CRU Ministry & Property Updates 18
Lake Mac Memories, Old and New
CRU Lake Mac: A History
Summit & CRU Educational Camps Thanksgiving Service
Date: Wednesday 25 January Time: 7:00pm
Location: CRU Galston Gorge
Want to help us reduce costs, and receive CRUview by email instead? Let us know by scanning the QR code or emailing supporter@cru.edu.au
Join us as we celebrate God’s faithfulness and blessing to the ministry of Summit and CRU Educational Camps. For more info, email educationalcamps@cru.edu.au
CRU Women’s Fellowship
Date: Tuesday 21 February Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Beecroft
Enjoy prayer and fellowship with an inspiring group of women, who faithfully meet to pray for the work of CRU. For more information or to indicate your interest in coming along, please email supporter@cru.edu.au
CRU Business Lunch
Date: Friday 24 March Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm Location: Grand Ballroom, The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney CBD
Enjoy lunch in fellowship with other CRU supporters while hearing about how God is impacting young lives through the ministry of CRU. Guest Speaker: Nicola Olyslagers, Olympic High Jumper. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sabrina Shehata at (02) 9188 9719 or sabrina.shehata@cru.edu.au
CRU Teachers’ Conference
Date: Friday 12 May
Time: 8:00am - 3:45pm
Location: St Anne’s Anglican Church, Ryde
Prayer: Inspiring a new generation is the theme for this year’s conference. Come and hear from our fantastic line-up of speakers, take part in practical workshops, and be inspired by the great electives on offer. For more info and to register, visit www.cruteachers.edu.au
CRU West Teachers’ Conference
Date: Tuesday 30 May Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Swan Christian College, WA
A one-day conference for teachers and chaplains to network, be further equipped, and spurred on in their school ministries. For more information, email tash.wrathall@cru.edu.au
*These events are correct at the time of writing. CRU is committed to following all government health advice which may require events to be postponed, cancelled or changed. Prior to each event, please contact us at info@cru.edu.au to confirm the most current details.
“Thank you” and “well done” may both be appropriate. But if you stop there you have missed a golden opportunity.
When Paul wrote to the Philippians he thanked them for their partnership in the gospel (e.g. 1:3 and 4:14) but he went further. He urged them to look forwards. He wrote that he is “confident… that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). He prayed that “your love may abound more and more ” (1:9). And he wrote of “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).
entrusted to them to bless others. Their identity is not found in awards but in Christ, who humbled Himself to serve. Humility sparks service. And service brings God glory.
In the words sung at the CRU® Lake Mac Thanksgiving Service, “Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance now and always. Thou and thou only, the first in my heart High King of Heaven my treasure thou art.”
One who serves doesn’t dwell on the past, but seeks new opportunities to use the gifts that have been entrusted to them to bless others.
Those who were at Lake Mac that day were reminded that the redevelopment work at the site was not an end, but a beginning. It marks the beginning of a new season of mission, with a new site providing a new platform on which to grow the ministry.
As part of CRU’s mission we seek “to train young Christians for a life of servant leadership.” One who serves doesn’t dwell on the past, but seeks new opportunities to use the gifts that have been
As we engage in this ministry we look forward to Jesus’ return, confident in His promises. Onwards.
What do you say to someone who has done something good?
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
The CRU® Lake Mac Open Day and Thanksgiving Service provided a great opportunity to reflect on God’s extraordinary provision for CRU. Just over 400 people gathered despite heavy morning rain to tour the site’s new facilities, participate in sailing, archery and climbing, and to praise God. A 7-metre-long banner displayed in the Undercroft outlined the site’s history from the time that Dr Lesley Parr donated it to Crusaders in 1946.
Dr Parr’s daughter, Joan Bell, read from Ephesians 3, with a current Board member, Alex Koch, speaking
OThe redeveloped site is expected to allow CRU to reach an extra 20,000 kids each year with the gospel – a million extra over a 50 year period! Already we have seen growth: the site hosted 10,600 camper nights in 2019, 25,700 in 2021, and over 43,000 are expected in 2023. We’ve seen God’s remarkable hand in the gift
But more than just new activities, new buildings and new views, we praise God that He is doing a stunning new work in people’s lives.
on this passage. Earlier, one of the granddaughters of Max and Helen Bywater, the site’s first full-time managers, opened the service in prayer. God’s praises were sung with gusto; a video showed the original site with army tents, the construction of the jetty pool and timber tents, and then the redevelopment work; Bruce York, Julie Mathews and Nate Gale shared memories; and a current school student Lydia Piper spoke of her experience on camp since the new cabins were added.
of the site, its development and use over the decades, and in the generous funding of its redevelopment.
But more than just new activities, new buildings and new views, we praise God that He is doing a stunning new work in people’s lives, enabling them to recognise His goodness and mercy in Jesus. “In Him, and through Him, we can approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12)
CRU® Lake Mac Open Day allowed guests the opportunity to participate in all the site has to offer, from sailing and archery to reconnecting with old friends, making new memories together and reminiscing over plenty of old ones! We hope you enjoy reading this sample of wonderful Lake Mac memories from over the years, and lovely feedback from the Open Day.
“I was very involved, with my parents, Hugh and Nora Braga, in the working parties setting up the campsite in the 1950s. The highlight was the erection of the hall - a big project then.”
Stuart Braga, memory from the 1950s
“My very first Crusaders camp was at Lake Mac in 1988. We slept in the old A-frame tents with no doors, canvas flaps on the end and mattresses on the floor. But the sailing, canoeing and other fun activities were fantastic! Lake Mac will always be very special to me.”
Linda Newman, memory from 1988
“I remember meeting my future wife, many days sailing over bumpy waves while telling kids about God's grace and long nights playing 'Mafia'. All this and more are my fond memories of Lake Mac.”
Damien Wang, memory from 2010
“I was sailing on a boat on Lake Mac while attending Senior Aquasports and chatting to my leader. I acknowledged the faith I had in Jesus was real, wanted to take that seriously, and have it as the most important thing in my life!”
Jess Keryaks - memory from 2010
“I remember attending Club Mac at the site as a camper in 2004 and 2005. After the camp in 2005, one of my friends I’d invited sent me a text saying that he’d committed to following Jesus on that camp. Praise God!”
Calum Henderson, memory from 2005
“Kids were stoked that sailing was still on given the inclement weather. It was just fantastic to praise God together in the service. Having been on camps since the site was redone, it was wonderful to see the reactions of those who hadn't seen it yet - such a massive change!”
EvelynHall, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“A highlight was the happy smiling faces of the CRU staff.”
Michael Lawrence, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“The new site looks fantastic! We were very impressed with all of the facilities and continue to be inspired by the ministry of CRU.”
Matthew and Julianne Duggan, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“My first camp at Lake Mac was amazing! Loved sailing on the boats with students and sharing Jesus with them. Over our third dinner together, one camper realised the truth of the gospel and gave her life to Christ in the dining hall.”
Jason Todd, memory from 2020
“I was a camper at Lake Mac as a 9 year old, and have been leading, directing and speaking on Lake Mac camps since my 20s. But one of my highlights was the first time we were camp parents at Lake Mac with our own kids, hopefully the first of many Lake Mac memories for them.”
Nathan McElveney, memory from 2014
“On a Year 11 CRU Educational Camp, two of my discussion group girls wanted to become Christians. I told the teacher and she was so happy. It really highlights the joy of Christian camping ministry.”
Naomi Hammond, memory from 2021
“One afternoon all sailing boats went out on the lake. A southerly storm hit with waves half way up the mast. Our captain was an experienced sailor and managed to get us back to shore. All the other boats ended up down the lake. It became a rescue mission but lots and lots of fun.”
Jonathan Cannon, memory from 1971
“For Al and I, Lake Mac reminded us of the big work God has commissioned us to do (making disciples) and the great need for this campsite in assisting in fulfilling this great commission. We were so excited to see the completed Stage 1 and to know over 300 kids can be there every week. Congratulations to the fantastic CRU staff who made us feel so welcome. We were so encouraged by their enthusiasm and commitment to the gospel. Thank you for letting us be a part of the celebrations.”
Julie Mathews, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“It was a fantastic day! It was so good seeing the completed site in action…especially the climbing tower!”
Juliet Ward, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
The first Crusader Camp took place over Easter in 1930 when the Crusader Union of New South Wales was formed, with the intention of reaching young people for Christ amongst the Independent Schools.
The early camps were held on rented properties, but suitable sites were hard to find. In 1943 Crusaders began looking to rent or buy a permanent campsite, with little initial success.
Dr Leslie Parr generously donated his share of a piece of bushland at Lake Macquarie to Crusaders in 1946 with a vision of the site being a ‘centre of youthful Christian activity’. His junior medical partner, Dr Paul White, had given land at Galston for the same purpose and Dr Parr was inspired by his generosity. The remainder of the land at Lake Macquarie was purchased by Crusaders for £300.
Led by Hugh Braga, volunteers were enthusiastically roped into weekend work parties to build and develop the site. A work party in 1954 fenced off a swimming pool which was shark proofed. During this time, army tents were erected for the camping season and campers only had cold water showers.
The large hall was erected and the following year the first Senior Easter Conference was held with the aim of training young Christians in leadership. These conferences ran at Lake Mac until the 1980s.
By 1963, water was connected—for the princely sum of £60. Toilet blocks with a working septic system provided the luxury of “flushable loos” and showers.
Robin McKay designed the iconic ‘timber tents’ that retained the bushy character of the campsite, but removed the need for constantly erecting, repairing and packing away old army tents. The canvas ends not only kept the tent-like feel, but allowed for ample ventilation – perfect for summer camps! Ten tents were erected in 1970, each accommodating six campers. Hot water was also supplied for the first time to the showers.
A house was built on site for Max and Helen Bywater in 1987 who became the first residential caretakers. A new brick toilet block built in 1988 saw the ‘girls’ side’ of the site become the ‘boys’ side’ and vice versa.
During the 1980s the site was rarely occupied outside of school holidays. This changed in 1988 when CRU Educational Camps (previously known as Summit Camps) were launched resulting in an influx of school camps. Demand across different sites grew quickly, with eight school camps being held in 1988 and 40 in 1990.
In 1994 a climbing tower was constructed near the boatshed in memory of James Lawrence. Later a covered outdoor learning area was added to the hall and a new teachers’ lodge was installed. A secure cage was constructed next to the boatshed to allow sailing boats to be stored with their masts stepped.
The canvas ends of the timber tents were replaced with more secure material by 1995 and site capacity swelled to 112 because each timber tent now held ten campers. However, as school year groups increased, Lake Mac became unable to accommodate most school camps. By 1997 the priority was to expand the number of beds on site!
Redevelopment at Lake Mac faced significant hurdles so the Crusader Board explored options of selling and establishing an alternative site, and prayed for God’s leading. God’s provision was seen when CRU was able to acquire a crucial strip of land previously owned by Lake Macquarie City Council, as well as 100 acres of land directly across the road. New plans for the site began to be developed.
CRU’s vision for a redeveloped Lake Mac was to reach an extra 20,000 young people each year with the good news of Jesus! A multi-user site that could accommodate over 300 campers at one time was needed.
Concepts and designs were developed, and consultants engaged. The CRU Community was encouraged to support the vision and responded with extraordinary generosity. Additional funds were provided by government grants and from private trusts.
DA approval was granted in February 2018 and construction by Stephen Edwards Construction began in February 2019, while regular camps ran alongside using the existing A-frame cabins and hall.
In June 2020 Stage 1 of the Lake Mac redevelopment was completed. Under God’s grace this included more than was originally planned. The impact of COVID-19 on the camping landscape meant further construction has been delayed, but site work is likely to re-commence in 2023.
What’s new at Lake Mac?
• New ensuite accommodation sleeping up to 260
• Modern kitchen and dining room with panoramic lake views
• Three large meeting rooms and multiple breakout spaces
• Bivouac camping capacity for up to 120
• Brand new 4-faced climbing and abseiling tower
• New archery range, challenge course, oval space and beach volleyball court
• Increased variety of water sports including giant stand up paddleboards and a dragon boat
Achieving the vision 2019 10,600 camper nights at Lake Mac 2021 25,700 camper nights at Lake Mac 2023 43,000* camper nights at Lake Mac
*projected
Psalm 78:4b
Next steps include more activities including a second climbing tower, dual zipline and cave maze (already complete); outdoor chapel, additional meeting rooms, indigenous learning area and accommodation.
We are looking forward to completing the redevelopment in the coming years.
“God propelled CRU – the Board, the staff and the supporters – to the place where it was clear what we should be doing. And then, He put the right people in place as donors, prayers, planners and builders.”
Gary Hill, CEO
Lake Mac’s history, its present, and its future, are all in the Lord’s hands. He provided the vision, the land and the resources. He alone can work in young lives and make known the gospel of Jesus. We praise Him for what He has done – and what He will do!
We give thanks for the pioneers of the site, those who worked in and on it over the last eight decades, and all who continue to partner in the gospel through their gifts, hard work, prayers and support. We all have a part to play as we seek to reach the next generation for Christ.
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
Cruising on the lake, conquering the climbing tower, inspiring Bible talks and late-night campfire chats… these might come to mind when choosing your fondest camp memories. But there’s an essential part of camp which is often taken for granted. Meals!
Meal times are an integral part of camp – not just for the campers, but for those leading camps on the frontline, as well as staff working behind the scenes. At the forefront, meals at our campsites are times when tired bodies are nourished and refuelled with delicious food and tasty snacks so that campers can enjoy more activities and learning. But more importantly, they are a time of making connections, creating memories and sharing lives with one another.
The catering teams at CRU® Lake Mac and Galston Gorge have always been a crucial part of camps running well.
In the 1980s, Helen Bywater began cooking on weekend camps at CRU Lake Mac and occasionally helped with the catering at Galston. She and her husband, Max, were the first residential managers at the Lake Mac site in 1987. When CRU Educational Camps (previously known as Summit Camps) were introduced in 1988, Helen began cooking for these camps full-time and served in this way for over two decades.
Back then, Helen prepared meals in the classic site kitchen that was connected to the main meeting hall –
a very different experience to what is currently in use in the new Dining Hall. She recalls her experience of cooking in the classic site over 28 years of service:
“The old gas stoves were probably the biggest problem in that kitchen because you never knew whether they were going to function. We had no dishwasher for most of that time, and you’d wash up with a bowl or a tray on the dining room table. Max was always there to wash up the big pots and pans! We had little freezers but no cool room, and that made it difficult, especially when you had a very big group.”
For a while, Helen single-handedly managed the catering of camps. She would be the sole cook for groups of up to 50 guests! However, as the size of guest groups increased, she was very thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside a couple of ladies from her church and then daughter Katrina and granddaughter Lisa in later years.
Helen recognises that she was sustained by God throughout her time at CRU. She reflects, “There were highs, lows and various challenges, but the experiences were always encouraging and rewarding. The Lord has been good throughout it all, and we always managed to get through!”
Fast forward a few decades and the catering team, led by Rachel Billington, is now preparing meals in a brandnew commercial kitchen. Rachel has worked the last four years or so as CRU Lake Mac’s Catering Manager. She first joined the team as a casual member of staff around six years ago when camps at Lake Mac reached a maximum of 120 guests at the classic site.
When Stage 1 of the Lake Mac redevelopment was completed in mid-2020, Rachel and her team transitioned from the classic site kitchen at Hilltop Hall
to the brand-new kitchen in the new Dining Hall. The move has been a big adjustment, but the joys definitely outweigh the challenges.
“Initially, it was overwhelming. We were so used to how things were done at the classic site. Going from six catering staff to a team of 22 has been an adjustment, but I think the biggest challenge for me was only ever doing one camp at a time at the classic site, to now managing three or four camps at a time. Having to do all the admin side of things, paperwork, menus, and ordering for three camps at one time is a lot to manage,” shares Rachel.
“However, God enables and equips me and I feel totally privileged to work in a beautiful kitchen like this. To walk out to the dining room and experience that amazing view of the lake is a real joy. There’s also a real joy in growing as a team – it really does feel like a big family. Everybody works really well together and cares for each other, both at work and outside of work.”
Similarly, Helen shares that cooking on Summit Camps was like cooking for family. She recalls, “Seeing the leaders growing was a great joy. The Summit leaders would all come up to you with a big hug, say ‘Hello’ and share the excitement they had for the week ahead. And then, when a child had shown interest in or had put their faith in the Lord, the leaders would come running in to tell you. They couldn’t wait to share their news with you!”
Rachel is also thankful for the support from the wider CRU team. She finds encouragement from the managers and is thankful for the opportunities to collaborate with the CRU Galston catering team. She particularly valued the experience and wisdom shared by Tania Hawkins, CRU Galston Gorge’s Catering Manager. Rachel recalls, “When we were coming
from the old site to here, it meant dealing with larger numbers. I sought some advice, and Tania was more than happy to share how Galston managed the larger groups. I’m thankful we are all one big team.”
Both Helen and Rachel are delighted that they have been able to use the skills that God has given them for His glory. “I love coming to work at CRU. Even though we serve in the background, we are very much supporting the team that is on the frontline,” explains Rachel. “We are here to serve others and God before ourselves, and that certainly motivates me to get out of bed every day!”
Jesus into my heart.’ That was what I enjoyed more than anything.”
From the stories shared, it is evident that meals are a time and place for campers to have those “golden moments” with each other and with leaders. Both Helen and Rachel share how the dining room is a place where connections are strengthened, experiences from the day are shared with excitement, and meaningful conversations take place.
Helen says, “The best thing was seeing little children come to know the Lord. Sometimes, the younger campers would come up and tell you, ‘I just asked
Rachel shares, “I see God at work here every single day. It’s a really exciting thing to watch the conversations happening among the campers and leaders. It could be about the content of the talk that day, what the Bible says about something, or a camper might come up to me and share that they just received their first Bible.”
“During COVID, we lost a little bit of that connection, so I’m excited to see that that is now able to come to the forefront again,” she continues. “When these conversations happen, it really sinks in that this is the ministry that we are doing. It really warms my heartthis is what it’s all about!”
For those thinking about joining CRU’s catering team Rachel says, “Come and give it a try. Not only is it a great job, but it’s also a place where you can grow and develop skills in a nurturing, supportive environment. It’s a beautiful environment, not only physically, but spiritually as well!”
We give great thanks to God for our catering teams at CRU Lake Mac and CRU Galston Gorge and look forward to hearing of more encouraging stories of God’s work for many years to come.
With more camps happening in 2023, we need to grow the catering teams at both CRU Lake Mac and CRU Galston Gorge. We’re looking to fill various kitchen roles, from Catering Assistants to Assistant Catering Managers, so there’s something for all experience levels.
For more info, visit www.cru.edu.au/catering
“Sometimes, the younger campers would come up and tell you, ‘I just asked Jesus into my heart.’ That was what I enjoyed more than anything.”
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Restrictions linked to COVID-19 limited many areas of CRU’s activity in the first half of 2021-22. No camps were allowed to run for five months from July 2021. School visits were prohibited for months or severely restricted.
Just when summer holiday camps 2020-21 looked ready to roll, the Omicron strand of COVID hit. Two camps needed to be called off on the very first day while many had to reshuffle leadership teams including changing directors and speakers.
Even when “normal” times resumed, fewer campers or students attended events because they or a household member had tested positive to COVID.
And yet, God continued to build His church!
Online connections occurred when physical ones couldn’t. The increased capacity of Lake Mac meant that when camps returned, we could run more programs than ever before. We witnessed significant growth in CRU West’s ministry in Western Australia.
Despite the restrictions, God still enabled CRU to connect with over 82,000 students in 2021-22.
To Him be all the glory!
faithful.
Praise God for the schools we are reaching in NSW, ACT & WA, through the work of CRU® Holiday Camps, CRU Groups and CRU Educational Camps.
Abbotsleigh - Boarding
Abbotsleigh - Junior
Abbotsleigh - Senior
Arden Anglican School - Junior
Arden Anglican School - Senior
Arndell Anglican College - Junior
Arndell Anglican College - Senior
Australian Christian College - Junior
Australian Christian College - Senior
Barker College - Junior
Barker College - Senior
Belmont Christian College - Junior
Belmont Christian College - Senior Berowra Christian School
Blue Mountains Grammar School- Junior
Blue Mountains Grammar School- Senior
Brindabella Christian College (Charnwood) – Junior
Brindabella Christian College (Lyneham) – Junior
Brindabella Christian College (Lyneham) – Senior
Broughton Anglican College - Junior
Broughton Anglican College - Senior
Burgmann Anglican School ACT - Junior Burgmann Anglican School ACT - Middle
Burgmann Anglican School ACT - Senior
Calrossy Anglican School - Senior
Calderwood Christian School - Junior
Calderwood Christian School - Senior
Canberra Girls Grammar School ACT - Junior
Canberra Girls Grammar School ACT - Senior
Canberra Grammar School - Junior
Canberra Grammar School - Senior
Cedars Christian College - Junior
Cedars Christian College - Senior Charlton Christian College - Junior
Charlton Christian College - Senior Claremont College
Covenant Christian School - Junior
Covenant Christian School - Senior
Covenant Christian School ACT - Junior
Covenant Christian School ACT - Senior
Cranbrook School - Junior
Cranbrook School - Senior
Danebank - Junior
Danebank - Senior
Emmaus Christian School ACT - Junior
Emmaus Christian School ACT - Senior
Georges River Grammar - Junior
Georges River Grammar - Senior
Greenacre Baptist Christian Community School - Junior
Greenacre Baptist Christian Community School - Senior
Green Point Christian College - Junior
Green Point Christian College - Senior
HopePoint Christian School
Hunter Christian School - Junior
Hunter Christian School - Senior
Illawarra Christian School - Junior
Illawarra Christian School - Senior
Inaburra School - Junior
Inaburra School - Senior
Kambala Girls School - Junior
Kambala Girls School - Senior
Kinross Wolaroi Preparatory School
Kinross Wolaroi School - Senior
Knox Grammar Preparatory School
Knox Grammar School - Senior
Kuyper Christian School - Junior
Kuyper Christian School - Senior
Lakes Grammar - Junior
Lakes Grammar - Senior
Macarthur Anglican School - Junior
Macarthur Anglican School - Senior Maitland Christian School - Junior
Maitland Christian School - Senior
Mamre Anglican School - Junior
Mamre Anglican School - Senior
Medowie Christian School - Junior Medowie Christian School - Senior Meriden School - Junior
Meriden School - Senior MLC Junior School
MLC Senior School
Mosman Church of England Preparatory School
Mount Annan Christian College - Junior
Mount Annan Christian College - Senior Nepean Christian School - Junior
Nepean Christian School - Senior Newington College Preparatory School - Lindfield Newington College Preparatory School - Wyvern House
Newington College - Senior
Northcross Christian School
Northern Beaches Christian School - Junior
Northern Beaches Christian School - Senior Northholm Grammar - Junior Northholm Grammar - Senior
Norwest Christian College - Junior
Norwest Christian College - Senior
Nowra Anglican College - Junior
Nowra Anglican College - Senior Nowra Christian School - Junior
Nowra Christian School - Senior
Oran Park Anglican College - Junior
Oran Park Anglican College - Senior
Orange Anglican Grammar School - Junior
Orange Anglican Grammar School - Senior
Oxford Falls Grammar - Junior
Oxford Falls Grammar - Senior
Pacific Hills Christian School - Junior
Pacific Hills Christian School - Middle
Pacific Hills Christian School - Senior
Penrith Anglican College - Junior
Penrith Anglican College - Senior
Penrith Christian School - Junior
Penrith Christian School - Senior
PLC Sydney - Junior
PLC Sydney - Senior
Pymble Ladies College - Junior
Pymble Ladies College - Senior
Queenwood School for Girls - Junior
Queenwood School for Girls - Senior
Radford College ACT - Junior
Radford College ACT - Senior
Ravenswood School for Girls - Junior
Ravenswood School for Girls - Senior
Redlands- Junior
Redlands- Senior
Regents Park Christian School - Junior
Regents Park Christian School - Senior
Richard Johnson Anglican School - (Marsden Park)
Richard Johnson Anglican School - Junior
Richard Johnson Anglican School - Senior
Roseville College - Junior Roseville College - Senior
Rouse Hill Anglican College - Junior
Rouse Hill Anglican College - Senior SCEGGS Darlinghurst - Junior
SCEGGS Darlinghurst - Senior
Scone Grammar School - Junior Scone Grammar School - Senior
Scots All Saints College - Junior
Scots All Saints College - Middle
Scots All Saints College - Senior
Shellharbour Anglican College - Junior
Shellharbour Anglican College - Senior
Shire Christian School - Junior
Shire Christian School - Senior
Shore Preparatory School
Shore School - Senior
Southern Highlands Christian School - Junior
Southern Highlands Christian School - Senior
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Junior
St Andrew's Cathedral School - Middle St Andrew's Cathedral School - Senior
St Bernadette's Primary School
St Catherine's School - Junior
St Catherine's School - Senior
St George Christian School - Junior St George Christian School - Senior
St Joseph's Primary School
St Luke's Grammar School - Bayview
St Luke's Grammar School - Junior
St Luke's Grammar School - Senior
St Paul's Grammar School - Junior St Paul's Grammar School - Senior
St Peter's Anglican Grammar - Junior St Peter's Anglican Grammar - Senior
St Philip's Christian College (Cessnock) - Junior St Philip's Christian College (Cessnock) - Middle St Philip's Christian College (Cessnock) - Senior St Philip's Christian College (Gosford) - Junior St Philip's Christian College (Gosford) - Senior St Philip's Christian College (Newcastle) - Junior St Philip's Christian College (Newcastle) -Senior St Philip's Christian College (Port Stephens) - Junior St Philip's Christian College (Port Stephens) - Middle St Philip's Christian College (Port Stephens) - Senior Sydney Grammar School - Senior
Sydney Grammar School - St Ives Preparatory School
Tara Anglican School for Girls - Junior
Tara Anglican School for Girls - Senior
The Anglican School Googong - Junior
The Illawarra Grammar School - Junior
The Illawarra Grammar School - Senior
The King's School Preparatory School
The King's School - Senior
The Scots College - Boarding
The Scots College - Middle
The Scots College Preparatory School
The Scots College - Senior
Thomas Hassall Anglican College - Junior
Thomas Hassall Anglican College - Senior
Toongabbie Christian College - Junior
Toongabbie Christian College - Senior
Trinity Christian School - Junior
Trinity Christian School - Senior
Trinity Grammar Preparatory School
Trinity Grammar School - Junior
Trinity Grammar School - Senior Tudor House School
Tyndale Christian School - Junior
Tyndale Christian School - Senior Wahroonga Preparatory School
Wenona School - Junior Wenona School - Senior
William Carey Christian School - Junior
William Carey Christian School - Senior
William Clarke College - Junior William Clarke College - Senior
Wollondilly Anglican College - Junior Wollondilly Anglican College - Senior Wycliffe Christian School - Junior
Wycliffe Christian School - Senior Wyong Christian Community School - Junior Wyong Christian Community School - Senior
Students attending CRU Holiday Camps Lunchtime CRU Group
CRU Educational Camp program run
Students attending CRU Training events
Regular support from CRU staff
Partners with Day Camps
The following WA schools had students who came on CRU Camps, met in CRU Groups or attended Inter-CRU events.
Christ Church Grammar School
Emmanuel Christian Community School
Fremantle Christian College
John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School
Kalamunda Christian School
Kennedy Baptist College
Kingsway Christian College
Methodist Ladies College
Penrhos College
Presbyterian Ladies College
Providence Christian College
Rehoboth Christian College
South Coast Baptist College
St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls
St Mark’s Anglican Community School
St Stephen’s School Carramar
St Stephen’s School Duncraig
Please note that this list is sourced from Sep 2021 - Aug 2022. Only schools that have two or more students are listed.
732 students representing 319 NSW, ACT and WA state or Catholic schools also attended CRU Holiday Camps or CRU Educational Camps.
700 students representing 88 NSW, ACT and WA state or Catholic schools also attended CRU leadership training events (e.g. FIT, Inter-CRU, CrossTrain NSW, CrossTrain WA).
186 students from disadvantaged backgrounds attended CRU Camps.
Please note that this list is sourced from Sep 2021 - Aug 2022. Only schools that have two or more students are listed.
CRU® is blessed to be served by a group of dedicated, prayerful and godly men and women who oversee this vital ministry. In the financial year of 2021-2022, we give thanks for the service of:
Roger Corbett AO
B Comm, FAICD
The Rt Rev Dr Paul Barnett (stepped down December 2021)
BD, ThL, ThSchol, MA, PhD, ASTC
Dr Timothy Wright AM
FACE, MRACI, PhD, DipEd, BSc(Hons), CChem
Executive Director, Timothy Wright Educational Executive Coaching
Helen Burgess (resigned from the board Jan 2022)
BA, LLB(Hons), FGIA, FAICD Legal and Governance Executive
Dr Jennifer George (appointed Jan 2022)
PhD, MEnvPI, BLArch, PTC Director, Community & Planning, Comcorp
Ian Bucknell
BBus, GAICD, FCPA
CFO & Company Secretary, Ioneer Ltd
David Attenborough Dip. Management, Dip Property Services
Business Owner
Nathan Brown
BHosp MAICD, JP CEO, Christian Media & Arts Australia
Jessica Chilton (appointed April 2022)
BEd(Hons), MHist Head of Student Wellbeing, Meriden School
Jessica Hewson
BBus(Acc)/LLB, GradDip CA
Senior Manager - Specialised Industries Strategy & Projects, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Rev Alexander Koch
BSc, BEd, BD, MEdLead, MACE, MACEL, GAICD
Deputy Headmaster – Secondary School, Arndell Anglican College
Sarah Lancaster
MTeach, BPsych, BTh
Children’s Pastor, St Paul’s Carlingford
Dr Scott Marsh (resigned June 2022)
BMus Ed, Med, PhD
Headmaster, William Clarke College
Sharon Moore (appointed Jan 2022) BSc, LLB
Director of Compliance, Meriden School
James Ward
MABus, BADes, MAICD, MDIA Chairman, NBRS
Annette Ware (resigned Jan 2022)
BEd, DipTh, MACE
Dean of Senior College, Abbotsleigh
Rebecca Carritt BSc, CertLang(German), GradDipDiv, Cert III Conservation & Land Management
Finance
Ian Bucknell
Nigel Glasby Jess Hewson Gary Hill Matthew Seidl Matilda Slade1 Damien Wang2
Helen Burgess1 (Chair until Jan)
Jennifer George (Chair from Feb)
Nigel Glasby Gary Hill
Alex Koch2
Sharon Moore2 Matthew Seidl Tim Wright
David Attenborough (Chair)
Zane Garrett
Nigel Glasby Gary Hill
Andrew Reeves Matthew Seidl Kat Swaisland Brett Taylor Garry Tenkate James Ward
Tim Wright (Chair)
Nathan Brown2 Anna Burke1
Rebecca Carritt
Peter Crawford
David Gilchrist2
Nigel Glasby Calum Henderson2 Gary Hill
Nathan McElveney Matthew Seidl James Ward Annette Ware1
Annette Ware1 (Chair until Jan)
Alex Koch (Chair from Feb)
James Carroll
Calum Henderson1 (School only)
Gary Hill
Michael Leonarder (RTO only) Nathan McElveney Emma Pesavento
PBI
Gary Hill (Chair) Anna Burke1
Rebecca Carritt David Gilchrist2 Nigel Glasby Nathan McElveney Matthew Seidl
Garth Rossler (Chair) Ian Bucknell Michael Evans Anna Burke1 (Secretary) Damien Wang2 (Secretary)
Management Committees
Camps
Nate Gale (Chair) Mel Bell1
Emmerson Brumby2 Jade Haji1 James Hall Joshua Hall
Calum Henderson2 David Krebs1 Nathan McElveney Emma Roberts
Dave Czapala (Chair)
Anna Burke1
James Carroll Stephanie Chow
Nigel Glasby
Calum Henderson2 Gary Hill Nathan McElveney Andy Reeves Matthew Seidl Damien Wang
Rebecca Carritt (Chair) Brendan Corner
David Czapala2 Bailey Dodds1 Adam Houghton Ben Matthews Luke Matthews Linda Newman2 Matilda Slade1
Scott Rowland (Chair)
Roger Coetzer
Nathan McElveney Belinda Overmiere
Jacinta Patterson
Lucy Pratt Sheridan Raston Peter Smith Edward Surrey Dougal Steven
Gary Hill – CEO Anna Burke1
Rebecca Carritt David Gilchrist2 Nigel Glasby Rhonda Ho Nathan McElveney Matthew Seidl
KEY:
1 = Finished during the year 2 = Started during the year 3 = Maternity leave
COVID hit CRU hard in 2021-22. We were not able to run any camps in September, October, November or the first part of December, and camps from mid-December through to mid Term 1 were either cancelled or proceeded with reduced numbers. This impacted both ministry and finances. School visits were also significantly limited at different stages.
Praise God that CRU was still able to reach over 82,400 young people on camps and in schools in NSW, the ACT and WA. Thank you so much for your prayers, time and gifts which enabled this.
There are two abnormalities to note. We had a one-off expense of $1.1m for roadworks outside the Lake Mac campsite which
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended 31 August 2022
2022 ($) 2021 ($)
REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME 11,672,334 11,366,699
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN INCOME 749,097 1,804,222
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPENSE (6,567,313) (6,673,909)
CAMP EXPENSES (1,046,036) (567,286)
ADMINISTRATION & IT EXPENSE (865,448) (786,589)
CATERING EXPENSE (863,598) (766,120)
DEPRECIATION, & AMORTISATION EXPENSE (1,604,310) (1,612,326)
RENT, UTILITIES, INSURANCE AND REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE EXPENSE (869,504) (793,320)
DONATION TO HGLT RELATED PARTY (1,440,834) (350,000)
FINANCE COSTS (260,360) (253,047)
ADVERTISING & MARKETING EXPENSE (247,090) (324,338)
LAKE MAC ROADWORKS (1,071,839)
CURRENT YEAR SURPLUS (2,414,901) 1,043,986
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Thank you for your support! 2022 ($) 2021 ($)
was a condition of our site development. The CRU Board also made an investment into the Howard Guinness Leadership Trust of $1.44 million (supported by individual donations). These funds, being fully matched by a generous private fund, provide a strong investment into CRU’s future.
Looking ahead, we expect a full year of activity in 2022-23 with higher numbers of campers and students being reached with the gospel, especially triggered by growth in the use of CRU Lake Mac.
We thank God for the diligence of our accounts staff and the oversight of the Finance Committee and CRU’s Board.
Year ended 31 August 2022
44,742,923
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,345,727 7,235,961
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 10,277,917 10,707,831
TOTAL LIABILITIES 17,623,644 17,943,792
NET ASSETS 24,384,230 26,799,131
MEMBERS' FUNDS
RETAINED SURPLUS 24,384,230 26,799,131
GENERAL RESERVE - -
TOTAL MEMBERS' FUNDS 24,384,230 26,799,131
We are thankful for the great work God is doing through CRU. Stay up to date with everything that is happening in our various ministries and properties.
“All the kids raved about the food and were always asking about the next meal! The high ropes were the highlight of camp with the instructors ensuring everyone got lots of turns. CRU Galston feels like it is custom made for our music camp!”
“CrossTrain was a life-changing camp. It re-established my faith and I enjoyed the encouragement and fellowship.”
Year 10 student, CrossTrain 2022
• During the winter school holidays, the Schools Ministry team had a great week at CrossTrain camp where high school students were discipled and equipped to live for Jesus in their schools. The team is looking forward to running the camp again in winter 2023.
• Our School Ministry Associates, Naomi Andrews and Nathan Smith, completed their ministry training with the Schools Ministry team at the end of 2022. We are thankful for the opportunities that God gave them to connect with high school students and faithfully teach the Bible in schools.
• The Schools Ministry team is looking forward to hosting the Teachers’ Conference on 12th May 2023. We’re praying that it will be a great day that will inspire teachers and chaplains to keep praying in their school communities.
• Coming out of lockdown in 2021, it was great that we were able to run the autumn and winter seasons at nearly full capacity. Especially considering that for our winter camps, this is the first time many have been able to run since 2019.
• God has provided greatly in our staff team. We’ve had three new staff join in the past year and we’re looking forward to seeing how God uses the CRU Holiday Camps team to facilitate the running of camps for the future.
• We’re incredibly thankful for the 856 leaders who’ve led on camps over this year. Many teams haven’t run camps in previous years and so have lost experience, training and leadership pipelines. However, it’s been really encouraging to see leaders leading on multiple camps and filling needs when they arise. One leader even led three study camps in a row through winter!
• We’re very thankful for our partner schools and churches who are so key to running Day Camps. It’s been so encouraging to see our partners continue to value camps even after years of not running them.
• It’s wonderful to see that campers still want to connect in with churches, with 44% of campers from non-church families wanting to connect in with a church after camp. This is one of the reasons why it’s so great to have so many great church partners involved. The campers can be directly connected with the church!
• CRU’s different divisions come together to run Day Camps with so much of the management and administration being provided by the Holiday Camps team and the camp directors and other key staff being provided by the Educational Camps team. It’s great to be working together so collaboratively for the gospel!
Jen, Pennant Hills Public School Band Camp 2022• Give thanks to God that despite the staff shortages we are experiencing, He has sustained and provided in a variety of ways. Please pray that He will bring more workers who are keen to partner in the ministry at the site.
• Praise God that work on the new BMX track and work on the new COLA progressed in 2022. We look forward to seeing these in use. Praise God for the generous donations and grants enabling us to complete these essential projects so that campers can have an even more enjoyable time on camp.
• It has been a joy to see the new free time area and giant Adirondack chair in use by our guest groups.
• We are thankful for how well the CRU Lake Mac Open Day went. It was so exciting to be able to finally share with our supporters God’s wonderful provision of our new site.
• It is great to see camps back in full swing. The site is busier and it is great to see hundreds of children coming to camp, enjoying the facilities and activities, and hearing the gospel.
• We are thankful for the team at Lake Mac. We give thanks for their service and dedication as the team continues to grow and the site becomes busier. We are grateful for the provision of some new team members and we look forward to continuing to build the team.
• We thank God for the incredible impact He made during school camps last year - 403 students indicated a decision to follow Jesus or recommit to following him, and many more were impacted by the gospel during camps. Please join with us in praising God for the fruit He has borne through camps in the past year.
• We are incredibly thankful for a new intake of Summit Program trainees for 2023 who started with us in January. Praise God for His provision! Please pray for them as they participate in an intense January training period which seeks to equip them for camping ministry, and as they begin leading on camps in February.
• Throughout Term 1 of 2023, the team is expected to run a total of 43 CRU Educational Camps for over 4,000 campers. This brings many exciting gospel opportunities, and we very much appreciate the partnership we have with the schools that bring their students on camp with us.
• Praise God for the many high school students who lead their CRU Groups. Give thanks for the opportunity these students had to be trained up during termly Inter-CRU events. Pray that the resources and training will be helpful in equipping students to run Bible studies and support their peers, and that the network of student leaders will be a great encouragement to each other.
• Praise God for the many guests who gathered at the CRU West Partnership Dinner in November. The evening was a great encouragement as guests heard about what God has been doing in the lives of many young people in Perth and WA. We thank God for the people who financially partner in this gospel ministry and pray for sustainable growth as we seek to share the gospel with more students on Holiday Camps, School Camps and in schools.
• Praise God for the great joy that the CrossTrain and Quest spring camps were to all who attended. Pray for the campers who heard the gospel for the first time on camp, that they will come to know Jesus as Lord. Thank God for the provision of leaders and cooks, and please pray for these camps as they move to autumn this year.
CRU ® would like to acknowledge a few of the many people who serve and support the work of CRU, so that more kids come to know and love Jesus.
SHARON MOORESharon works part time as Director of Compliance at Meriden School. She has seen CRU make an impact through lunchtime CRU Groups at her childrens’ schools, where it is fun and ‘cool’ to go to the Christian group and to invite friends who may not know much about Jesus.
In January 2022, Sharon joined the CRU Board and looks forward to contributing to CRU’s ministry in this role for years to come.
Sharon enjoyed attending her first CRU Business Lunch and left being encouraged by the strong heritage and future of CRU, its staff and supporters. She met people who had faithfully supported CRU for decades, as well as young, enthusiastic CRU employees, and heard how CRU is changing the lives of young people.
After attending the Lake Mac Open Day, Sharon has decided to volunteer on a camp so she can see it all in action. “Maybe I will be brave enough to do the leap of faith on the climbing tower!” says Sharon.
The work of CRU is important to Sharon because it is making the love of God known to so many children. Sharon sees CRU’s heart for young people in its leadership, staff and volunteers. She also thinks it’s invaluable to train the next generation of Christian leaders to spread the gospel both in and beyond CRU.
We thank God for Sharon, for her involvement with the work God is doing through CRU and on the CRU Board.
Marianna attended and went on to lead the CRU Group at Roseville College, where she was encouraged by the fellowship that students experienced in the group. It was at a combined schools Inter-CRU event that she first heard about Summit.
Marianna now works as a CRU Summit trainee, which involves going on camp each week, hanging out with kids of all ages, running outdoor activities and telling kids about Jesus!
She reflects, “I’ve seen the impact of CRU in the lives of many kids – whether it’s a lightbulb moment where they understand His grace, or a first time commitment to following Jesus, or a simple realisation of their need for Jesus.”
Marianna has seen the importance of CRU both in her own life and in the lives of those around her. Being on school camps each week has forced her to rely on God more and see the power of His work in her growing relationship with Him.
Marianna is so thankful for the role that CRU has played in her own spiritual growth and for the impact it continues to play in the growth of the gospel and glorification of Christ.
We thank God for Marianna, for her commitment to help kids come to know and love Jesus through CRU.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a CRU Summit trainee, please visit www.summitprogram.com.au
Philip attends St Clement’s Anglican Church in Mosman and enjoys volunteering and coffee catch ups. His faith was cemented when he attended Christ Church St Ives and committed his life to Christ.
Philip believes that CRU has an essential mission of sharing Jesus with the next generation. He has been a long term supporter and is delighted to see the impact the new Lake Mac redevelopment is having. He generously supported this project in order to see more kids reached for Christ.
Philip regularly attends the CRU Business Lunch and has hosted a table for many years. He enjoys hearing inspiring testimonies from students and connecting with like-minded people.
Philip sees the importance of remaining in Christ and the crucial role that CRU plays in nurturing young people in their faith.
He shares, “CRU has been such an important Christian voice through camps for such a long time and I look forward to more young people being encouraged in their faith for years to come.”
We thank God for Philip and his passion for the work of CRU, so more kids will come to a lasting faith in Jesus.
• Emily Jones & Ben Matthews – 27 August 2022
• Josie Campbell & Luke Zakris – 17 September 2022
• Anna Owen & Robert Nicholson – 24 September 2022
• Nicole Schabort & Andrew Maynes – 8 December 2022
• Louisa North & Josh Lamb – 10 December 2022
• Cristyn & Josh Sloan – a boy, Angus Paul born 12 October 2022
• Laura & Brett Taylor – a girl, Lily Nell, born 14 November 2022
• Eilish & Zane Garratt - a girl, Haisley Grace born 7 December 2022
• Dr John Collier has been appointed as Head Master of Shore School for the next three years.
• Ben Dixon will be leaving his part time role as Assistant Pastor at Riverstone Baptist Church and will now be working full time at Toongabbie Christian College as a biblical studies teacher in 2023.
• Joanne Fahey finished at Illawarra Christian School at the end of 2022 and will be working as the NSW/ACT State Executive Officer for Christian Education National in 2023.
• Richard Ford has recently moved from being Headmaster at Launceston Church Grammar School to Head of Scots All Saints College, Bathurst.
• Jonathan Graham finished as a chaplain at The Scots College at the end of 2022 and will be a chaplain at Barker College in 2023.
• Alex Koch has been appointed as the new Head of William Clarke College and will commence his role from Term 1, 2023.
• Emma Pfahlert finished at Danebank at the end of 2022 and will be working as the Outreach to Families Minister at Park Road Anglican Church in Carlton.
• Ed Yorston began working as an Assistant Chaplain for The King’s School in Term 4, 2022.
•
• Jaynene Sheraton
Join us at the new CRU® Lake Mac Camp & Conference Centre for your next camp! Perfect for your upcoming leadership retreat, school camp, band camp or church getaway.
Enjoy comfortable ensuite cabins, a leaders’ lounge with a coffee machine, a range of large well-equipped meeting rooms and smaller breakout spaces, and fully catered, delicious meals with panoramic lake views.
Build community and grow confidence with exciting activities such as rock climbing, archery, the challenge course and canoeing, or unwind with lakeside nature walks and beautiful sunsets from our jetty. Also, our adjoining bivouac site is perfect for a camp out experience under the stars!
Just over 60 minutes from Hornsby and Newcastle, the site is set on the picturesque shores of Lake Macquarie with 6.5 hectares of water frontage nd an additional 40 hectares of adjoining bushland.
Find out how CRU Lake Mac can meet your camp needs. Get in touch today – dates are filling up fast.
