EDITORIAL
Kia ora tātou,
My first ever Scripture Union camp was on Pōnui Island more than fifty years ago. Fifty years! I never thought I’d be writing that.
That camp started a journey for me—a journey with Scripture Union, which, over the course of the last fifty years, has been an important part of my faith development. I am incredibly grateful to SUNZ and to the people I have met through its ministries. They have taught me to appreciate the Bible and pray, and given me a way to serve God. They have supported and encouraged and challenged me over the years. Many have become lifelong friends.
As I serve now in my role as National Director, I have the privilege of meeting so many people who are on the same journey with Scripture Union as me. I have come to realise that God uses Scripture Union to shape the faith of many people. You are amongst them, and my prayer for us all is that God will continue to shape us as we continue to seek to follow and serve Jesus.
This issue of the Adventure magazine tells you about a new generation who are on the SUNZ journey too. They are the children and young people who are attending our camps now. You can
hear directly from them as you read their comments on pages 22-23 or as you hear Josh’s reflections on the Bible in Light For The Path. As you read, please pray for them as they seek to discover and follow Jesus and live their relationship with him out in service to the world around them. And if you are able to support us by praying or giving financially to enable us to continue this vital work, we would be very grateful.
Ngā mihi nui,
HILARY HAGUE National Director Scripture Union New Zealand
YOU, O LORD, REIGN FOREVER; YOUR THRONE ENDURES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
PŪMAU TONU KOE, AKE AKE, E IHOWĀ; KO
TŌU TORŌNA KEI TĒRĀ
WHAKATUPURANGA
LAMENTATIONS 5:19
NATALIE DUCHESNE | SUNZ Youth Camps Team Leader
DISCOVER. FOLLOW. SERVE.
DISCOVER
Camps are alive with curiosity! This quality is embedded in the culture of our camps. Questions are welcomed, doubt is considered and explored, encounter and delight with the unexpected happens often.
As the days ebb and flow, and we follow the rhythms of camp, indoors and outdoors, God is found. We’re big on
not separating the physical and spiritual. When we compartmentalise our days, it becomes easy to confine God to the ‘inside.’ “God is present when we sit down, be quiet and listen to someone talk.” While this is true, if it’s constantly reinforced that this is the only time we interact with God, we become accustomed to God being in only one part of our lives.
WHETHER IT’S INTENTIONAL PILGRIMAGE STATIONS IN THE BUSH, OR THE UNEXPECTED WAYS GOD IS REVEALED, DISCOVERY IS HAPPENING ALL DAY LONG.
But no! God is found as we walk in the ngā here (bush) and study the detail of the horoeka trunk, with its grooves unique and strong. God is reflected in the kākā high above us, scoping their surrounds, calling to each other in glee. God is revealed in the conversations had between leader and camper as they hike together. The outdoors offers us rich faith metaphor and encounter. We are discovering Jesus at every turn. Every moment, an opportunity.
Summer Supreme, based at our Adventure Lodge in Whakapapa examples this well. Emphasis is poured into full days of activity—hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One Summer Supreme kayak day on Lake Taupō when we were paddling back to shore, a camper wondered aloud why clouds are different shapes. I could share with him that the shapes and names all point to some significance, affecting our present and our future. If we see cumulus humilis clouds, we know we’re in for a good day, but if we see cirrus clouds, we know a front is coming.
What a cool conversation to have while kayaking and an opportunity of discovery for the camper to observe the clouds and ‘wonder’. This points to us pausing to look ‘up,’ to look to God, and seek wisdom as to how to respond or what to do next.
Whether it’s intentional pilgrimage stations in the bush, or the unexpected ways God is revealed, discovery is happening all day long.
FOLLOW
For the first 24 hours of camp, the focus for our leadership teams is on setting up camp
well. While there’s a lot of information shared over this time, there’s also some invisible intention woven in. Leaders employ their different strengths and gifts to include campers, get to know them, connect them with each other, so a strong and positive camp culture is established.
We always have campers who have either been to camp before, come as they’ve sponsored by their churches, or come from Christian homes. So, what does camp offer them?
It offers depth of faith.
The rhythms of the temporary camp community offer ways to practice and outwork concepts that pertain to a depth of faith. We follow spiritual practices that have been part of the Christian church for centuries. We follow God’s design for our world, for our lives, and explore what living in good community can look like. We follow God in deeper and richer ways.
WE FOLLOW GOD IN DEEPER AND RICHER WAYS.
Over our January 2025 camps, we looked at the topic ‘faith in action’ and looked at a different person in the Bible each day and the ways they put their faith into action. We looked at David who worshipped, Esther standing up for justice, Jesus the servant leader, Paul and his obedience, and Mary who stops and listens. We had five days to practice what these people in Scripture practiced. We could love each other with a blueprint as to how to do it.
I was on Canterbury Wind n’ Water camp and clearly observed it wasn’t just during our intentional teaching times we did this, it was while we were doing the dishes, when we were packing down our sailing boats, it was walking to our water activities spot, it was setting up the tents, it was brushing our teeth together, it was on our day hike, it was all day long. Every moment and opportunity to follow God’s way.
SERVE
While we encourage campers and leaders to serve each other all camp, our camp community is not where service ends! Each of our camps seeks out an opportunity to serve the community around them. This is a great moment to give back to the area that has hosted us so generously that week.
On Sustain camp in Raglan, each day has a learning component, and an element of ‘doing.’ Each mode of ‘doing’ contributes something to the community. The first day we walk into the bush of Karioi maunga (mountain). Campers employ their new knowledge of trapping methods, and they re-bait stations and update the GPS records of the local area.
The second day, we jump into the Tasman Sea enjoying a surf lesson and afterwards wander along the waterfront spying the Oi (grey-faced petrol) nests, picking up rubbish as we do so.
...OUR CAMP COMMUNITY IS NOT WHERE SERVICE ENDS!
The third day, we are hosted at Dreamview Farm, where the view is truly dreamy! We explore the milking shed, have a peek at the Raglan Chocolate factory, hear about the ways these guys employ sustainable farming practice to make their produce, and then help with farm work to support these initiatives and to mihi (pay tribute) to the ways we’ve been hosted.
You can imagine by the end of camp how alive the campers’ imaginations are as to what this could look like when they get home! They are empowered with new knowledge and skills and are excited to get involved in their local community initiatives—all driven by faith. Sometimes my assumptions get in the way and I hold my breath for when we do this mahi (work) for the local community, anticipating our teenagers grumbling, but our campers embrace these practices joyfully to the point where it’s hard to get them to stop giving, giving, giving!
Discover. Follow. Serve. All day long.
CHATS&SNAPS
WHATCANYOUSAYABOUT■CAMP?
CANTERBURY WIND N' WATER
I'm so glad I went, it was one of the best camps I've been to, can't wait till another one. ■ I'm excited to go back next year! ■ Super cool ■ It was amazing ■ It was awesome!
PŌNUI JUNIOR
Keep the camp running ■ Thank you for the camp experience that you created for us. This was the highlight of my holidays. ■ Thank you so much. It was an awesome week,
and I had a great time. ■ Overall, the Pōnui Junior Camp was amazing, and I would go again. Every leader and person were so nice and friendly. ■ I was graduating Pōnui Junior this year, and it was most definitely the best week of my life. I had incredible leaders and the best tent/ buddy group imaginable, I learnt so much and made many memories that I will cherish for years to come.
PŌNUI SENIOR
It was awesome and I can't wait to come back next year! Thank you to the leaders and staff for making it so special for us. ■ I love it so much, and it is so incredibly grounding. I would love to come back as a leader. ■ I really appreciated being out and surrounded in God's creation, and
for the intentional time each day we were given to sit by ourselves, think, and be with God. I also really appreciated the focus during Pōnui Senior to grow relationships and connections within our buddy groups and others campers (like with the place cards at lunch times!), and I am really grateful for the 1-on-1 time I had with my leader. Thank you, guys, so much for all the effort you put in each year into making camp an awesome experience for us! ■ I felt it was such an exciting adventure for me personally. Pōnui Island is a beautiful place to contemplate and slow life down and take in God's wonderful creation. Thank you for the opportunity. ■ 10/10 best week of the year every year.
RAGLAN SURFARI
I loved camp, I find surveys a bit tricky. I am involved
in my church youth group. Camp was a really good faith boost and am super grateful to be able to go. ■
SUMMER SUPREME
He and his friends talked so much when I picked them up and could tell me something spiritually, they would
take away from it. One said it was a better camp than others he has been in before and he could connect well to the Bible portion. Absolutely loved the leaders. ■
TE ANAU
WIND N' WATER
God gave us amazing weather meaning that it was hot and sunny all days except one and that meant we got lots of time to be on the lake and I liked how for the whole second day we got to mostly choose
what activity we were going on and the leaders just monitored that if someone wanted a turn at something that there was an opportunity for them to do that. The leaders also came up with a good back up Plan B for the rainy day. ■ I really love how welcoming everyone was. I didn't feel like people were left out. I really hope Extend Camp will happen next year.
WHAT OTHER TOPICS WOULD YOU LIKE TO LE AR N ABOUT AT CAMP?
Deeper meaning of some things/less common but very important stories. Surviving school. Listening to God. How to enact God’s will in the long run, not just day to day. I would like to look about how the Gospel is talked about in the modern world. Maybe more on how to live our lives as followers of Christ in the little, everyday things? But I'm just eager to learn or hear about anything that CJ or others have on their
heart to share or teach.
How to put all your worries aside and to trust in the Lord completely, and to have that strong, intimate relationship with Him. How to grow a relationship with God.
In the future I would love to learn more about how to share my faith to impact others. Diving deeper into the Bible.
The Holy Spirit. Relevant issues facing modern day Christians. How to read the Bible.
How God leads us through tough times. [The camp leaders] used the hike as something you need God to help you through. Maybe about sacrifice and the different types of sacrifice there are. A lot of teenagers don't understand what this means. Also, the different types of worship to Godnot just singing. We don't always hear about other ways to worship God. Anything. The topics are always so good!
A CHAT WITH Lydia
Lydia Chamley has volunteered as a camp leader on 12 SUNZ youth camps/training events from 2020 to 2025, as well as being on SUNZ ministry staff between June 2021 and February 2022. We chatted to her about being a SUNZ Camp Leader... HOW HAS YOUR OWN leadership BEEN shaped BY PARTICIPATION IN SUNZ TRAINING AND CAMPS?
I have been working with rangatahi all my adult life—both professionally and as a volunteer. The privilege of being a SUNZ camp leader has been a significant part of my personal growth in this space. Over time, I’ve moved from being a leader on camps to team leading them and gaining the confidence to take on more responsibility. SUNZ has been incredibly supportive in that journey, equipping me with everything from learning how to manage health and safety paperwork to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for both campers and leaders. The SUNZ camp staff’s belief in
me as a team leader has empowered me to try new ideas, be creative, and grow in leadership. The recent Team Leader retreat in Huia is a perfect example of the community and support provided by SUNZ. This was an awesome opportunity to connect with other team leaders, share ideas and I have a lot of new things in the works for camp next year as a result. The retreat reminded me that leadership isn't a solo journey. SUNZ camp team has created a sense of community, bringing together people who are no longer in high school but still passionate about youth, faith, and the outdoors. It’s a space where we learn from one another, are encouraged in our faith, and grow through fellowship. I’ve been built into by others, and now I have the privilege of building into others too. This, alongside the campers, is what has kept me coming back, year after year.
YOU’VE BEEN A CAMP LEADER AT OUR SNOW CAMPS AND SURF CAMPS. YOU MUST LOVE THE MOUNTAINS AND THE SEA!
| SUNZ Youth Camps Team Leader
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PARTICULARLY meaningful moments WITH A CAMPER EXPERIENCING THESE ADVENTURES FOR THE FIRST TIME?
To say I love the moana is an understatement (and snow is just frozen water, right? So, what’s not to love!). Every year, we get campers who have never surfed before, and it’s always a highlight to see their face the moment they stand up on a board for the first time. It’s a mix of joy and disbelief, that feeling of “I actually did it!” Surfing is hard work, so even just standing up is a real achievement and builds confidence in such a tangible way.
One camper really stands out in my memory—not because it was her first time surfing, but because of her attitude toward it. Four years ago, I met this camper while she was being dropped off in the car park. She owned her own surfboard and was a semi-capable surfer, but she made it very clear that she did not want to be at Surf Camp (Raglan Surfari) and hated surfing in general. By the end of the second day, something shifted, she appeared to be happy at camp and was even giving surfing a go. By the end of the week, she told me she still didn’t enjoy surfing—but the people, the community, and the camp experience were so good and supportive that she was willing to push herself to get in the water anyway. She returned to surf camp every year until she graduated from high school. That kind of attitude transformation—choosing personal growth and connection over comfort—is something I’ll never forget, and I thank God I got to be part of it.
WHAT changes HAVE YOU OBSERVED OVER THE FIVE YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AS A CAMP LEADER?
Over the past five years, I’ve seen the SUNZ camps become more intentional about incorporating kaitiakitanga into camps. Kaitiakitanga is the Māori principle of guardianship/stewardship of our environment, which encompasses both the physical and cultural aspects of that environment. This has happened on both an organisational level and at each individual camp. For example, the Bible Engagement resources now distinctly connect scripture with creation, reminding us through Jesus’ example that caring for the Earth and its beings is a spiritual responsibility. At Raglan Surfari, we’re also more conscious about reducing waste, everything from using reef-safe shampoo bars to having a food scraps bin which goes to the local chickens.
This connects with another big shift I’ve seen: a deeper recognition of our amazing cooks as part of the camp's ministry team. The kai we eat at camp makes a huge impact on campers and leaders alike. For many, it may be one of the few times they consistently eat nutritious, home-cooked meals that sustain their body and are sustainably made for our planet. Recently, there has been an effort in professional development for SUNZ camp cooks which supports the overall quality and sustainability of camp life. More and more, our cooks are included not just in the kitchen, but in prayer times, fun activities, and storytelling. For some campers, learning to help in the kitchen becomes a key part of their camp
Lydia and the Raglan Surfari Camp leadership team.
SUNZ’s Bible Engagement resources really stand out because they’re designed with a wide range of learning styles in mind. Whether it’s through creative expression, hands-on adventure, games, or reflective discussion, the content is made to be presented in diverse ways. At Raglan Surfari, we have a different leader share the main Bible Engagement content each day. That variety means every camper
connects deeply with at least one day’s message, often in a way that feels tailormade for them.
I’ve also had the privilege of helping develop some of the resources, and I truly believe the Holy Spirit works through the entire process, from the writing to the conversations that unfold at camp. And isn’t it amazing that God speaks something unique into each camper’s heart?
YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH generous DONATIONS FROM SUNZ supporters. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TO KNOW?
It’s hard to put into words just how much of an impact your generosity makes. A few paragraphs in a magazine can’t fully express the life-changing experiences we see unfold at camp, but I want you to know this: God is working, through us and sometimes despite us, to reach young people in real and personal ways.
Your donations make it possible for us to create spaces where teenagers can ask honest questions about faith, meet peers who follow Jesus, and encounter God in a setting that’s open, welcoming, and deeply grounded in love. Thank you for believing in this ministry and investing in the next generation. We couldn’t do it without you. If ever you have plans to be in Raglan around our camp dates, reach out to me! We love having guest speakers come and visit.
WANT TO connect WITH LYDIA? CHAMLEYLYDIA@GMAIL.COM
AWESOME DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS! HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES
Re: Holiday Programme
From: Janet Rutherford
Sent: Monday, 9 June 2025 12:10 PM
Nigel Winder, Children & Families consultant for Otago-Southland, helped Wakatipu Presbyterians put together a holiday programme in April 2025. The parish also purchased devotional activity books from SUNZ for each child who attended. Can SUNZ help your church run a programme?
To: Nigel Winder <Nigel.Winder@sunz.org.nz>
Subject: Holiday Programme
To whom it may concern.
Contact our Children & Families team to find out more, or email chifam.admin@sunz.org.nz
I am an elder at St Margaret’s Presbyterian Church in Frankton, Queenstown. We decided that we wanted to have a holiday programme in the April school holidays. However, we didn't feel comfortable that we had anyone to organise it. We were very fortunate that Nigel was able to come and stay in Queenstown and run the programme.
He instructed a training course for us on Monday 14 April and ran the Polar Explorers programme with the children on the 15,16 and 17 April. He had a huge amount to share with the children and provided us with everything
Here at Scripture Union, we want to help churches connect well with their local communities through intentionally building relationships in their local area. One way to do this is through holiday programmes.
Holiday programmes are a great way of providing safe and meaningful activities for children to engage with during the school holidays. They’re also a welcome relief for parents who never seem to have enough annual leave to cover all the weeks their children have off school. Whatever the reason, we consider them a valuable tool for building churches and communities, and for that building to be done together.
The benefits of running a holiday programme are numerous. Obviously, there is the kingdom building aspects of children and their families hearing about Jesus and growing in their faith.
But other benefits include growing and developing a team, growing a sense of mission and a whole church vision, making intergenerational connections within the church community, building relationships with other churches, and helping churches think about their wider approach to children and families ministry.
In this edition of the Kia Tipu (formerly WAY2GO) magazine, we will look at some of the nuts and bolts of running holiday programmes and highlight some great material you can use.
Liz Eichler
SUNZ CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TEAM LEADER
CHECK OUT OUR IDEAS! PULL IT OUT! AND PASS IT AROUND
RUNNING A HOLIDAY PROGRAMME tiPs Top10
1
Pray together. Ask God what he wants you to share from the Bible and with whom. This will bring a correct focus from the start.
2 Plan well in advance. Do your best to stick to deadlines!
3 Communicate Ensure you share, plan, and reflect together.
4 Publicise in good time. Don’t rush this, but don’t leave it too late either.
5
Build a good team. Plan together, invite people to take on specific roles and be clear about them.
6 Involve the church. Ask the church to be involved before, during and after the event.
7 Watch the children. Are they enjoying it? Are they joining in?
8 Double-check everything for safety. Consider team issues, allergies, venue, crafts, electrics,
fire, child protection, insurance, health and safety policies (all team members police checked).
9 Keep it simple and flexible. Flexibility is not a failure, it’s a strength!
10 Enjoy yourselves! Talk to the children and the team members about what they are enjoying too.
There are lots of different elements to a Holiday Programme. Some of this will depend on your budget and some on who you have in your team to lead it.
what To INclude .
R BIBLE STORIES AND HOW TO READ THE BIBLE (RESOURCES – BIBLE AND BIBLE READING GUIDES)
R TESTIMONIES
R MEMORY VERSES
R CRAFTS
R GAMES
R SINGING
R PRAYER AND RESPONSE
R SMALL GROUP TIMES
R FOOD
R NAMETAGS
R CONSIDER DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES
R DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP POLICY
Wright, N.T., (2024), God’s Big Picture Storybook, Tommy Nelson
RESOURCES
Scripture Union has lots of Holiday Programme ideas and we are here to help you, whether you’ve never run one before or you’re looking for some new material. Ask us.
DIARY OF A DISCIPLE –LUKE’S STORY
A 3-to-5day holiday club based on Luke’s Gospel. This programme makes use of the book Diary of a Disciple: Luke’s Story, which has proved really popular with children and extremely helpful in encouraging them in reading about the life of Jesus. Recognising that families have busy lives and many churches are now running shorter programmes, this resource contains material for 3 days, with a further two days material available online. $28
TEAMBUILDERS
Is a 7-day programme which includes an opening service, five days’ worth of programme and a Sweaty Church session to close. Whatever your level of sporting talent, you’ll find your place at TeamBuilders. God’s team needs everyone, along with their different gifts, to function together and discover the amazing truth about Jesus! $20
BACKPACKERS
Like TeamBuilders, there’s enough material here for a five-day programme plus opening and closing services. As they journey,
children will uncover what happened during Jesus’ final week with his friends. They’ll travel with him to Jerusalem and explore what his death and resurrection mean to people everywhere. $20 WONDERZONE
Discovering God’s wonderful world. Join the Lab and explore some great scientific discoveries. Find out who God is and how exploring science and following him can go hand in hand. Through their explorations, the children discover the wonders of the world and beyond, and how the God behind it all wants to get to know them too. $28
LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES AND INSPIRATION? Check out our SUNZ Children and Families blogspot and Breakthrough websites childrenandfamiliesnz.blogspot.com | sunzbreakthrough.squarespace.com
PŌNUI FISHING
ADVENTURE
ELI SAVILL | SUNZ Youth Consultant, Waikato
In the autumn school holidays, Pōnui Island was taken over by a group of young keen fishermen, ready to chase two great things—fishing and discovering more about Jesus.
This year’s SUNZ Pōnui Fishing Adventure was on April 12-16, with 25 young men between the ages of 13-18 join us on this fun camp. We also had a large team of leaders made up of skippers, cooks and helpers. Most of these leaders were aged 50+ and allowed for the unique opportunity for these well-experienced Christians to impart wisdom to the young fishermen.
One of the amazing things that happened was having both my father and nephew join this camp. I asked my Dad why he joined us:
“My involvement was inspired by my grandson, Riley, who talked about how much fun fishing camp was and how he was inspired by an older leader. He said 'Poppa, will you come and bring the boat?' I was reminded how many ISCF camps I went on and how they drew me to a close relationship with God. I had been on Pōnui Island as my family were friends with the Chamberlins, so I did know it was a pretty special place. I am blessed with five sons, and I now have 13 grandchildren. I have time to spend with them, and I want them to come to know the Lord. I have also been a youth pastor and see these camps as wonderful places to reach out to young boys. I love fishing and so it was an easy fit for me. Youth today live very busy lives and fishing is a place you can
connect with them. Yes, I would help on another camp, and I have encouraged friends to get involved. Parents today are often struggling with their work life and family needs. As a grandfather, I have more time to spend with these youth, sharing about God and His creation.” —Ross Savill
Our camp leadership team had the opportunity to share about their personal faith and experiences during our daily Bible engagement time. They shared key Scripture that had helped them. The boys loved hearing their stories and always had heaps of questions.
We are there to help young men discover Jesus and become lifelong followers of Him—if we're lucky, we might catch some fish at the same time (which we did!). Fishing gave us the opportunity for us to build connection. It was so good for the boys to swap their phones for fishing rods and real conversation about faith.
So, my question is,
how can you help the next generation to discover Jesus?
Note from SUNZ
Our 2025 fishing camp had to end a day early due to wild weather. Despite this, the boys had an awesome time. A highlight was eating fish for breakfast and reading the Gone Fishin’ story from John 21.
WE ARE THERE TO HELP YOUNG MEN DISCOVER JESUS AND BECOME LIFELONG FOLLOWERS OF HIM—IF WE'RE LUCKY, WE MIGHT CATCH SOME FISH AT THE SAME TIME
On a still autumn morning, our group of excited and nervous
Year 11-14 girls gathered at Kawakawa Bay for the barge across to Pōnui Island for Wild Wāhine. We chatted and laughed and helped each other to unload and set up camp.
As with any good pilgrimage, our first step was to pause and consider, where have we come from? How are we feeling? What have we brought with us, and within us? We took time alone to journal these thoughts into our new waterproof notebooks.
We then headed off to learn some map-reading and navigation skills. We found previously hidden items using maps in the sand, learned how to read
topographical maps, and navigated our way to a nearby hilltop to practice taking bearings to different points on the island.
Now well-equipped with the skills needed to find our way around the island, it was time to dive into the next station of our pilgrimage, placing our guiding Scripture (the story of Palm Sunday) within the bigger story of the Bible. Sticks, rocks, leaves and sand were all put to creative use as sculptures in a way to discover the significance of Scripture in the light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
We spent our evening cooking nachos over camp stoves, playing cards by the light of our head torches and treating ourselves to hot drinks and chocolate biscuits before an early bedtime.
CAITLIN JANES | SUNZ Youth Camps North Island Facilitator
The next morning dawned with a clear sky and crisp air as we prepared for a big day of hiking. It was a steep climb from the bay, with map reading checks to make sure we were heading in the right direction. Before getting to the trig, we paused for the third station of our pilgrimage. Basking in the mid-morning sun, we imagined being in the crowd as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The story was delightfully illustrated as one of the Pōnui donkeys soon found us!
Hiking on, we enjoyed a short celebration at the highest point of the island before venturing down to an eastern bay for a picnic lunch. Our fourth pilgrimage station was for Lectio Divina. We entered the ancient practice of slowly reading Scripture three times, pausing to reflect after each reading.
Spirits remained high on this beautiful day as we journeyed through Pōnui’s beautiful native bush. We collapsed in a heap back at camp, feeling immensely proud of our achievement.
We had one more stop on our pilgrimage journey for the evening—an extended time in silence and solitude, reflecting on all that God had been saying to us that day. What a gift to have an opportunity to pause, reflect and enjoy the sun setting over the water.
After another joyful night of kai and games, our alarms woke us to a cold, dark morning. Layered up and rubbing our eyes, we set off to a peak on the eastern side of the island, guided by headtorches and the first light of the morning. Our reward was a beautiful sunrise, the perfect setting for our breakfast and morning prayers!
Back at camp, we reflected on all that we had experienced throughout the weekend by engaging with our final pilgrimage station. We were challenged to create a piece of natural jewellery, using only twine and what we could find around us, to represent something that had stood out to us on our journey, both through the whenua and through our Palm Sunday reflection. What a joy to hear significant reflections from campers as they showed their creativity.
It was now time to pack up for the journey home. Although our short time as a community was ending, we were reminded that our pilgrimage was also an opportunity to look forward. We took time to consider how God had spoken to us over the weekend, and how we might live differently as a result. With all these thoughts captured in our notebooks, we said hei kōna rā , but we were ready to go and put all of this in action back in our own communities.
..WE WERE REMINDED THAT OUR PILGRIMAGE WAS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK FORWARD.
Light
for the path
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13
Ihave always loved simple solutions, especially finding fast ways to solve problems. Even now, I catch myself directing and curating conversations with others. When you are correct, you seem sharp and witty. When you assess the situation incorrectly, you come across as brash and arrogant.
This tendency becomes particularly challenging when sharing our faith. As a young believer in our noisy, mediasaturated world where the loudest voices capture attention, it's easy to fall into playing the game of bigger-and-better. I have been reflecting deeply on our approach to outreach. My intuition is that Christians have forgotten how to earn the right to share the gospel with people.
Here are two crucial ways I think Proverbs 18:13 challenges our outreach.
First, in how we must listen to our communities before answering with the gospel. The variety of services our churches and para-church organizations provide through food banks, home groups, extra study, and outdoor adventure camps—like those SUNZ facilitate—are exactly the places where we can practice this listening. We must genuinely hear people’s needs,
struggles, and stories before responding with the overwhelming joy of the gospel. True outreach begins with open ears, not open mouths.
Second, we must listen carefully to Christ to sustain our own faith. Hebrews 2:1 reminds us, 'We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.' In our eagerness to speak the truth to others, we can neglect listening to the One who sustains us on this journey. This means creating quiet spaces for Scripture, prayer, and reflection and asking not just 'what should I say?' but 'what is He saying?'
To whom are we really listening? In a world of competing voices, the discipline of attention becomes an act of worship. Listening then becomes a refreshing act of love. God created us with the capacity to listen perhaps so we can truly hear both our communities’ deepest needs and His voice calling us forward.
Let us challenge ourselves: Can we resist the urge to give a quick answer? Can we delight in creating space for others to be heard before we share what we know? And can we begin to relish quiet moments to truly listen to the One who first listened to us? In a world of noise, our listening ears might just be the most powerful tool we have for authentic ministry.
JOSH LARKING
| SUNZ Camp Leader, Pōnui Senior and Camp Mission
Meet Josh
Kia Ora SUNZ family! I’m Josh Larking, born and bred in the big smoke of Auckland to expat parents. My wife Renee & I are currently based in Whitianga. I am a testament to the sheer industry and toil of believers for decades in sustaining the incredible Scripture Union camps in New Zealand. I owe so much to summer camps on Pōnui Island which were my first tastes of the fruit of a life lived with and for Jesus. It was at camp that I gained the confidence to seek out a church community to call home, and later, become a born-again believer.
Now I have the privilege of serving as a camp leader on Pōnui Senior and Camp Mission. This is really what we set out to cultivate in the lives of young people - that same transformative engagement with Jesus that changed my life. Camp Mission is a discipleship camp focused on developing young men’s love of
THERE’S SOMETHING POWERFUL ABOUT COMBINING FAITH WITH THE OUTDOORS...
Jesus through adventure and outdoor experiences. There’s something powerful about combining faith with the outdoors that open the eyes and heart to the magnitude and wonder of God.
While faith invites challenging circumstances into life, it also nurtures the resolve necessary to persevere. The Covid lockdowns felt as if they extinguished the plans I’d prepared for. It was only by the grace of God in giving me an identity in Him, separate from the outcomes of this life, that I have been inspired to keep going.
When I’m not at camp or work, you’ll find me with my nose in a C.S. Lewis book, strumming my guitar, or enjoying the outdoors with Renee. So, thank you for tuning in; I’m so excited to see how God continues to work through Scripture Union in the lives of young people across Aotearoa New Zealand.
OUT & ABOUT
Please check out the News and Stories section on our website www.sunz.org.nz for more information.
SAVE THE DATE: 9 SEPTEMBER FOR OUR ONLINE AGM
Jim & Diane lead our Ashburton prayer group meeting on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Jim admitted the numbers have declined. They still pray faithfully. Prayer is a passion for Jim, and he loves to pray the Scriptures 'as it is written.'
Jayden Meads visited on 15 May. He was so appreciative of the time and is keen to grow more connections in this area.
Jim grew up on a farm in South Otago. He worked on the home farm and started helping as a SUNZ leader aged 20, at Kaka Point holiday programme (as co-leader).
At first, Jim wondered why he was wasting his summer holiday time, but he loved it. Serving God became the greatest thing. Jim also led Scripture Union camps at Pounawea and Frankton.
His desire to serve God led him into ministry, and his first parish was at Wallacetown, Invercargill where he met Diane. Her first interaction with Scripture Union was at Pigeon Bay camp in the 1980s while she was at university.
Jim is appreciative of SUNZ’s ministry to youth, particularly our camps and mentoring programmes. We asked Jim what his 20-year-old self would say to a young person today, 'Be serious about God. He is worth it.'
MAY / JUNE / JULY MEI / HUNE / HŪRAE
Grace MatraversRock, Children & Families
Admin and Patrick San Jose, SUNZ volunteer were the MC’s at Kia Tipu Auckland.
Kia Tipu conferences were successfully completed by our Children & Families team. In total, 192 attended the 10 May, 24 May, and 7 June events. Our sincere thanks to 35 helpers and many more supporters who donated towards the cost of running Kia Tipu.
Liz Eichler, Team Leader, was delighted to say YES! to a special request to run an extra Kia Tipu event in Whanganui on Saturday 6 September. More information at sunz.org.nz/children-families/kia-tipu/ kia-tipu-conference-2025/
Meshach Singh, Marketing Manager, said YES! too. He & Rea Campang were married on 17 May. Meshach will be on honeymoon leave 15-29 August.
SUNZ also publish Prayer Adventure bi-monthly prayer points, available on our website sunz.org.nz/ prayer-adventure/
The SUNZ Board met in Wellington 6-7 June. We treated them to delicious muffins made by Wellington City Mission (next door to our national office). Please pray for our Board members.
Our Youth Camps Team met in Christchurch, 9-11 June, for an intensive 3-day plan. Here’s Donna Beech, Camps Admin in her element, scheduling the 2026 camps!
SU Adventure Lodge, Whakapapa was closed for the long-awaited and generously funded bathroom renovation. Builder Grant Molloy, Plumber Ian McLaughlin and a team stayed at the Lodge to undertake this work in time for our July snow camps. We are humbled and grateful for the Hunt Foundation and other donors who have made this
possible. And to Hana Leofo, Operations Manager who has managed this, including providing home baking for the building team.
Our Finance Team weathered the annual audit 3-9 June. Peilin Cheng, Fundraising Manager is overseeing the Annual Review 2024-2025 which will be uploaded to our website at the end of July. Peilin also planned our Staff Appeal for three key ministry staff. We are so blessed by donors who responded to this, including through our Prayer Adventure publication (issued bi-monthly). Thank you!
Bible reading guides (July-September issue) were despatched on 13 June, delayed due to the rainy, wintry weather.
Hilary Hague, National Director enjoyed well-deserved annual leave 27 June – 7 July. Natalie Duchesne, Youth Camps Team Leader is on extended hybrid leave 7 July – 19 September.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER ĀKUHATA / HEPETEMA
Gather South is on 15-17 and Gather North on 22-24 August. Children & Families Team hui 18-21 August. Neville & Kerran Bartley, Youth Team Leader are away 18 August – 29 September, on a gifted trip to Europe to attend a wedding. They are delighted with the treat and opportunity for a holiday.
SUNZ Spring Camps
20-24 Sep | Going Deeper
21-25 Sep | Snow Blast and Gain
22-26 Sep | Creative Edge and SUPAkidz Southland
27 Sep - 1 Oct | Pōnui Spring Adventure
28 Sep - 2 Oct | Sustain and Hanmer Explorers
SUNZ CAMPS CHANGE LIVES!
YOUTH
YOUR DONATIONS CHANGE LIVES!
Our vision is to see children and young people in New Zealand transformed by Jesus! SUNZ camps help children and young people journey into a deeper relationship with their Saviour.
BEFORE CAMP AFTER CAMP
“I find it really hard to read the Bible and connect with it.”
“I’m eager to learn about how to live as a follower of Christ in the little, everyday things.”
“Every time I’m at camp, and for weeks after, I can’t put my Bible down—it’s so engaging! It makes me feel a lot of joy when I read it.”
“I learned so much and made many memories that I will cherish for years to come.”
“I am involved in my church youth group. Camp was a really good faith boost.”
Donate online at sunz.org.nz/donate-adventure or in other ways on the next page.
Our vision is to see children and young people transformed by Jesus! We need your help to maintain this ministry!
$50 will subsidise the cost of camp for a young person to attend
$120 will help provide training for new camp leaders
$300 will support Bible engagement resources for SUNZ camps
Transfer to Account 02-0560-0036204-00 with reference ADV0725 and your supporter number (you’ll find this along with your address on the cover letter).
Set up an Automatic Payment to Account 02-0560-0036204-003 and include your supporter number and ADV0725 in the reference.
SUNZ are no longer including reply paid envelopes with the ADVENTURE as part of our effort to be sustainable and good stewards of resources we are blessed with. We continue to receive donations by mail, but please use your own envelope. See above for other ways to give. Thank you!
If this is your first financial gift to SUNZ, please email accounts@sunz.org.nz with the details of your donation—this enables us to thank you and send you a tax receipt.
CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF E3
E3 is a wilderness expedition for school students (Year 12-13) and young adults (aged 19-25) who want to explore the wilderness of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Boost your confidence, grow your leadership skills, develop your faith, and be immersed in God’s creation.
THERE ARE 4 EXCITING EXPEDITIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
BAY OF ISLANDS | Sea kayaking around the Bay of Islands (start/end at Waitangi), plus a tramp to the iconic Cape Brett lighthouse with its spectacular 360° views.
Year 12-13 | 11 days | 9-20 December 2025
CANTERBURY | Tramping through Lewis Pass, mountain biking the Canterbury high country and then rafting on the tranquil Clarence River (pictured photo).
Year 12-13 | 11 days | 9-20 December 2025
Our expeditions are 7-11 days of outdoor adventure, camping, sleeping under the stars, cooking, campfires, and enjoying the beauty of nature and the company of others. FIND
OTAGO | Tramping the alpine passes in Aspiring National Park, kayaking down the beautiful Makarora River to Lake Wānaka, then mountain biking into Wānaka.
Year 12-13 | 11 days | 9-20 December 2025
MACKENZIE BASIN | Biking along the ‘Alps to Ocean’ trail, kayaking Lake Ōhau, then some off-track tramping through the stunning Canterbury high country.
Young Adults 19-25 | 7 days | 9-15 February 2026
A5 size notebooks with 30 Bible verses (from ESV) on the themes of Faith, Hope, Grace. These journals are stitch-bound, with 61 lined pages.
Each of these Bible reading guides has 3 months of daily readings and reflections on consecutive Bible passages. Daily Bread provides a commentary and Encounter with God offers a more in-depth study. The content is written by an international team of Christian writers, edited by Scripture Union England & Wales. The books are designed and printed in Wellington. Your purchase helps fund our resources ministry. Both issues are also available as pdf downloads
