A place to belong

Imagine seeing the ocean for the first time. Setting sail, paddling a canoe, and exploring the bush, full of wonder, excitement, and discovery. Now imagine doing all that while carrying the weight of a home life marked by distress, uncertainty, and the absence of a family member in prison.

For the 23 children who came to Breakaway Camp at Coolamatong in January—children aged 10 to 14 with an incarcerated family member—this camp offered something far more powerful than just fun activities. In partnership with Prison Fellowship, we welcomed these young campers into a safe and caring community. A place where they were not only well-fed and looked after, but also accepted, loved, and surrounded by other children who understood their world.

In that environment, emotions like peace, rest, and assurance began to replace fear, confusion, and loneliness.

For some of our camp leaders, the experience was deeply moving. They had never encountered the level of hardship these children live with daily. Many campers had never heard of Jesus apart from being a swear word. Yet throughout the week, they were creatively introduced to the story of the gospel through heroes and villains, through acts of kindness, through moments of laughter and stillness.

They heard that Jesus sees and loves the outcast. That His grace reaches even those who have done wrong. They saw that love in action through the leaders and the whole camp community.

We hope to offer more of these transformative camps, particularly for older teens who are at such a critical stage in shaping their identity and worldview. For some, we may be the only loving Christians they ever meet—and that encounter could change everything.

To continue sharing God’s love to more children, young people and families through ministries like Breakaway Camp, please visit su.org.au/donate