Every Thursday, The Crypt beneath St Mary’s comes alive with young people. The Crypt Youth is our youth club for children and teenagers aged 7 to 16: a safe, welcoming place to have fun, make friends, try new things and explore the big questions of life and faith, at their own pace.
It isn’t only about what happens indoors. When the weather is good, especially through the summer months, we head outside to make the most of it, with outdoor games, activities and time together in the fresh air.
When and where
| Day | Thursdays |
|---|---|
| Ages 7 to 11 | 4.30pm to 5.30pm |
| Ages 11 to 16 | 5.30pm to 7.30pm |
| Where | The Crypt, St Mary’s Church, Church Walk, Bideford EX39 2BP. Please use the side entrance. |
| Cost | £2 a week, or pay what you can |
Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend if you like. Your first session is a simple taster, so you can see what it’s like.
Meet Emily
Children and Youth Leader
The Crypt Youth is led by Emily Scibilia, our Children and Youth Leader, supported by a team of trusted, DBS-checked volunteers. Emily is the person to speak to about anything to do with The Crypt Youth, from joining for the first time to any questions or worries you may have.
To get in touch with Emily, please contact the Parish Office on 01237 472551 or email admin@stmaryschurchbideford.org, and your message will be passed on.
What we get up to
- Games and team challenges, indoors in The Crypt and outdoors when the weather allows
- Time outside, especially in the summer, enjoying activities in the fresh air
- Occasional trips out together
- Snacks, including toast and hot chocolate
- Space to chat with friends and with trusted leaders
- Short faith thoughts and prayer, which young people are free to join in with or not
For parents and carers
Before your young person joins, we ask parents and carers to complete a consent form, so we have the right details to keep everyone safe and to contact you if we need to. Please ask Emily or the Parish Office for a form. We keep all information safely in line with data protection law.
Additional needs? Please tell us anything that will help your young person feel at home, and we will do our best to support them.
Safe and cared for
- All our leaders are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding.
- We follow our Parish Safeguarding Policy and national Church of England guidance.
- We have simple behaviour and phone-use guidelines so everyone feels safe and included.
- We never post identifiable photos of young people online without parental consent.
Stay connected
We keep parents up to date by email, with an optional WhatsApp broadcast for last-minute notices. For photos, news and reminders, follow The Crypt Youth on Facebook.
Support The Crypt Youth
- Volunteer as a games helper or small-group leader. Training is provided.
- Give towards snacks, activities or trips. See ways to give (please use the reference Crypt Youth).
- Tell a friend and invite someone who would love it.
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Crypt Youth!
