I’m sure many of you are descending into the thriving seaside metropolis of Eastbourne this coming weekend for Youthwork The Conference. Hopefully I’ll see you there at some point.

As usual, it promises to be an interesting weekend with a wide variety of speakers and sessions aimed at volunteer and salaried Christian youth workers. I’m currently at the early retreat day where we’ve been exploring the idea of regular retreat, reflection, prayer and contemplation. This was likened to being in a cave, and we’ve been challenged about finding our own ‘cave’ to retreat to. The last hour was spent off on our own practising being alone with God, and it seems people had some great experiences from doing this.

Also, here’s another shameless plug for the after hours session Ali Campbell and I are hosting later tonight in the Gold Room. It’s on “Perspectives on Youthwork: The Triangle of expectation” and we’ll be having a discussion around our role as workers and the wider influences on young people. Pop in and say “Hi”!

If you can’t make it to the conference, then follow along on twitter with the hashtag #ywc2011 and join the conversation.