Village Hosting

Whether you’re organising a barbecue for your whole village or simply putting the kettle on for a newly arrived family, being a Village Host is one of the most important roles on site

Villages provide a ‘home’ for people throughout their time at United. 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 will 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 into 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 before the event starts and address practical needs throughout the event, 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 you a half-price ticket. We encourage Village Hosts to arrive on site the day before the event begins, providing extra time to plan village allocation.

Requirements for the role

• A heart to serve and put others first – to go the extra mile and bless others to make everyone on the village feel they belong
• To be friendly, responsive and have a good sense of humour
• Experience in planning and hosting a large social environment
• Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Motivation, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• The ability to manage large numbers of arrivals at any one time
• Good organisational skills
• The ability to be flexible at the last minute
• The ability to work as a team, particularly with New Wine staff and stewards

Arrival

Village Hosts are asked to arrive the day before the event starts to get settled in before the Village Host meeting, and to give time for planning the village site. United A Village Hosts may arrive on Thursday afternoon if they wish.

Village Host Meeting

A meeting is held for all Village Hosts on the day before each event 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 needed. You will also be given general information about practical aspects of the site and event.

Village Allocation

Once people have been allocated to a village (from the beginning of July), Village Hosts will be sent a site plan for their village and details of the delegates and their accommodation.

How to Help

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 the majority, especially parents/carers)
• 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 the week
• Wander around your village once in a while to check all is okay
• Arrange some village activities during the event (everyone loves a barbecue or a game of football)
• Be available!

After
Be the last to leave your village to answer final queries and thank people for coming. Ensure the village is left in a tidy state.