Whether you're organising a barbecue for your whole village or putting on the kettle for a newly arrived family, being a Village Host is one of the most important roles on site
'Village hosting is such a pleasure and I feel God with me. It's such an honour and blessing to meet people when they arrive expectant, and to help with that vital part of New Wine.' Jo Radley, St Mary's and St Paul's Doncaster
Villages provide a 'home' for people throughout their time at the Summer Conference. People’s experiences on their village often make or break their holiday and therefore dramatically affect their chances of meeting with God. As a Village Host you welcome people to their camping village, give delegates an idea of what's on and when, be available to answer questions about the site or programme and, if you're able to, organise village activities so people can get to know each other. All you need is a love for people, and perhaps an endless supply of tea bags!
You are responsible for all delegates in your village, not just your own church members. It can be great fun and a real faith builder as you see people drawn in to the Kingdom. It is also a great training ground for hospitality skills that can be taken back to your church. Village Hosts also help to plan the camping layout and address practical needs throughout the week, and some planning skills may therefore be useful. If you enjoy being sociable this is a great role for you, and you'll be surprised at what God can accomplish through you.
In recognition of the hard work and dedication required for the role of Village Host, we offer one half-price place per village host team. In addition to this, we would like to encourage village hosts to come to site on the day before the conference begins, providing extra time to plan village allocation.
ARRIVAL
Village Hosts are asked to arrive the day before the conference starts to get settled in before the Village Host meeting, and to give time for planning the village site.
VILLAGE HOST MEETING
A meeting is held for all Village Hosts on the day before each conference starts. This is usually in the evening but the time and venue will be confirmed nearer the time. The meeting is a chance to meet the pastoral host who will be available for any help or advice which may be needed. You will also be given any general information about practical aspects of the site and conference.
VILLAGE ALLOCATION
Once people have been allocated to a village (from 1 July 2009), Village Hosts will be sent a site plan for their village and details of the delegates and their accommodation.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A VILLAGE HOST?
Before
Pray before the event that those coming will enjoy their stay and meet with Jesus. Arrive the day before to meet other Village Hosts and take part in a planning meeting.
During
Here are some ideas from past village hosts and delegates:
- Know the access route into the village (i.e., for emergency access, disabled delegates and late arrivals)
- Be visible to delegates (sign-in window/outside van) – this is also useful for stewards in case of emergency
- Greet people when they arrive and offer them a drink
- Show delegates their allocated camping place
- Arrange village in such a way as to promote community, possibly in a circle with a community area in the middle
- Leave space in the centre of the village for children and village activities (easily visible to majority, so parents can keep an eye without nagging!)
- Be aware of people's needs when they are setting up – offer to help if needed
- Find out the basics around the site (e.g., water points, toilets and main venues)
- Introduce people to each other during the arrival day as you're setting up tents/caravans
- Be aware of fringe activities etc - link people up to them during week
- Wander around your village once in a while to check all is okay
- Arrange some village activities during the week (everyone loves a BBQ and a game of football)
- Be available!
After
Be the last to leave your village to make sure that you’re there for last minute queries and to thank people for coming. Ensure the village is left in a tidy state.