Gaines has a wonderful history stretching back nearly 50 years. Now under the management of Camp XL (a charity launched to promote and support Bible centred residential holidays) Gaines has two equally weighted objectives:

1. Reaching and discipling young people for the Lord Jesus, and
2. Teaching and equipping others to reach still more

So, what does this mean in practice, and how will we set about it?

Each year we take on a number of gap-year students on our residential programme. Through our partnership with the Midlands Ministry Training Course they’ll receive formal Bible and leadership skills training. Through our programme of residential holidays (see below) they’ll gain hands-on experience in the practical aspects of Christian youth work too.

And since we maintain that the primary responsibility for reaching and discipling lies with local churches, we hope in addition to see this team support a number of other church and school groups - (our location means that groups all along the M5 corridor from Birmingham to Bristol are potentially in reach).

Once fully refitted, Gaines will be able to sleep close to 100 individuals. With extensive grounds and plenty of indoor space, it’s a magnificent venue for youth retreats! We running camps during the school holidays as well as a number of weekend retreats during term time. Our facilities will also be used to support our work with local churches and schools - all with the over-arching aim of introducing those who do not yet know Him to the Lord Jesus, and better equipping those who do in their daily walk with Him.

And, yes - although by God’s grace much has already been achieved, far more still remains to be done. So we’re asking if you would consider becoming a partner with us in order to bring all this about.

You'll find all you need to know on these pages. There are numerous ways in which you can help. We are looking by faith to supporters to help with the daunting project of redeveloping this fabulous site, and occasionally helping to staff our programmes and administration.

Thanks for visiting!