Joel finds his true identity at Camp Coolamatong

Through your support for ministries like SU’s internship program at Camp Coolamatong, you helped Joel experience the transforming love of Jesus, which has changed his story from trauma, to one filled with joy and hope.  

What’s even more exciting is that now he’s passing that same ‘life’ that he’s discovered onto other young people in need of God’s love, hope and good news. 

“I’ve been through some things in my life. I’ve lost mates, and got caught up in the drugs and alcohol scene,” says Joel.

“When I came to Camp Coolamatong, I was quite broken. I’ve seen God work through my life, and it’s starting to come full circle. I’ve had opportunities to talk to young people who resonate with what I’ve been through.”

“My faith was really strong as a kid, but I lost it for a while.”

Joel’s mum was the one who encouraged him to send in an internship application in 2021, after she came across an ad in the Salvation Army’s newsletter. At the time Joel was finishing up a mechanical apprenticeship, and little did he know his life’s direction was about to dramatically change. 

One of the directors at Camp Coolamatong, Amy, remarks that there was a noticeable change in Joel over the course of the internship.

“In the heart of Melbourne, it’s really easy to get caught up in the ‘mechanics culture’ of smoking, drinking and swearing. Since coming to Camp Coolamatong in rural Victoria, Joel has enjoyed finding his place in a community of people who love God,” says Amy.

As another layer of support, each Camp Coolamatong intern is paired up with a local community member who serves as a friend and mentor throughout the program. Joel credits a large portion of his experience as an intern to the trust and support of his local mentor. 

“There’s a lot more to the internship than just running camps or activities. You’re there to serve the kids, and a lot of them are coming from broken homes or places of struggle. In my own life, I’ve had people come alongside me when I needed it, so now I want to do that for others,” says Joel.

“This internship has been life-changing for me; it seriously has.”

Thanks to your support, our next generation of leaders like Joel are finding opportunities to grow in their faith and be a role model for young people who have walked through difficult circumstances. To continue supporting this incredible work, head to su.org.au/give.