THE STORY AND THE PEOPLE…where did we come from and who are we?

Where did we come from?

The vision for CURBS originated in East London in the 1970s...

Running after school and holiday clubs for local children highlighted the need for training and support for leaders, together with the need for relevant resources - resources which started in the child's world and did not assume any biblical background.

The vision finally became a reality in 1996 when the CURBS Project was set up as a three-year pilot venture by the Missions and Media Resources Departments of Scripture Union. During these three years, contacts were established, a resource team gathered, a pilot resource pack produced and evaluated, modules for training and resourcing individuals and churches were drawn together, two further resource kits were produced, and the aims and ethos of the Project were refined.

The need for a Project of this nature, which 'scratches where it itches', was confirmed. As a result, in April 1999 CURBS became a charitable trust in its own right, while maintaining an associate status with Scripture Union.

Who are we?

When CURBS obtained its charitable status in 1999, Kathryn Copsey and Ann Weatherly continued to carry the work forward on a part-time basis, until finally in September 2003 the Trustees took a step of faith and confirmed Kathryn’s role as Project Leader on a full-time basis, and as the only paid member of staff.

However, CURBS’ real strength lies in the fact that over the years a very committed team of volunteers have carried the responsibility for moving the Project forward in countless ways: advising, training, preparing resources, inspiring, giving, praying, and on and on! CURBS simply would not survive without the creative input of these people.

Our Resource Team – a small group of practitioners with hand-on experience of working with children - creates, develops ideas and writes our resource material. All our material is tried and tested with children before it goes into a CURBStone Kit. 'Zoe and Zak and the CURBStone Kids' are the inspired creation of Neil and Lesley Pinchbeck - and Neil does most of our artwork for us!

Our Training Team also work with children on a regular basis and have travelled from the south of England up to Aberdeen, and from Hull to Belfast – quite an undertaking for a group of volunteers!

CURBS is managed by a Steering Group and guided by an Advisory Group with Trustees overseeing the Project as a whole.