Vulnerable children experience God’s love at ‘connect’ camps
BY ANNITA ALLMAN
Children’s camps planted seeds of hope into the lives of nearly 90 young people from around Australia at events during the April school holidays.
Camps run by the National Children’s Team of the Mission Support Department provided unique experiences for vulnerable children and much-needed respite for carers and families who have been struggling.
Partnerships with local corps and Doorways made it possible for children to attend, with some experiencing a camp for the first time.
In South Australia, 30 children spent four days at Adventure Camp building relationships and enjoying new experiences.
“It was fantastic to witness their resilience and determination when the children tried new things, including activities like a giant swing and rock climbing,” said Sarah Green, one of the 17 leaders.
“Teamwork and problem-solving games provided opportunities for children to practise social skills while learning about God’s love for them.”
In Victoria, kayaking and bodyboarding were highlights for the 38 children attending Connect Camp.
Other activities developed different skills, with Children’s Secretary Naty Keung saying that “dance, drama and art therapy helped the children explore their identity and ways they can connect with God”.
A high ratio of adult leaders at camp also allowed nine junior leaders in Victoria to serve in children’s ministry and develop their leadership skills.
In Queensland, 20 campers at Connect Camp experienced an excursion to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and engaged in activities such as learning archery and completing a survivor challenge.
“Over the course of four days, we presented God’s Big Story and invited the children to be part of it,” said Children’s Secretary Maree Southall.
This theme was shared across all camps, with Sarah adding that “by the end of camp, the campers had formed great new friendships and created lifelong memories together”.
God’s grace on display
Many campers had additional needs or came from challenging backgrounds, so it was important to create spaces where they could feel safe and protected.
“The circumstances and trauma seen by many of these children is heartbreaking,” Maree said. “This year’s stories included homelessness, family violence, foster care and death of a parent.”
The experiences at each camp were similar, and the resulting behaviour from some children can be challenging. However, Maree shared that “love and patience from the leaders enabled the grace of God to be shown” to these vulnerable children.
Sarah said a newly written camp curriculum provided “a broad gospel overview within God’s Big Story, as well as opportunities for children to experience more about finding their identity in Christ”.
Children at each camp wanted to know more about Jesus or chose to give their hearts to him. Maree explained that “each camper was given the opportunity to explore the next step on their faith journey” and Sarah shared that some children spent “their final moments of camp reading their new Bibles or devotional books at the dining table.”
Leaders came away from camp excited about what God was doing in the lives of these children.
Maree’s prayer is that “each child will continue to be supported by a local corps, and the seeds planted at camp will continue to grow in their lives and into their families”.
*Captain Annita Allman is the Children’s Leadership Development Specialist for the National Children’s Team
*All photos approved by the National Children’s Team.
