CRU Holiday Camps…
Online O We give great thanks to God for the passionate CRU® Camp leaders who organised free online programs for campers to enjoy during the spring school holidays in 2021. Although COVID restrictions meant that our face-to-face CRU Camps had to be cancelled, campers who attended the online programs were still able to enjoy fun online activities and hear about the hope found in Jesus.
Christmas Capers Online Leaders: Meg Anderson & Emily Braga Meg is a primary school teacher and describes Christmas Capers as a combination of all her loves: Christ, Christmas, craft and cooking (in that order!) Emily, also a primary school teacher, has attended Christmas Capers for ten years: as a camper, a leader, and now as a director!
Emily: Our highlight game was a scavenger hunt – a leader says an item, and the kids have to find it and bring it to show everyone. We saw pets, TV remotes, smelly socks, mums and bananas! When kids are able to share a little part of themselves with you, an instant connection is formed. Q. How have you seen God at work during the pandemic? Meg: The online program went really well, and the team felt energised from being involved in God’s work. After not being able to serve on camp or at church throughout lockdown, it was very refreshing and reminded me that God is still at work! Emily: Even though it was just a short amount of time and we weren’t able to have individual conversations with kids, the gospel was faithfully taught, and we pray that gospel seeds were sown.
Q. What did the online camp experience look like? Emily: Although quite different to an in-person camp, we worked hard to replicate the best parts of the camp experience – we were intentional in forming connections with kids, planned exciting and interactive games, organised fun crafts and cooking for kids of all ages and included a Christian talk.
Q. How does having hope in the Lord (Isaiah 40:31) resonate with you as a CRU Camp leader? Meg: When logging off from each session, it struck me that God gives strength and life to those who live for Him and serve Him. Although keeping kids on Zoom engaged was a challenge, we all left with increased joy from seeing God use us.
Q. Any highlights or challenges? Meg: Through Zoom, we were welcomed into the lounge rooms and kitchens of families around Sydney. We had parents helping their child make treasure boxes, getting chocolatey with rocky road, and saw kids sitting with their parents during the Christian talk – it was a powerful opportunity to connect with families in a different way. Page Eight
Emily: Camp is an exciting and activity-filled week, and by the end of it, weariness can set in. But when my hope is in the Lord and what He is doing in campers, not in my own ability or strength, I have a renewed spirit that the efforts and excitement of camp will be used by God to bring more of His children into the Kingdom.
