Ready, Set, Go! Jumping into Easter Camp

The week after Easter is often a quiet one on the Church calendar. But not in the Northern Territory! This year 56 campers aged between 13 and 17 travelled to the Riyla campsite in Darwin for a time of fun, faith-building and friendship!

With the theme of Ready, Set, Go! focusing on the period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, campers were encouraged to consider what happens next in their own lives.

Your belief in the value of SU Australia’s ministries like camping is helping young people discover God’s love and strengthen their faith, allowing them to walk back into their daily lives fortified for the journey.

Like the early disciples, the campers were a mixed bunch, including young people from many different church communities, as well as some with no church background at all.

“I found this camp was really powerful in its multi-denominational makeup, “says Camp Director Matt Garrett.

“Kids get a broader [view of] all of the denominations and get to understand that they are not in this thing called Christianity by themselves.

Through that they can deepen their faith and broaden how their faith is expressed, ” reflects Matt.

While multi-denominational unity is a wonderful thing, it does make for a bit of fun when it comes to choosing music, “but this is also an advantage…learning new stuff and working together to support each other,” says Matt.

From 5pm Friday to 12pm Monday, the time was jam-packed with fun activities, but there was also time for solid reflection.

“They also have some great questions, so being flexible in our small group time was important, following the various rabbit holes that those questions open up,” says Matt.

The weather was perfect, with swimming holes that were closed reopened for Sunday swimming. With a bit of local knowledge, they were even able to find a great spot for over 50 people to swim.

Swimming in a national park, it doesn’t come much more pristine than that.

But the highlight: “kids coming to new faith and the opportunity to expand their thinking”

“That’s why we do it,” reflects Matt.

Your support and involvement in SU’s camping ministry is integral to developing young peoples’ faith. To continue to support this amazing work, please head to su.org.au/donate