Are you ready for an adventure? Catholic Gap Year Opportunities from CYMFed on Vimeo.

Are you ready foran adventure?

Check out this video to see what catholic gap years are like by hearing from the young adults who have been involved in youth ministry across the UK.

If you're interested in working with Kenelm at one of our retreat centres, scroll down to find out more.

What is a year with Kenelm like?  

​A year with the Kenelm youth ministry team provides an opportunity for those aged 18-25 to minister to young people whilst living and working with other young Catholics. Our Mission Volunteers work at our retreat centres (Alton Castle and Soli), providing retreat experiences for young people and young adults (ages 9 and up).

During their volunteer year, our volunteers have opportunities to develop skills, to become leaders in outdoor education pursuits (obtaining nationally recognised qualifications), to network with others in youth ministry, and to volunteer abroad, travelling with Kenelm to Lourdes for pilgrimage. (Our volunteers also have the opportunity to work in one or both of our retreat centres. Scroll down to see more information on what each of our centres are like to work in.)

Many of our volunteers stay for second years, or return to help out whenever they can. Once you've been a volunteer for Kenelm, you'll always be part of the Kenelm family.

Download our Gap Years Brochure

What are we looking for in a volunteer?

We are looking for young adults aged 18-25 who are down-to-earth, committed to their faith, and who want to work with young people. Our volunteers need to be enthusiastic about work with young people, leading them in times of prayer and reflection as well as in outdoor educational activities. A gap year with Kenelm comes with accommodation in Alton, where our volunteers live in a community of other young Catholics, so we are seeking out volunteers who work well in a team. Sound like it could be you? Find the link to our applications below...

Come and see what gap years are like

Want to see what life as a Mission Volunteer is like? If you're in Year 12 or Year 13, sign up and join us for our 'Come and See' open retreat. It's a free retreat, so what are you waiting for? 

See what past team have to say...

So what's the difference between Alton Castle and Soli?

Apply now!

Think you've got what it takes to be a Mission Team Volunteer? Then apply now!
You can apply for a full gap year, or apply for a January - July placement for 2024.
Click the links below to download a copy of the application form. Once completed, return the email to debbie.woodward@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk

If your application is successful, we will invite you to come and visit us for a taster retreat and interview. On your taster retreat you will get the opportunity to shadow our current mission team who will show you what it's like to lead activities for young people. We can't wait to meet you!
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A different experience

If you're looking for something a little different to our Mission Team experience, then look no further! We've partnered up with CAFOD as part of the Step into the Gap experiences to provide an opportunity to develop not only your skills and faith, but also our organisational response to climate change and how we share that with young people.
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Not only will you experience a full year of ministry at our centres, but you'll also have the opportunity to attend a learning networking visits.

We're looking for a young adult with knowledge of climate change and the issues surrounding it, as well as a passion for it! If you're interested then follow the link below to find out more and fill out an application form!

STEP INTO THE GAP

Download an application form (PDF.)

Download an application form (word doc.)

STEP INTO THE GAP APP FORM (WORD)

Step into the gap App Form (pdf)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW STEP INTO THE GAP OPTION - IN COLLABORATION WITH CAFOD - 
HEAD TO THEIR WEBSITE:
www. cafod.org.uk/Education/For-young-people/CAFOD-Gap-year
And then apply here!