'Abel' is the name given to our annual camps located in Snowdonia for physically disabled children and young people. Originally established in 1970 after the opening of Ashfield School in Leicester, our organisation is run/staffed by volunteers who have had links with Ashfield School and churches in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Campers are welcome to come to camp and be 'abel' to participate in activites and have a great holiday, no matter what the disability.

Volunteers are willing and 'abel' to care and contribute towards making the campers' holiday great, putting the camper first and remembering that in the Bible, ABEL brought what was needed to the Lord, who is ABLE to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

This opportunity to volunteer on abel is unique and eye-opening. It is such a joy to help out in this way!

The camp is a Christian camp, with meetings each day during the week focusing on a theme from the Bible.

The week consists of a good mixture of activities suitable for all, ranging from day trips to chill time around the campfire.

History

Our story began with Bethel Camps in 1970 with a clear mission to serve disabled young people from Ash Field School in Leicester. At the time, the school was located right next to the City General Hospital, and we saw a profound need to provide these youngsters with an experience outside of their daily routines. That first camp was such a success that we realized one week wasn’t enough; by 1971, we opened a second camp to accommodate the growing number of people who were eager to join us.

In those early years, our leadership was drawn directly from the dedicated staff at Ash Field and the General Hospital School (GHS). We operated with a small, focused group, but as word spread and the specific needs of the campers became more apparent, we began to expand our reach. We started recruiting helpers from local church groups and other area schools, eventually forming an Organising Committee to manage the six months of intense planning required for each summer. This shift transformed us from a small school project into a major community effort.

As we grew, we adapted our logistics to meet the challenges of the time. We moved from a Friday start to a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule to make things more convenient for families, we established a tradition of sending an advance party to ensure everything was ready before the campers arrived - which we now call pre-camp and by the late 90's, due to growing numbers we decided to introduce a maximum age limit of 25, this then gave the opportunity for new campers to come.3

Before our name was Abel camps, we were called Taly-bont camp, which later changed to TYB camp; however after not having a camp in 2008 we wanted to rebrand and relaunched in 2009 with a new name to show how we really are.

While our leadership and locations have evolved over the decades, we have never lost sight of the foundation laid in 1970: a commitment to providing respite, joy, and the message of the Gospel to every young person who joins us.

LLys Andreas Campsite

This site in Tal-y-bont is where ABEL camp happens, with space for tents on a large field. It has a main marquee for services and camp-site activities, and a good sized playing space including a volleyball area. There is a multi-purpose building which houses a kitchen and eating/games areas. The site also has a toilet and wash-block, (including showers) for both males and females.

Llys Andreas is very accessible, just two minutes off the main road between Barmouth & Harlech and just 10 mins from Tal-y-bont railway station. Barmouth also has a leisure centre, which has a five-a-side football pitch, as well a beach, a fun fair and plenty of shops.

Committee

Pete Allen

Chair

Benny Seeds

Helpers co-ordinator

Thomas Seeds

Activities

Chris Pryke

Fundraising

James Sutton

Pastoral Lead

Donna Allen

Treasurer

Neil Seeds

Campers co-ordinator

Mia Seeds

Publicity