Meet Charlie

Attending a SU Family Camp as a child set Charlie on a lifelong course of loving and serving others. From Tasmania to the Northern Territory, your support really does change lives. 

My first experience of SU ministries was when – as a six-year-old – I was taken to Family Camp South. As family life was challenging, Mum had been encouraged by a SU volunteer to join this camp, as surely it would provide some desperately needed respite.

As a young girl, I enjoyed and was attracted to the fun games, the laughter, crafts, and sports that always made up large components of the programs.

Later, I enjoyed bringing that joy to others as a leader, seeing them grow in perseverance, resilience, courage, hope, and ultimately faith. I was inspired, seeing children who would barely speak or look someone in the eye, grow to kick the winning soccer goal, or encourage a mate. Many of these campers have now grown into mature, compassionate, and aspirational young people.

Over the years, I have had role models who demonstrated good leadership, unwavering compassion, and faithfulness. I try my best to apply these lessons and practices daily in my journey of learning, growing, and living in God’s plan for my life.

Although I am no longer a young camper, these experiences accompany me through my life, work, and faith. I have since moved away from Tasmania and now work as a paramedic in Darwin, where I’m privileged to love others through the medium of physical care. 

Though kicking the winning soccer goal may prove difficult in an ambulance, the ability to support and advocate for another person and learn their perspectives and needs still instils hope and faith. 

I believe that my foundation of faith and love, built over many years of supporting others at SU camps, has enabled me to live out my faith in the emergency service of others.

Your support enables SU Australia to come alongside young people like Charlie when they need it most. To continue empowering young people to develop leadership skills and live out their faith wherever life takes them, head to su.org.au/donate