Why I was wrong about Family Camp

As I ran from shop to shop gathering last-minute supplies and packing the car for another SU Family Camp at Dodges Ferry, Tasmania (on the first day of the winter school holidays, instead of summer when we would normally run Camp) I recall thinking, ‘this is my final year!’. How wrong I was to think those thoughts…

As a ministry leader, I was supposed to be the one to bless others through my work in the kitchen and the Bible teaching program. But it was me who was blown away as I saw firsthand God working in and through those present.

Yes, there were the usual family camp trappings from fun games and activities, time spent engaging with the bible, and our banquet night (which was fabulous by the way), but it’s those moments that God fills in between the lines of the schedules we plan that leaves a lasting impression.

 Our kitchen team was amazing, and our first time leaders had the perfect skill set for what was needed. They got in and helped with so much enthusiasm and joy. God knew precisely what was needed, and he provided!

I was particularly moved by the change I saw in one young man, who went from being the reluctant camper, ‘forced’ to accompany his siblings to being one of the most fully engaged young people on camp. He even helped with the main teaching time. 

His final words before the end of camp were, “I can’t wait until next year”. 

This change is only possible when God fills in the gaps we leave in our schedules. It’s why I’ll be back next year, excited for what God will do through camp. 

By Christine Woolley
(Family Winter Gathering Ministry Leader)