Inspired to Thrive

At Inspire Art Camp, campers are encouraged to see their passions as gifts to use for the glory of God

A gypsy caravan for accommodation? Or would you prefer to sleep in the teepee tents? These are just a couple of the colourful choices on offer at NSW’s Inspire Art Camp, now painting the canvas of its third incredible year.

“Inspire Art Camp is really a beautiful opportunity for young people to be in this incredible setting on the banks of the Hawkesbury River,” explains Senior Ministry Coordinator Glenn Coombs.

While the location is usually used as a wedding venue, the Christian couple who own it generously open it up to the campers for the duration of their stay, and the floor to ceiling glass windows with an abundance of natural light are an artwork in themselves.

But it is in the interaction of art and belief, mark-making and reflection on the ultimate Creator, that the magic really happens.

“I invite four artists … who are quite different, who love Jesus, who love art, who love young people, and I ask them to lead a 3-hour workshop on their speciality in order to be able to give the young people an opportunity to learn some new skills and to try a few different things, ” says Glenn.

“And at the same time, I ask each one of the artists to lead one of the Bible reflections… the beautiful thing about that is that the young people not only get to learn about a particular artist and be inspired in that way, but they also get to hear from the artists about their love for Jesus and the way their love for God is expressed in their particular artform, as we sit around and open up the Word together.”

To Glenn, this intersection of Word and art is a wonderful and necessary one. The camp draws in young people who might not naturally be the outdoor adventurers, or the extroverts.

Through supporting specialised camps like this you are helping all types of young people be a part of God’s big story, and to find ways to serve God out of their God-given particularity.

“Over the years the protestant church hasn’t known what to do with its artists,” reflects Glenn. “Art camp is built around providing them opportunity and scope.”

The Scriptural focus for the camp was the construction of the temple in Exodus.

When the temple was created, artisan’s were essential. “The artists were front and centre in God’s plan,” reflects Glenn.

But it wasn’t all hard work and quiet reflection at camp, fun was had too.

“One of the artists exposed the kids to augmented reality,” explains Glenn. They made masks, and there was a dance party, which “added this sense of celebration at the end,”

Indeed campers, leaders, and artists all had much reason to celebrate.

“When parents come to pick their kids up on the last day they are amazed at the work that they have produced,” says Glenn.

Who knows what paths these young artists will take in the future, but through your support, they are on their way to make a difference with their God-given gifts.