it looks easy. Go-Karting proved much harder than it looked. There were clearly some in our group who were practising to be the next Lewis Hamilton. Surprisingly it was the younger ones who seemed to be flying around the track, their sights set on becoming world champion drivers. All who participated, including the author, absolutely loved it.
The final activity was the Zip Wire. I was very happy to hold people’s coats and take their photos. This is something that was never, ever on my bucket list. To dangle from a wire rope whilst flying through the air was not for me. I watched people of all ages all afternoon, resisting the pleas to “come and have a go.” There were some very young children taking their turn — of course they have no fear. It is only us older ones that think about the dangers. Nearly towards the end of the day and after much encouragement, I overcame my fear and had a go. Yes, I screamed all the way down — but I did it. As with a lot of things, the anticipation is worse than the ride. We all survived the day without injury and had a great time.
Friday was a recovery day, cooking day, beach day, shopping day, and preparation day. Some travelled far, others stayed within walking distance. About 7 pm the worship bell was rung. This was not our usual evening worship; this was a special vespers worship to welcome in the Sabbath.
What a beautiful sight greeted our eyes. The tables were in the shape of the cross, the candles were lit, and an agape feast was laid before us. We were reminded that Sabbath is a celebration — a weekly reminder that God set this special day apart after completing all that He had made, and He wanted to spend time with His new human family. This is how special Sabbath should be.
Wow — this time set apart to celebrate the dawning of the Sabbath was something so special, and will be remembered for a long time to come.
The Sabbath day is always a special time at camp. It started with morning service with plenty of joyful singing, a couple of special items from the children, culminating with a commitment activity for everyone. This activity consisted of footprints walking to the cross which became a very special symbol of our Family Camp 2025.
Another feast was to await us for lunch. Each caravan brought something to share, the tables were laden with goodies from all around the world. After a satisfying lunch, a little time for rest and then the “Sabbath afternoon walk.”
For our walk this year we headed out behind our caravan site up onto the cliff where the famous Wheal Coates tin mine ruin is situated. It was such a beautiful sight up there, the sun was shining straight across the sea making it glisten like diamonds. Our local beach at Chapel Porth was just below us so we decided to walk around the headland and down onto the beach. Of course, what goes down must come up, so the climb back to camp was quite strenuous, but the beauty of the area all around us compensated us many times over.
All too quickly our camp was heading to its close. But first the tradition of our sing-song around the campfire with roasted marshmallows and certificates of achievement for the children. Nobody wanted to leave. The reality of everyday life seems very far away when you are in such beautiful surroundings and have discovered a new family in Christ. The call across the campsite was “Hope to see you next year.” Be sure to make a date in your diary for Family Camp 2026! Hope to see you there!
