Out of the comfort zone into God’s calling

Seven Coolamatong interns and three staff made the annual trip from Victoria to the NT in July to share God’s love with children and young people in remote communities through Yangbala Kemp and Katherine Kids Games. 

But it wasn’t just the local children that came away impacted, says Camp Coolamatong Assistant Director, Amy. 

“It challenged the team emotionally and personally. But they could see why we do it, and the richness that comes from getting out of your comfort zone and having to trust that God will sustain you,” she says. 

In preparation for the trip, the team fundraised and learned about Indigenous culture in their own backyard by spending time at a local Indigenous cultural centre. 

“There’s quite a bit of history in our area, so for the past couple years we’ve visited the cultural centre before heading up to the NT. We want our team to know it’s not just about going to the NT and learning about Indigenous culture there – it’s important to know the history of the country Coolamatong is on as well,” says Amy.  

This year’s trip gave the team opportunities to grow in their skills, faith, and sense of team. 

While involvement with Yangbala Kemp was focussed on assisting local Christian leaders, the team also ran the Kids Games program in Katherine, due to a shortage of available local team members. 

With a heart to serve and engage in culturally relevant ways, the team adapted the Kids Games program to better connect with the local children. 

“The Kids Games program is great, but it’s an overseas curriculum that needs to be made culturally relevant,” says Amy.

“There were sports and games and role play in the Bible engagement content. We worked closely with [SU Remote Worker] Rachel to include language in the role play that the kids would understand, particularly for those more familiar with Kriol.” 

This heart to serve and engage even led to a special opportunity to assist local Indigenous elders. 

“One of the Yangbala campers told the interns about how their 4-wheel drive had been bogged and they couldn’t get it out. One of our guys said, ‘let’s see if we can help’. We didn’t realise it was the Traditional Custodian’s 4-wheel drive. So it meant they were able to travel back into town again. 

“It was yet another one of those beautiful, unexpected moments,” says Amy. 

A special thanks goes to the local Christian leaders, SU Australia Remote Worker Rachel, as well as Andrew McAllan from Heritage Church, who went over and above to make the team feel welcomed. 

For Coolamatong intern, Anthony, the trip was unforgettable. 

“The biggest learning point was seeing how little we had, but being able to have a big impact on the kids. If you’re willing to be God’s hands and feet, it doesn’t matter what you have. He will make all things possible,” he says. 

For anyone thinking about doing an internship with SU, Anthony says go for it. 

“SU provides a community like no other. Having people come together from all over to do life together is a one-of-a-kind experience,” he says. 

Fellow intern Grace agrees. 

“The investment of time is far exceeded by what you’ll learn from the internship. It’s challenging but the leaders are so good about pushing you out of your comfort zone to learn while equipping you with the skills you need.” 

She’s also grateful to everyone who helps make internships like this possible. 

“It’s encouraging to know you have a whole team behind you, and that you are part of something bigger than yourself,” she says. 

To learn more about doing an internship with SU Australia through Camp Coolamatong or in Western Australia, click here.