God’s goodness shines bright in Goondiwindi
Your help makes rural ministry possible
“God doesn’t look at the outside, he looks at our hearts.” This was just one amazing reflection children took away with them from the recent SHACK Goondiwindi camp.
Drawing together 55 young people from Goondiwindi and Boggabilla — many of whom are in care or from low socio-economic backgrounds — the camp offered three days of nonstop fun, as well as the opportunity to be deeply immersed in the love of God through Bible stories and worship.
Tie-dying, nerf wars, an amazing scavenger hunt, science activities, outdoor games, and the list goes on … this was more than a day camp, it was an adventure. And this adventurous spirit extended beyond the big ticket activities.
“So much of what we did was new to the kids, and it was also a highlight to give them new and unique experiences —some even had watermelon for the first time!” reflects SHACK Team Leader Rebecca.
In rural towns like Goondiwindi, the challenge is to find enough volunteers and leaders to run camps of this type. A team including co-leader, Bee Cocksedge, travelled from North Brisbane to run the camp.
“Being able to take a team out to a town like Goondiwindi is important because it provides something that couldn’t happen otherwise,” says Rebecca.
“As a team we link with the local chaplain and this means we can connect kids to local opportunities after camp, as well as providing a connection with the chaplain [during camp].”
“There is also an opportunity for the Church to be able to support and be able to connect with the families.”
Even though they had an amazing, colourful program, the team’s focus throughout was steadfastly on the bigger purpose over the program.
“We wanted to plant seeds of hope and love, courage and purpose, through the stories of Ruth, David and Jesus,” shares Rebecca.
To continue to run camps like SHACK camp in rural communities like Goondiwindi, your support is indispensable. To give to the work of SU Australia’s camping ministry visit su.org.au/donate