Holiday Bible Week (HBW) is an annual fun-filled camp for children, that introduces 5 – 11 year olds to God's book, the Bible. Upwards of 500 children assemble on a school field in Bishop's Stortford. This year we are the Boy’s High. They enjoy games, puzzles, Bible stories, puppet shows and singing from 9.45am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. There is an Open Evening on Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm where family and friends are invited to see what the children have been doing all week.
HBW – now in it's 21st year - is so successful some parents queue a couple of hours before opening on Registration Day to ensure their children get in, and many kids don't want to go home at the end of the week. Despite the frantic activity of each day, there are always many comments each year about the atmosphere of wonderful calm around the whole place.
Although the Programme and format vary from year to year, HBW is normally constructed around a weekly theme, with different daily Bible stories. A relevant Bible verse each day is featured, and often put to music to help the children become familiar with it. The youngsters are divided into age and table groups, housed in large tents containing a carpeted area, tables and chairs. Each table group is supervised by a Table Leader with Helpers, and in overall charge is the Tent Leader, who ensures everything runs smoothly.
Besides tent work in year groupings, children all meet together at least once a day in the Main Tent for singing, activities and a puppet show. At lunchtime they eat their sandwiches, play together or have a chance to be quiet or pray in 'Hotline' – when the Main Tent is staffed by the Prayer Team who help encourage talking things over with God. The Tuckshop and Bookshop are also open, and very popular draws!
Sports and games are arranged, and there is frequently a shorter Main Tent session geared for smaller groups. Also on site is a crèche for helpers, a youth tent, craft store and gazebo shelters for registration and staff rest breaks. A Site Team ensures parking happens properly, that children are safe, and manages litter control, logistics and site security. The reception team handles visitors and the day-to-day management of HBW, along with first aid and attendance.
For more details and all the latest information visit our dedicated web site
Key dates for 2009
9.30am Saturday 6th June 2009
HBW Children’s Registration Day,
Methodist Church, South Street
4-5pm Sunday 2nd August 2009
HBW Dedication Service,
The Boy’s High School.
9.45-3.15pm Monday 3rd - Friday
7th August - HBW Week
The Boy’s High School.
6.30-8.30pm Thursday 6th August 2009
HBW Open Evening
The Boy’s High School.
