Communicator Issue 39 Autumn 2015

experience the spirit of sharing

Issue 39 - Autumn 2015

Feature -

Luther Heights Youth Camp

In God's Hands

The Importance of Upcoming CVA Regional Committee Elections - Pg 5 The Intern Program @ Camp Coolamatong – Pg 12 The Next Leg at Kerem Adventure Camp – Pg 14 Year13 Program at AY – Pg 16 National Scene – Pg 18

It’s the start of a new year and I am sure an extremely busy time for many. As busy as you may be, it’s important to stop and reflect on where you’ve been over the past 12 months and where you’re heading in the coming years. It’s important to ensure you’ve been following God’s lead in your ministries but even more important to read the wind, trim the sails and turn the rudder to ensure you are heading where God’s leading into the future.

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At Camp Clayton, we did this in a very strategic way two years ago and because of this, we are now seeing a growth in our ministries which have become much more effective.

For example, we’ve heard that on the second last day of one of our holiday camps, seven young people made decisions to follow Jesus. We’ve started an intern program and have had four fantastic young interns start working with us. We do some work with people of Community Service Orders and one has recently returned as a volunteer and has also started to attend church. We’ve started working with people with disabilities and are hearing wonderful stories of the impact this program is having in their lives. All because we took the time to ask God where He wanted to lead us and by taking bold, courageous steps to follow His lead in faith - all the glory to God!

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But it would have been so much harder and maybe not even possible, without Christian Venues Association (CVA) and without the support and sharing of ideas with other campsites around the country. And that’s why CVA exists!

Have you read CVA’s Strategic Intents recently? They are definitely worth visiting: • To promote a culture at every level that ensures the development of courageous Transformational Leaders.

• To lead and manage the Association’s ministries and activities so they strategically resource members.

• To identify key attributes that are found specifically within the Christian camping environment and foster a culture that values and promotes them.

• To identify fresh and innovative ways to tell the stories of transformation that result from the unique mission of Christian venues.

• To further develop the extraordinary culture of mentoring and sharing across the Association.

• To align our values, structures and partnerships to maximise our mission.

If you don’t know about this document, then the National Office can provide you with a copy - it contains a lot more information than just the intent headings above.

So can I challenge you? Engage with CVA, request information and help, ask for the names of sites that are already doing things similar to what God’s asking you to do. God has made each of our sites unique in it’s setting, beauty, staffing and ministry - CVA exists to assist you in fulfilling that unique ministry. Please engage!

Dwayne Wescombe National Board Member & Executive Officer of Camp Clayton, Ulverstone, TAS. Christian Venues Association

EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF SHARING Christian Camping International Australia trading as Christian Venues Association ABN 74 050 611 295 PO Box 5552, South Windsor NSW 2756 Ph: 1800 009 890 or (02) 4587 7155 Fax: (02) 4587 7933 Email: info@christianvenues.org.au Web: www.christianvenues.org.au Please note: The views and opinions expressed by the authors of the articles contained in this publication belong to those authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Christian Venues Association

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www.cv.asn.au/forum15

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Dianne Abbott SU – WA

Every two years Christian Venues Association's (CVA) membership elects Regional Committees to help organise activities in each of the States. Australia is too big and your opinions too important to have everything run out of an office up to 4000 km away!

These committees are formed because YOU are immersed in Christian venues, activity and camping ministry. The responsibility to see that CVA retains its relevance therefore rests with you. Regional Committees make decisions regarding Member Development Days, Regional and Training Events.

They provide guidance (not do all the work) so that the National Office can provide the required administrative support to ensure Regional Events run well.

Committees will meet a few times a year (as set by the Committee) and can be facilitated electronically.

Regional Committees also provide a direct link to the Board of CVA, as the Committee Chair (or in some circumstances another committee member) becomes a member of the CVA Board - a Director of the Association.

Why serve on a Regional Committee? Why put time and effort into this role? Who should be involved?

Every association is as good as the efforts of its members. When an association has an active and committed group taking part and running it, it grows.

But there is so much more… There is only so much that you glean by reading. Participating in CVA events allows for valuable sharing that benefits you and your ministry.

Kristy Kinene of Crusaders has been on the NSW Regional Committee for the past two years. I asked her supervisor Nathan McElveney about her involvement and benefits from his perspective.

Nathan McElveney

Kristy Kinene • What is Kristy’s role at Crusaders, how long has she been with you, and how did she react when approached to go onto the NSW Committee?

Kristy’s been with us since 2008, and is currently one of our ‘Outdoor Ministers’. At first she was a little bit overwhelmed. When I told her that we’d find ways to release her from her role here and provide the support she needed, she was excited (though still a little nervous) about getting involved.

• How did you, as her boss, feel that serving on a Regional Committee of CVA would be beneficial to Kristy in her development as an employee of Crusaders?

We thought it would be really good for her, in terms of her confidence, her relational networks within Christian Camping and her knowledge of this industry.

• Do you consider that those expectations have been evident?

Absolutely! If anything, what she’s gained from her involvement has exceeded my expectations. I knew that she’d have a lot to contribute and that she’d grow from the experience. But I probably underestimated just how much she’d grow from it.

I know that CVA has found Kristy’s contribution really valuable; but I’m sure that she’s gotten even more from her involvement than what she’s put in.

We’ve put Kristy through various forms of training over the years, but this has been the best staff development that she’s received in her time with us.

• Do Crusaders consider supporting Kristy in her involvement is beneficial to Crusaders, as opposed to Kristy personally?

Yes. Crusaders has had a good connection with CVA for a long time. But having Kristy involved has made us more aware of what CVA is doing and has strengthened our relationship – and this has been a good thing.

• Would you recommend that management of CVA member organisations consider whom of their younger staff could be considered for this form of service to the Association and approve their time commitments to that role?

Definitely! All Christian organisations are stretched for resources, and so it’s easy to develop a scarcity mindset. However, I believe we need to guard against this and have a wider perspective on the Kingdom than just what’s happening within our walls (or fences!). One of the paradoxes of the Kingdom of God is that in giving you gain. And so even though it’s cost us a little for Kristy to be involved, we’ve received back so much more in other ways.

Kerry and I also experienced this - we were at a small venue, yet there were only three NSW events in 22 years that someone from our site did not attend (ie only 3 of about 80). We always concluded that the net value far outweighed any costs involved in attending. In reviewing this today, I could fill pages on how that happened.

So, as the election for Regional Committees is underway this year, I ask you to consider your options.

We are grateful for those who are serving and continue to serve but most of our committees currently have vacancies. I encourage you all to prayerfully think of people in your organisation who would benefit from serving, as they in turn help govern and manage CVA. Regional Committee nomination papers are about to be sent to all CVA Members. If you are interested, I challenge you to put your hand up. Take this article to your supervisor if need be, or call the National Office and seek answers to your questions, but don't let this opportunity slip by.

Ken Pullen - CEO

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Regional Committees are SOOOOO Important!

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Luth Yout

In

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We can only credit God, our Creator and Redeemer - there is no other way to describe the story of Luther Heights Youth Camp. The stories in our history are too outrageous to be made up, often surprising and always humbling & inspiring.

The Luther Heights story is not short of hard work, of human sacrifice or toil and yet it is not these things that are most notable; rather it is God’s hand that has been ever present that delivers the gold! So along with the history of Luther Heights Youth Camp, we thank and praise God for his continued favour, his protection and for calling and allowing us to be part of this amazing place and the life changing things that happen here.

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Our History “Find a Block … “ This is a special story in the history of Luther Heights. Even as I researched the story and wrote it for you, I was astounded at how God delivered the site we now have.

The Lutheran Youth of Queensland were in the market for a suitable block of land for a campsite, and so they put the call out to the congregations of the state. Through some connections with a real estate agent, members from Nambour Lutheran Church suggested what they thought might be a suitable site. It was more easily accessed by

Luther Heights circa 1966

boat across the Maaroochy river than it was by car and even though it was inspected three or four times, no one was sure of just where the boundaries were until 6 months after the deposit was paid! As it turned out the Nambour team had secured 38 acres of hill top land, overlooking the ocean at Coolum Beach. No one could believe the price – even in 1958!

“You can’t buy land in this area for that amount of money” – was the advice of the day. £485 pounds was the amount the Nambour Council was looking to recover in unpaid rates - £485 pounds was the EXACT amount the Lutheran Youth of Queensland had to spend on buying a campsite.

The real estate agent questioned whether the decimal point was in

the correct spot! It was only available because everyone assumed it must be a swamp for the low asking price.

God was obviously guiding the whole process. A suitable block found, at 1/10 the going rate AND a price that matched EXACTLY the funds available - Hallelujah.

The Original Assembly Hall

er Heights h Camp...

Our First Chapel

trenches needed for plumbing and power – how humbling is that! And the original bunks where welded together over several weeks in a Building the Girl’s Dorm workshop only available at night and located in Dalby - 330 km away!

The first camp ever held at Luther which had already travelled 250 km “Next came the dorms …”

Heights was during the January to the pick up point.

A determined and tenacious group long weekend 1958, with the girls The dorms where then rebuilt with of servants found some ex army sleeping in their new dorm and volunteer labour. Some volunteers huts that would soon become the boys under a tarp on a pile of barley lived in tents on site with no first dorms at Luther Heights (they straw. It must have been an exiting running water or toilet facilities for are still in use today, so they have time for all involved. months on end during the now been at Luther Heights for The volunteer’s stories that have construction process. These over 60 years and they were emerged over the 57 years that dedicated volunteers dug (by hand) bought second hand!!). The first Luther Heights Youth Camp has all the footings, the septic tanks and four buildings included a been running are all girl’s dorm, boy’s remarkable, humbling dorm, dining hall and a great testament to The Original Girl’s Dorm circa 1961 and assembly hall. the Holy Spirit moving They were all people into action. Over already in use and the last six decades, our needed to be volunteers have paved dismantled from the way for connections their location in with over 500,000 souls.

Brisbane and This vibrant ministry, with shipped 150 km on everlasting impact, has the back of wheat always been in God’s trucks – some of hands.

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God’s Hands

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Luther Heights Yout Jenna & Dallin - part of the team

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Dave & Neil - also part of our team

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The Present “We are a Youth Camp …”

In mid-2010, Luther Heights Youth Camp reviewed its operations and strategic direction. The review involved much prayer and evaluation of who we are, where we’d come from and where we are going. The more time we spent walking our site, reviewing our facilities and evaluating our Godgiven strengths, the clearer it became that Luther Heights must stay and become more of a YOUTH CAMP. The Luther Heights dorms, are dorms, with bunk beds and shower blocks – no ensuites here.

The Luther Heights assembly halls, are halls, not conference halls.

The Luther Heights dining hall serves cordial from large drink stations in plastic cups.

Luther Heights is owned and operated by Lutheran Youth of Queensland – The YOUTH department of the Lutheran Church.

This decision has helped galvanise our team and provided focused and clear direction when hiring team members, building activities and planning the future.

Our catch cry is – “We are for kids”.

The three key qualities we look for when we are recruiting, are that our team: • Love Jesus.

• Love Kids.

• Love Serving.

This simple and yet effective model has helped Luther Heights attract some outstandingly gifted and talented team members.

As our ministry has developed, we’ve learnt to measure success by the relationships we form. During our team meetings, we ask our team to relive the relationships they’ve built over the course of the week. These relationships are with stakeholders of every kind; suppliers, school students, teachers, colleagues and other camp visitors.

Relationships are important because we know that they’re the best way to share our faith.

Our Ministry Model Since its inception, Luther Heights Youth Camp has always accepted bookings from all groups, regardless of faith stances or sexual orientation. We’ve always wanted to follow Jesus’ example of mixing with everyone; even those in our community who are outcasts, marginalised and considered sinners. What better way to share the love of Jesus than by hosting a camp and ensuring that we make it the best camp that it can be?

Our ministry model is focused on being Jesus. The vast majority of our groups stay for 2 nights and 3 days, making it extremely difficult for our team to build deep relationships and connections with

those on camp. Our ministry is “mile wide and inch deep” (ie we get to know a lot of people but not very well). With this in mind, we choose not to preach Jesus, but rather to be Jesus. Our team focus on ‘lifting up’ all who visit by being a listening ear, using caring and encouraging language, acting out of love, joy, patience and humility (just to list a few).

We think that our guests will be more receptive to knowing Jesus once they’ve experienced His love and forgiveness through our team.

Those who visit Luther Heights should experience Jesus in all our team and we pray that it feels different enough from the world that campers are compelled to ask, “Where does your joy come from?” or “Why are all you guys so happy?” or “There is something different about Luther Heights… What is it?”

Our ministry model focuses on prayer and building a team of people who are all being Jesus.

Given that we only get to connect with campers over three days and only a few hours over those three days, it is important that our actions, our language and our joy is what speaks loudest. We often speak about not knowing the journey our campers are on and not knowing the impact that we may have; we trust and pray that the Holy Spirit has this under control.

A Christian Life Week Group Trusting the Holy Spirit in these encounters reminds us to stop striving for better ministry or for more conversions. We are being Jesus to all we come in contact with and if we can stay true to God’s calling in this, then we can trust that he will work through us for his Glory!

Our Holiday Camps In addition to our ministry to guests during term time, we’ve also been thrilled to run an annual holiday camp called “Christian Life Week” (CLW) that has been held at Luther Heights for as long as anyone can remember.

CLW is a five-day discipleship camp for high-school aged students that is centred on an unforgettable experience of faith, friendship and fun. It’s a great program that has helped to develop strong connected Christians that have grown into the leaders of our congregations, youth groups and the wider community.

It’s easy to see God’s hand at work

God’ s Hands

as He guides and builds those that attend CLW every year: “CLW has brought me closer to God and helped me to not be afraid to share my faith at school with people who are not Christian.”

“CLW really helped me to reconnect myself with God, and expanded my understanding of the Holy Spirit.”

“CLW has made me think more deeply about what Jesus has done for me.”

“CLW has helped to strengthen my faith and has renewed my passion for praising God. It was amazing to share this experience with others of similar age. Thank you for an amazing week!”

We love the way that our CLW camps enable us to disciple them in faith. We love it so much that we launched a new series of summer camps in 2012. These camps are still in their infancy but it’s clear that God is already blessing them with servant leaders and a strong movement of the Holy Spirit. It was great to hear that even the parents of our campers are seeing the impact this year: “He is so calm and happy; he can't stop talking about all the people and activities; he loved it all and he loves the bible Megan gave him (which is great); it's wonderful” “Callum enjoyed camp so much. I thank you for providing such caring young individuals to be leaders as they have been such a good influence on Callum. My son has returned from camp with God’s love in his heart in such a wonderful

Fun is Important

way.”

As we reflect on God’s ministry at Luther Heights over the last 57 years, it’s clear that He has been involved at every step – shaping our decisions and flaming our passion for youth ministry. Even today He continues to inspire us and reminds us daily to keep trusting Him while working hard to deliver a camp that is FOR KIDS. Please pray for us • That we can put our trust in our sovereign God in all that we do.

• That we can stay faithful to his calling for our camp, each and everyday.

• That God continues to protect and keep safe all those visiting Luther Heights Youth Camp.

• That the Holy Spirit can flow through our team so that they can “Be Jesus” to all who visit.

Peter Schilling Operations Manager Luther Heights & Koojarewon Youth Camps

A bit of Rough & Tumble

The Bible is key to CLW Camps

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h Camp...In

Fun on the Sand 9

Reflections on the Connect14 Pre

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CONNECT 14 Celebrating 40 years.

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Last July, in the week leading up to the Connect14 National Conference, I was privileged to be involved in the preconference tour of NSW campsites.

The tour ran for 8 days, with seventeen people from Australia, NZ, Philippines, India, Kenya and the USA. We travelled from Sydney to near the ACT border and then back to the Sydney northern beaches area.

We visited twelve campsites, experienced fantastic Christian hospitality (including some pretty amazing meals) and enjoyed some great fellowship together.

We visited campsites from small to very large, from very basic facilities to extremely comfortable - from sites that provide accommodation only to convention venues, to sites with an incredible range of programs and activities.

All the sites were in incredible locations, whether they were on the coast or in the mountains, on a hilltop, in native bushland or alongside rivers or lakes. They were all in places where you just wanted to sit back and soak in the view and marvel at God’s amazing creation.

As we visited camps, what really impressed me was the love and passion that those who ran them had for their sites and the ministries they were involved in. The managers were proud of their venues and the programs that they ran. They were happy to show us around and share what they did and to answer any questions we had. The love for their sites and their ministries was reflected in the way things were presented and done.

Camping was more than just a job for these

people and their campsites were more than just a venue - they presented an opportunity to have an impact in the lives of those that came as guests – this was something that I found really inspiring.

The fellowship was the other amazing part about the tour. There is something incredibly special about spending time with other Christians who share a passion for Christian camping. They get it, even if they are from other parts of the world. We could share our ideas and challenges, as well as what works for us and what doesn’t. I felt encouraged and blessed by spending a week with these people and strong bonds and relationships were formed.

Eddie & Lois Jansen led the tour and did a fantastic job. Anyone who knows Eddie would know that if you spend a week with him, you’re bound to have plenty of laughs Lois offers a more caring and serious side.

Together they were a fantastic couple to plan and lead this event.

I went on the tour hoping to get some ideas that I could add or implement at my site and I certainly came back with lots of ideas! I was reminded however, that all of our sites are very different and not everything that works at one site will work at another. We need to look for the uniqueness in our own sites (location, attractions, facilities, and the skills within our staff) and work with these things. We need to make sure we do the little things well and have a passion for our sites and the ministries we are involved in and know the impact that God can have through us in Christian camping.

conference Tour

God has giv en us a pu rpose − Cam p Kedron

I was also reminded of the Power of Camp, something that I think all of us who are involved in camping need to be reminded of regularly. On the tour, we experienced temporary community where strong relationships were formed quickly and great fellowship was enjoyed. We had the opportunity to retreat from our everyday lives, where we had time to stop and reflect this was particularly powerful in the amazing

Youthworks − Port Hack ing

Mts. Lodge, Blue m Gu e lu B ship − Special fellow

locations of many of our sites. It is often in these moments that we encounter God. We also shared memorable experiences together, whether that be having a go on some adventure activity or enjoying an amazing meal with others.

Camps are very powerful.

Dave Flood El Shaddai Camping Centre, SA

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Katoomba S M C r a e n − What a view

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The Intern Program @ Camp Co Camp Coolamatong is owned and operated by Scripture Union Victoria and around 3000 students visit each year.

SU’s main focus is to share the love of Christ with children, young people and families. For our school camps, our main focus is on children. The main aim of our intern program, which has been running since the early 1990’s, is to invest into the lives of these young people and to train and equip them for God’s calling.

Internships are voluntary, livein positions, run for eleven months and are for 18-24 year olds. They receive full board and the option of studying either a Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation or a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry.

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Interns come for a variety of reasons. Some are looking for a Gap Year where they can be active, learn more about themselves and deepen their relationship with God. Others come because they want to do Outdoor Rec as a career. Others come lost and broken, and are hoping that God will reveal himself to them.

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It has been said that some years the interns are a blessing to Coolamatong, and other years, that Coolamatong has been a blessing to the interns. Either way, God is good and his grace is amazing.

I’ve had many conversations with principals and teachers as to why they choose to bring their schools back to Coolamatong, year after year. A common reason is because of the love, care and concern

shown to their students. This is due mainly to our interns and staff. They say that they don’t get such positive relationships at any other campsite. That’s because our interns don’t just run activities … schools love that our interns are out there in free time, kicking the footy, playing basketball, playing games, just hanging or having a chat. They eat lunch and dinner with the kids every day and this helps form the great relationships. It’s during these times that the interns get to share their faith and talk about their relationship with Jesus and how he has impacted their lives.

An internship is a big commitment, long hours, and plenty of hard work. Living in community has its challenges too. I’ve yet to meet a Coolamatong Intern who wouldn’t agree that they got so much more out of their year than they expected. Two interns, Jack and Ruth share their stories.

JACK’S STORY

Initially, I thought that I was coming to teach kids about God as well as gain valuable experience towards my future teaching career. However, after two years as an intern (2012 & 2013) at Camp Coolamatong, I have realised that there is far more to it than that. This ministry opened my eyes to how we can witness to the campers. It has pushed and challenged my faith, teaching me to understand who God is to me rather than just rely on the faith of my parents - to make it a personal relationship, rather than simply a checklist.

RUTH’S STORY I grew up never fitting in with the Indian system and being a hyper child with a passion for God, I was searching for every opportunity to break free and serve God outside my big boring box.

Getting to experience my first camp in Grade 6, I knew God had started a work that would lead me to people and places I would hardly expect. After

Top left: A de-briefing session on 90 mile Beach Top right: Intern Training Raft Building Middle left: Ruth with one of the calves Middle right: Jack at the mercy of some kids Bottom left: Graduating 2013 Interns with Mark Bottom right: More training this time with Canoes

finishing college and trying out quite a few jobs working with kids, I still hadn’t found that perfect spot. However, surrendering my future to God brought me miraculously to Coolamatong, a place I’d never heard about till 2012.

The whole internship journey was quite literally amazing.

From simple days filled with God, laughter and love to intense days with the kids, every day had ups and downs.

Besides equipping me with basic skills (activity and management based), it equipped me with the knowledge of God and who I am in Him - my experiences, the camps, the work and the community all came down to God. I learnt that nothing matters if it’s not centred and held together by Christ. It was so important for me to bring this back home, to Chennai, India, as I was immediately employed in January 2014 to kick start a camp project right here in my hometown. The job demanded much from me and I felt like I was trying to find a foothold on a narrow trail that hardly existed. But this was when the Coolamatong lessons came into focus - that as long as I trust who is leading and that His Word will light my dusty unsure path, I can rest in Him, knowing that my feet will find solid ground.

So I encourage anyone who dares to step out of the ordinary - He will see you through to the end!

For more information on Camp Coolamatong internships, contact us at coolamatong@suvic.org.au Mark Roberts, Director, Camp Coolamatong

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olamatong

It has taught me to embrace every opportunity that I have to the fullest. Every conversation you have with a child is a chance to share God’s word with them and every day is a new opportunity to serve God in some way. I now have a passion for other people to know God. Since my internship, I have started my training as a primary school teacher and I also assist in coordinating the summer camp program at Coolamatong.

To anyone considering doing an internship, I highly recommend it and know that you will be greatly challenged.

You’ll also come away with lifelong friends and a far greater desire to serve God and others.

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Running The Next Leg

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It’s almost two years since we, Funday Entertainment Group, made the decision to purchase Camp Kerem Farm. The owners of the camp, Graeme and Lorelie Smit, were well known to us and during one of Graeme’s visits, we learnt that he was open to selling the property.

So, we had a neighbourly sticky beak … and something unexpected was planted in our hearts.

Fast-forward to January 2015 and we have now been immersed in the camping world for almost our first full year of operation. What a learning curve it has been! We’ve spent some money on adding new infrastructure, including a half-size basketball court, a new workshop, and site office. However, it has been the lower cost projects that have made the biggest impact in terms of guest experience.

One of our very first projects was to install automated irrigation throughout the campsite, carpark and ovals. It’s not technical but it does take a bit of planning, a lot of patience and hours of fiddling around.

The outcome – INCREDIBLE! The site now features a lush green lawn all year round and is one of the first things our guests notice on arrival. The grass has also made the venue feel cooler and really inviting – a couple of our groups have actually booked because of our lawn!

Painting has been another great success!

The toilet block has been painted throughout and so has the kitchen. These areas are now bright and clean. Painting is another project

The Repainted Kitchen 14

that anyone can do. Yes, it takes a bit of time and preparation, but it’s relatively inexpensive and has a HUGE impact.

The other area that has given a great return is our branding. We wanted to retain the history of the camp, while positioning ourselves for where we want to be in the future. In June 2014, we introduced the name Kerem Adventure Camp. We also set about defining our brand - this meant putting some time and thought into logo’s, colours, staff uniforms, fonts and our website. This was a great process and a lot of fun to do, but it also means that as we add, update or build new things, we have a Corporate Style Guide to use. This ensures consistency and will build a recognisable brand.

July 2014 was a milestone moment for me, when I attended the CVA Connect 14 Conference. It was the best thing I could have done! I made some incredible connections, learnt a huge amount and was profoundly impacted by this wonderful community of people that had gathered together to connect, learn, refresh and re-charge. I learnt that we can’t allow our site to ‘stand still’ - we need to commit to continual improvement. These improvements don’t have to cost a fortune – but they do have to be committed to, or there will always be a reason why they have to be put off, there will never be enough time, or the right time and they’ll be the first thing to go on the chopping

Our Basketball Court

Our new Lush Lawns look great!

block when you get too busy. It’s amazing what can be achieved when you make a plan and just start chipping away at it!

We have also been working on the development of our activities. I have spent a lot of time talking to people about what makes a great camp; I’ve spoken to Scouts WA, to Sport and Recreation teachers, to school aged children and teenagers and sought feedback from all the groups that have stayed with us. I discovered that we don’t have to rely on the high-cost, highoctane activities. The low-cost, fun and teamwork-focussed activities were often the real winners. So we decided not to invest capital in building new activities, while we establish ourselves. Instead, we have set about partnering with third party providers to bring activities to our site and ensure we offer guests a wide range of exciting activity options. As we grow we will certainly aim to develop our own permanent activities, but for now, using third party operators is a positive move for us.

Some of the low-cost, high-fun, adaptable activities we’ve created include: - Colour Wars! We put campers in teams, with home bases, water pistols and a single team colour to throw at their opposition. The object of the battle is simple; cover opposing teams in your team colour. Chaotic, messy, FUN!

- Treasure Hunt – a combination of orienteering and scavenger hunting where teams or individuals have to solve rhyming cryptic clues to uncover the locations of five hidden symbols.

- The Emu Mile – this is one for the fitness campers. A sign-posted one-mile track around the camp … mostly on soft sand.

A great place to get ideas for these activities is from the camp guests themselves. I will try and find out what each camp group aims to get out of their stay and what themes they may have for their camp. It’s then up to us to get creative and develop a fun, safe activity!

Our time in camping is only just beginning and we have so much to learn! But we were extremely fortunate to take over the operation of a venue that had been so lovingly built, maintained and developed over many years. The ‘nuts and bolts’ were all there, all that was needed were a ‘fresh set of legs’ to keep on running the next leg of the race. It’s our turn now to take the baton and continue to build on the foundation we have inherited. For more information on Kerem Adventure Camp, visit keremadventurecamp.com.au Kate Burns General manager Kerem Adventure Camp

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Out walking the Emu Mile

Colour Wars are Messy but FUN!

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Short-term (mission) gain, long-term pain?

Every year, the Year 13 team take approximately 80 school leavers on a shortterm mission to Fiji as part of the discipleship gap year program run by Anglican Youthworks.

Each time, it’s a wonderful yet demanding journey of spiritual discovery and growth for our students and the Fijians we meet. And, every year, we inevitably face the same questions: • Wouldn’t the funds be better spent on longterm missionary work?

• Aren’t we just embarking in ‘voluntourism’ in order to make ourselves feel good?

• Don’t short-term missions actually do more harm than good?

These are good questions to ask, and there has long been discussion about the value and effectiveness of short-term overseas mission.

However, we believe it to be one of the most profitable and worthwhile activities in our program – both for our students and the Fijian Church. Let me explain…

Short-Term Missions can have a long-term focus We agree that it would be a pointless misuse of resources for Year 13 to head to Fiji each year only to do our own thing. That’s why our philosophy has always been to partner with Fijians in mission; to support and encourage new and existing ministries that are driven by locals, and to ultimately be a blessing. This is extremely important. God has opened the door

ISSUE 39 • Communicator

One of the Year 13 teams

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for this ministry via existing relationships with Fijian church leaders. Year 13 has also returned, year after year, to the same ministries, seeking to consolidate the work done previously. Fijian culture operates on trust, and it is a great privilege (and a testament to previous students) to be asked back each year.

Former student, Shannon Bishop, who joined the mission leadership team in 2014 says: “It has been incredible to see the long term effects of the Year 13 short-term mission to Fiji.

They have been coming to Fiji for 7 years and each year has opened up more and more opportunities to serve God and his people. We have had to expand the number of villages we visit for our Local Church Missions where students stay for a week in a village, running programs for children and youth, visitations, and ministry training programs such as Leaders in Training.”

Short-Term Missions can have a long-term impact Because Year 13 is committed to long-term ministry in Fiji, there are specific villages, ministries and people that we build relationships with throughout the whole year, with a specific focus on our month in country. Claude Fong Toy, the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral in Suva, reflects on his partnership with Year 13: “The Cathedral is thankful for the Year 13 team who visit us every year. The developing

Alex and Jasmin bring smiles to faces

Sylvia Schouten

Short-Term Missions lift our perspective The danger for us as Christians is to never step outside our comfort zone and lift our gaze beyond our own backyard. While it can be easy to forget, the reality is that God is hard at work in every tribe and nation to see Himself promoted as King. A short-term mission gives people the unique opportunity to take a glimpse into this global work, to be challenged and changed, and then to set a foundation for a lifetime of cross-cultural mission – whether that is on the mission field themselves, or supporting cross-cultural mission from home.

Either role is enriched and

strengthened by the short-term mission experience.

Short-Term Missions can change the world… one school leaver at a time Year 13’s ultimate goal is to disciple school leavers and prepare them to change the world for Christ, wherever they end up. There are always going to be questions and objections about short-term missions, but the Year 13 experience has shown us the power they have to change the world and be changed in the process.

And so we head to Fiji every year with a new group of eager school leavers, to see lives transformed, God’s heart for mission put on the agenda and to build on long term cross-cultural ministry, all for the glory of God. Trinette Stanley Assistant Director, Year 13 For more information on Year 13, or to apply for the 2015 program, visit year13.net

The Team works with the locals

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relationship that we have with them is an encouragement to our people and a stimulation as we are presented with new ideas for ministry and further training.”

Short-Term Missions transform our thinking Over 10 years, we’ve consistently seen our students grow in their knowledge and understanding of God and His worldwide mission as they live, learn and serve in a culture so different from their own.

Sylvia Schouten reflected on her 2013 trip “Fiji has definitely changed me and challenged me in many ways. I learnt what it really means to trust God, and now I need to work on bringing that back to Australia with me.

Something I’ve found is that when you are completely and utterly removed from everything familiar, it suddenly becomes much easier to hold your own life, worldview and culture up to the light for examination. I feel the people most profoundly affected by our mission were ourselves. I learned a lot about myself and my faith, but more importantly about God; about relying fully on Him and about trusting in his perfect timing, and about his worldwide mission.”

Hanging out with kids

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ceneTheNationalSceneTh New Life Members

Left: Errol & Dot Woodbury (NSW) Centre: Glyn and Glenys Mahon (VIC) Right: Warwick & RoseAnne Brough (VIC)

New Members

Higher Ground – Mary Valley (QLD) Seaforth Pines Outdoor Education & Conference Centre (QLD) The Unofficial Church Camp (NSW) Beyond Limits Outdoor Education (SA) Benwerren (VIC) CYC Ministries (VIC) Jumbunna Lodge (VIC) David and June Garratt (VIC) Peter Jack (TAS) Glenn Pizey (WA)

Re-Joining Members

North Parramatta Uniting Venues (NSW)

Chaplain Changes

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QLD -

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John and Narelle Rees have replaced Barry and Pam Grainger NSW – Gary and Judith Baker have replaced Errol and Dot Woodbury VIC/TAS – David and June Garratt have stood down and are yet to be replaced National – Errol and Dot Woodbury have taken on the role of Senior Chaplains.

Happenings in 2014 January February –

Sharing Time over Coffee - QLD Management Training - VIC. Equipping Ourselves for the Future - NSW March Sharing Time over Coffee in QLD May What Churches Look For in a Camp - NSW Coffee and Cake - WA June Mid-year Dinner - VIC Outdoors Expo - VIC July Restoring Balance and Avoiding Compassion Fatigue - SA Pre-Conference Tour - NSW Connect14 - NSW August Schools Exhibition - QLD September - Anaphylaxis and Allergies Seminar VIC Using Social Media - NSW October First Aid Training - SA November - Sharing Connect14 DVDs - WA December- Christmas Functions in QLD, NSW, VIC QLD Schools Exhibition

New NARTA Accreditations

Burnside Camp (VIC) Beyond Limits Outdoor Education (SA) NSW Christmas Function Crusaders Galston Gorge

QLD Christmas Function Camp Tambourine

We are really happy to be part of CSBG and to save so much money on our buying.

Jennie Hosanna Farmstay

Schweppes

We have found that the pricing is not only reasonable but their systems allow us to be more organised David Allen Mt Tambourine

I did an order from Lyreco... delivery was quick, free and I did think the prices were great as well.

Dianne Abbott

Some of the savings that CSC Buying Group members are getting right now!

Foodservice 13.7% Sanitary 22.4%

Meat 7%

Fruit & Veg 25.3%

Bread 21.1%

Furnitur 19.7%

e

Hospitality 24.9%

Statione ry 23.9%

Drinks 23.4%

Chemica 23.9%

ls

The above % savings are the results of comparisons carried out on behalf of members during 2014 and compared to their previous invoiced amounts from previous suppliers.

It was comforting to see his thorough approach to his work ensuring that all was well and working before he left.

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We switched our food service to CSC Buying Group and saved a full staff member wage.

the LAST word

Thoughts on a Memorial

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On the eve of Remembrance Day, we found ourselves on the bank of Lake Tinaroo in north Queensland, at the memorial to soldiers who fought in Afghanistan. Its beauty and simplicity reminded us of other sites dedicated to the victims of war that we had seen in other parts of the world.

The sculpture of a sniffer dog tells a unique story of devotion and unquestioned loyalty to its master. In New Testament language, these dogs are “gentle” in nature in that their strength is completely under control - able to tackle any challenge of life or death.

The Beatitudes of Jesus found in Matthew Chapters 5 - 7 provide us with a blueprint for fruitful living. It is the master plan for discipleship. “Blessed are the meek for they will inherent the earth.”

Jesus was using a word that described the power and strength of a wild stallion that had been broken in and brought under control. We speak of Jesus as being meek and gentle. Not everyone understands the power of such a description.

Recently we had the privilege of meeting some very wonderful men and women of God, whose skills are dedicated to Jesus and the gospel and whose lives seem to be lived more simply - less cluttered than most - more in tune with creation - more sensitive to the purpose and provision of God - “gentle”.

Sam from New Life Pastures in Cardwell is one of them, who at the age of 82, is still able to do what many half his age couldn’t. You won’t find any memorial erected in honour of such saints.

However, camp sites and buildings are in themselves a testament to the provision and grace of God as well as a witness to the ONE who is worthy of our devotion and the labour of our hands and minds. It is important to remember again that the honour and glory of all we are and do belongs to JESUS. The fruit of ministry is seen in our own life as we minister - as well as the countless number of children, young people and adults whose life story has been impacted through short term community living at one of our venues.

John tells us that “The Word “ became flesh and camped among us pitched a tent along side of us. Not as a “fly in fly out” - but more

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like a long term resident. Jesus made it clear to all who knew Him that He would send His Spirit to be with us forever in such a way that in reality, we would sense that Jesus had never left us at all.

Christ is to be found in all kinds of unusual places. His Spirit works in our world and in the lives of people peopleseverywhere. everywhere.His HisSpirit Spiritreveals to hearts and minds who Jesus is.

His Spirit cultivates faith andfaith the reveals to hearts and minds who Jesus is. His Spirit cultivates desire for God. To those who accept Christ as Saviour, Lord and and the desire for God. To those who accept Christ as Saviour, Lord Master, we discover that that our hearts belong to Him. As theAsgreat and Master, we discover our hearts belong to Him. the great holiness teacher Brengle put it, “We have become love slaves”. The characteristics of such a disciple of Jesus include loyalty and obedience, patience and perseverance.

Alongside the Afghanistan memorial to the sniffer dogs is another sculpture depicting two wings in full flight. One of the wings is damaged. (See the right hand wing below) Sometimes as we minister, there is the pain of loss and the suffering of wounds. The grace of God enables us to soar as an eagle. At times His grace enables us to run well - and at other times we just stand without falling.

We are only newcomers to CVA, but already these truths have impacted us as we begin to move among you. Our prayer for each of you is that you will continue to love The Lord with all your heart and mind and soul, and that you may know the joy of His Presence.

May the beauty of your life, the simplicity of your faith and the gentleness of your spirit bear testimony to the grandeur and glory of God. Happy New Year!

John & Narelle Rees Queensland Chaplains