Serving on camps - no age limit!

With easing COVID restrictions and in-person camps ramping up at the end of 2021, CRU ® was overjoyed to see the high demand for CRU Holiday Camps over the summer break. Campers were excited to spend their holidays with their friends, and parents were eager to see their children getting off screens and enjoying the great outdoors.

However, these camps could only happen thanks to the faithful service of volunteer leaders. From first-time leaders to camp veterans, we’re so thankful for each and every one of our wonderful volunteers. Let’s hear from a few of our more mature volunteers who served on camps over summer.

After the Mast - Sailing camp at CRU Lake Mac

Leader: Philip Warner

Phil first became involved with CRU while developing promotional material in the 1980s. It led to him directing a ski camp, leading on a number of other camps, and serving as Chairman on the Camps Committee. He served on the CRU Board in the early 1990s and was Chair for a short term, before leaving to serve overseas for a number of years. Upon his return to Australia in 2019, Phil and wife Sue were recruited by their son, Dave, to serve as Camp Parents on After the Mast.

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

After so many years away doing other kinds of ministry, it was great to have the opportunity to get back into the camp environment. CRU Camps provide such amazing gospel opportunities, that Sue and I were keen to experience that environment again.

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

It was so lovely to return to leading on a camp. Even with COVID, it was a wonderful opportunity to share the truth about Jesus. I was delighted to see the passion for the gospel among our leaders and rejoiced with the rest of the team when a number of campers committed their lives to following Jesus.

What were the challenges?

COVID restrictions caused the biggest challenges, which of course changed the daily routine. But in many ways, those changes gave us different kinds of opportunities. It is getting harder to get this 70-yearold body onto a Hobie, but I still love sailing and it was great to get out onto boats and have the chance to talk to kids.

What was it like leading at the new CRU Lake Mac?

We were based in the classic site, but we used the new site for meals and the food and staff were amazing. The new boat shed is also amazing, especially for those of us who remember the old tin shed.

Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

It’s all about gospel ministry and the opportunities that CRU provides. I meet so many people, now in Christian ministry, who came to faith at a CRU Camp or through Schools Ministry that I can’t help but get excited about it.

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

We are called to encourage one another and to spur one another on. When I see the leaders and CRU staff living the gospel, one can’t help but be encouraged to continue on in the faith. For me, the Christian journey is all about understanding what Jesus meant by taking up our cross to follow Him. When we do that there will be challenges, but the more we do, the more we understand how we can bring the flavour of Christ into the world in which we live and the more we understand how we can show people the way (that is Jesus).

Summer Study 2 - Study Camp at CRU Galston Gorge

Leader: Ian McAlpin

Ian first heard about CRU as a primary school student at Shore in 1965. He committed his life to Christ on a CRU Lake Mac sailing camp in 1968 and worked at CRU in the mid-70s before joining the staff at Barker College. Ian has used his teaching career to help lead on over 35 CRU Study Camps so far!

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

I hadn’t been on a camp for so long (the previous two seasons were cancelled due to COVID) and I want to do as many as I can before I am no longer able to!

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

The highlight of camp was being able to share my testimony and what God has done in my life. It was also wonderful to share my educational resources and skills with the students.

What were the challenges?

The main practical challenge was wondering if camp would go ahead and whether I would actually get there. The biggest challenge that gripped my heart was making sure that all the students could leave camp knowing where they are at in their relationship with God.

Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

I was converted at a CRU Camp in 1968 and clearly recall that moment of hearing the message of Jesus. I still have great friends through CRU and it is a thrill to see campers from camps I led on now telling others about Jesus. I recently went on a camp with a leader whose father had been a leader!

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

Salt can help make something better or can make a difference, and if I can help enrich others’ lives spiritually and academically, then that will help my goal. Light is a way to show direction and I want to help individuals see the truth of John 14:6. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Sailing Masters - Sailing camp at CRU Lake Mac

Leaders: William (Bill) Jauncey & Greg Thornton

Bill attended his first CRU Camp as a camper on Inter Sailing in 1961. He also served on that camp as a Junior Leader in 1965 when his modern history teacher, Stuart Braga, invited him along. After that, Bill served as a Junior Leader on Senior Sailing and has continued to lead on that camp most years. Since retiring, Bill also leads on CRU Study Camps.

Greg ran CRU Groups at Knox for seven years (1984- 1990) and directed a junior camp during this time. He then moved to WA, Kenya, Bathurst and Bega, before reuniting with CRU again at Shellharbour Anglican College.

Why did you decide to lead on a CRU Camp in summer?

Bill: God has equipped me over the years to have the skills to lead on a sailing camp. What a wonderful chance to present the gospel to young people!

Greg: Bill invited me to join him on camp - they needed additional sailors to take the kids sailing. It was my first camp after 40 years of teaching in regional schools.

What were the highlights of leading on camp?

Bill: The highlights have been the campers themselves. I have always liked working with young people, and having the gospel presented clearly to them on camp.

Greg: The highlights for me were listening to the raw honesty of the kids. They were confident to say where they stood with Jesus and expressed that openly.

What were the challenges?

Greg: At 61 years old, I faced some medical challenges and my energy levels wouldn't let me enjoy the night time activities as I would've liked!

Bill: The main challenge was COVID risks at my age (then 74), although I managed to get my third jab well before camp.

What was it like leading at the new CRU Lake Mac?

Greg: The new campsite at Lake Mac is AMAZING. First class facilities in every way.

Bill: The new site is great, though it needs a basketball court. (We’ll work on that, Bill!)

Why do you continue to support CRU and its ministry?

Bill: I continue to support the ministry because God used CRU to positively impact me when I was younger. It was important in my early Christian life when I was at school.

Greg: CRU reaches out to people at a critical time in a human’s life. Statistically, people come to the Lord at these impressionable ages during high school and university.

How have you been encouraged to be the ‘salt and light’ of the world?

Greg: It is always challenging, as it is encouraging, to live as Jesus wants us to live. With this in mind, going to camp and sharing the ‘journey’ of walking with Jesus is both exciting and challenging to continue in our own life. We have been blessed by God to have been called into His kingdom – it would be remiss not to offer the opportunity for others to come to know Him.

Bill: Christ died for me! What more encouragement does one need!