Scripture Union’s camps hold a special place for many of us, and reflections like this below capture the heart of what they are about:
I loved the focus on God in the morning with quiet time, worship, the session, solo time, and small groups, as it made God the centre of our day and brought Him into the space as the day continued.
On SUNZ camps, faith is formed as God invites us into creation—a place of adventure, discovery, and connection, not only with one another but with the Lord who made it all.
This issue celebrates the many people who are part of our camps, and you may well be amongst them. Whether you are a young person spending your first night in a tent, a parent or volunteer serving as a leader, or someone supporting camps through practical help, donations, or faithful prayer behind the scenes, you matter. Each of you plays a part in what God is doing through our camping ministry.
As you read this issue of Adventure, please give thanks and pray that young people will encounter God, that leaders will be encouraged and sustained, and that every camp will be a place where faith is nurtured and lives are shaped.
Ngā mihi nui,
HILARY HAGUE National Director Scripture Union New Zealand
YOUTH CAMPS Team MEET THE SUNZ
Let the beauty and delightfulness and favour of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands - yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it.—Psalm 90:17 (AMPC)
Ā hei runga i a mātou te ātaahua o Ihowā, o tō mātou Atua: whakapūmautia anō ki a mātou te mahi a ō mātou ringa; āe rā, te mahi a ō mātou ringa, whakapūmautia e koe.
Natalie Duchesne
National Youth Camps Team Leader
Jayden Meads Southern Camps facilitator
Lydia Rennie Central Camps facilitator
NEeDED
Northern Camps facilitator
Our SUNZ Youth Camps team are living out the prayer and promise of Psalm 90:17—expanding their ministry by growing camps, leaders and campers across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Please be part of our camping ministry and help us grow lifelong disciples of Jesus who serve the world around them.
EMAIL camps@sunz.org.nz
PHONE 04 385 0485 or 04 928 0472
Scan qr code to donate or visit sunz.org.nz/ donate-now
Donna Beech Camps Administrator
GENERATIONS TO A THOUSAND
JENNY MACKIE | SUNZ Supporter and Alumni Coordinator, Laidlaw College
HILARY HAGUE | SUNZ National Director
He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him.—Deuteronomy 7:9
When you look at Scripture Union New Zealand, you see something special—families who have been involved for many years. SUNZ is full of people who became involved as children or young people and then moved into volunteering and leadership, deepening their commitment and influence within the movement. Many remain engaged into later seasons of life, creating a rich tapestry of shared experience, wisdom, and continuity that strengthens the whole community. This multigenerational involvement is a visible outworking of God’s covenant faithfulness, as described in Deuteronomy 7:9, where His love extends across generations.
This ongoing participation strengthens family bonds and faith. Younger members grow up
observing the dedication and spiritual commitment demonstrated by older generations, while older members find renewed purpose in guiding and investing in youth. Shared achievements become treasured family memories that deepen connection and identity. The result is a living legacy where love for God and values of service, commitment and faith is consistently modelled in everyday actions as each generation learns to love and follow God for themselves. What Deuteronomy declares in promise is seen in practice within SUNZ, as families become a living testimony of God’s enduring faithfulness.
This intergenerational dynamic also
builds strong leadership pathways. Young people who have grown up in the movement often step naturally into leadership roles, already shaped by years of observation and participation. They are supported by those who have gone before them and in this way, leadership is not simply appointed but cultivated over time within a supportive community. This deep-rooted sense of belonging fosters unity and a shared vision. It ensures that the impact of SUNZ extends well beyond individual involvement into lifelong influence, bearing witness to God. Love, commitment, and purpose ripple across generations, leaving a legacy that continues to grow and inspire.
This pattern of generational faithfulness is clear in the Stewart family. When Harvey Stewart paddled into Home Bay on Pōnui Island at his first Crusader’s Canoe camp in 1962, little did he know this island, and Scripture Union, would play a significant role in his adult life. In the late 1970s Harvey took on the role of Pōnui Camp Maintenance Coordinator. Over the next 50 years he and wife, Margaret, organised yearly work parties, oversaw special projects, the summer camps tent set up and pack downs, and completed many maintenance tasks around the site.
In the early 1980s Harvey and Margaret pioneered the Family Camp, directing that camp off and on for the next 20 years.
Harvey & Margaret Stewart and family
They then morphed into helping run the Bible Study camp. Beyond Pōnui, Margaret served on the SU Council, the Auckland Regional Executive, and the Starship Children’s Church for two decades.
The voluntary service continued into the next generation. Daughters, Heather and Keryn and their husbands, cooked for the Family camp and annual work parties for many years. Son-in-law, Phil, recently picked up Harvey’s mantle as Maintenance Coordinator. Grandchildren are SU campers, and granddaughter Hanna led on a SUPAkidz camp and helped in the kitchen at this year’s Pōnui Junior camp.
Their story is just one example of many in our Scripture Union family who have faithfully served across generations. SU camps and events would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. We are grateful.
LOVE, COMMITMENT, AND PURPOSE RIPPLE ACROSS GENERATIONS, LEAVING A LEGACY THAT CONTINUES TO GROW AND INSPIRE
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
NATALIE DUCHESNE | SUNZ National Youth Camps Leader
Developing our Bible engagement material each year is a significant focus for our camps ministry team. We start with discernment of what theme we should focus on for the next four seasons of youth camps—this is done prayerfully and in response to the needs we have observed on camps and the feedback collated from our rangatahi post-camp.
ON SUNZ CAMPS
Within each of our Bible engagement resources, we explore the theme within the arc of Scripture. This tells a unified story...
Creation | God creates all things with unique purposes and calls them good
The Fall | Disobeying God and the brokenness that has entered the world
Redemption | Jesus came to earth to restore all of creation
Restoration | We are called to contribute to God’s Kingdom here on earth
This year we are exploring ‘The Basics’— looking at prayer and how to read Scripture. This is to invite people into relationship with God (Discover), to equip our young people with the tools needed to sustain lifelong faith (Follow), and to then inspire action as they engage with the world around them (Serve).
This is mostly rangatahi led. Here are some of the things we’ve heard from our young people when asked 'what other topics would you like to learn about on camp?'
How to study the Bible, like where to start if I want to read it and how to understand some passages.
I think learning some ways to pray aloud (obviously there's no right or wrong) but personally I would like to be more confident in what I'm saying when I pray out loud and feel less like I'm rambling!
How to learn from the Word and take it into everyday life.
Sabbath | We can live out our faith now, and it also extends beyond this life into eternity.
By facilitating faith formation within this arc, we are ensuring that young people who have never opened Scripture before encounter Christ within the pages of the Bible and hear the larger story of Scripture. For those who have a faith background, our hope is that they will go deeper in their understanding and commitment to Christ.
Join us as we continue to pray for Aotearoa’s young people and their encounter and relationship with Jesus on Scripture Union youth camps.
DISCOVER – FOLLOW - SERVE
Well, camp
"Well, this camp literally changed my life. I have never felt so connected to God. I really liked quiet time; I don’t normally have time to pause and reflect so that was nice. I learnt a lot about myself and discovered new strengths. I learned that God doesn’t make things easy for you, that’s not what being a Christian is. He provides you with support and he is a firm foundation. I learned a lot about the Bible; I haven’t really read it before."
"Camp studies gave me new insight. I felt so comfortable to discuss Scripture with my leader and tent group and I had some eyeopening and impactful encounters during the week which have encouraged and grown me."
"Even in busy times it’s important to stop and notice all your blessings and God’s presence."
"I learned that a big part of being a Christian is othersserving and helping them grow in their faith."
"I learned how Jesus’ teachings link withreal lessonslife . "
"I learned that quiet time with God is very important. "
"I liked hearing other’s testimonies; it helped me to put my life in perspective. I learned how to read the Bible deeper and get meaning out of Jesus's parables.."
"I now know I can completely rely on and trust God’s wisdom."
"Taught me more about wisdom and that I can count on Jesus anytime. It has affected my life by showing me that everyone I see is someone that Jesus saw worthiness to die for and I should treat everyone with the love and kindness Jesus has shown me."
"How to have more in depth conversations with my friends about the gospel. This has shown me the importance of knowing these things and helped me to understand Jesus’s character and live more in his ways."
Thank you for supporting safe, fun, faith-filled SUNZ camps where children and young people explore Scripture and discover who they are in Jesus Christ.
$50 will subsidise the cost of camp for a young person
$120 will help provide training for new camp leaders
Your donation will help SUNZ Youth Camps team serve and live out the promise of Psalm 90:17 “This camp changed my life. I have never felt so connected to God, and this really felt like the start of my own journey through faith.”
$300 will support Bible engagement resources
CHURCH
sp tlight
Eden Bloore
How do you describe Pōnui Junior (Jan 2026) camp?
It's the vibe. Everyone's so nice, it feels like one big family. It’s a good balance of deep, meaningful moments and fun moments. And that made you feel so much closer to everyone and it's really cool.
Why do you think it helps you get so close?
I felt like I was going on my own faith journey, everyone else was as well yet it connected all of us. [At the start some campers acted too cool for camp and didn’t always engage] but the difference between the first and last worship nights was crazy. We had candlelit worship, everyone was singing so loud, with arms up; it felt so special, and it was really cool to see the difference.
What other highlights do you have from camp?
Everything was so fun. I won the paint tag for my team. I was stoked, normally I am not good at competitive games. The leaders and campers didn’t make you feel sad or excluded.
NATALIE DUCHESNE
| SUNZ National Youth Camps Leader HAS A CHAT WITH ST PAUL’S AUCKLAND YOUTH GROUP ABOUT SUNZ CAMPS...
There was a music game from Hannah (a camp leader) which could have been intense, but she cleverly made it really funny. The overnight camp was fun. Our leader (Lilly) was amazing, she got us involved in all the activities. By the end of camp I felt I’d known her my entire life. In small group time, we'd be able to talk deeply about stuff. And after Georgia (camp team leader) announced ‘lights out’, we’d quietly keep talking. It helped as I did feel a bit homesick, and I wasn’t the only one.
Wow, what else did you learn about yourself?
I'm not very good in social situations. But the long 7-day camp forces you to be less scared in a new setting. It’s actually really good and helped grow my confidence.
What did you learn about God during the week?
Caitlin talked about how wisdom is knowing the right thing to do and doing it. We got a little journal to read and take notes in. We did a lot of games woven to this theme; she was showing us what she was saying as well. Every day, it was a different perspective and in small groups we could talk more about this. We talked about Jesus’ parables and how they applied to us, and yeah, it was really cool.
What would you say has shifted or changed for you?
Well, I feel like it's my own Christian faith and my journey with God. It feels less like I'm following exactly what my parents have done. I'm praying because I know God and I can talk to God, not because everyone else is praying with God, you know? Yeah, and I think my friends had that same, hard to explain, difference. There were 12 of us from St Paul’s but we were mostly in separate tents on camp. A few had been Pōnui campers before, but when we came back, our youth group dynamic had the same PJ vibe, and prayer time felt more significant and we have shared memories which makes me feel more included in youth and church.
Are you hoping to go to another camp?
Yes, I want to go to Pōnui next year even though I know it will be a different vibe because our group will have changed, but I'm still looking forward to it. I felt sad on the way home, but we were singing worship music on the barge, and I had more confidence to talk to others.
Chari Shields
Chari attended Pōnui Junior Jan 2025 and 2026. She grew up with stories and connections to Pōnui Island. Her father had an incredible experience at camp and returned as a leader on both Pōnui Junior and Senior. He met some of his closest friends there. Chari’s mother’s uncle, David Chamberlin lives on the island.
St Paul's Auckland Youth Group
Chari explains PJ as 'seven days on a private island, just off the coast of Auckland, where you tent, go on hikes, grow closer to God through worship and discussion. You have small groups and you grow closer with your friends. It challenged me.'
How has PJ impacted your friendships post-camp?
We shared our testimonies on the buddy overnighter. We’re a lot closer now. I know their stories and how they came to faith. We do Bible studies on Sunday before church, a practice which came out of when we did our quiet times on the island.
How did you grow closer to God?
I got to experience God in creation, like, He designed every blade of grass, every grain of sand that I'm walking on. Hearing the testimonies was just incredible. I now feel like I look at things differently. My school friends are stressing about exams, but I can step away from that and like, it's not the biggest thing in my world.
Do you have a camp highlight?
The island environment is just so cool and all the leaders and campers are really amazing. Last year I felt a bit scared, but this time, I knew so many more campers. We had a great buddy group, and it was really cool.
see page 19 for another St Paul's Youth
CAMP leaders&helpers
Caitlin & Jayden asked SUNZ camp leaders a few questions—What does your Monday-to-Friday typically look like? What first drew you to becoming a leader with SUNZ? What do you love about leading and helping on SUNZ camps?
ailis
I am an auditor and my weekdays start early by running or cycling to work, then a morning prayer walk, a habit learned at Venn. I was greatly impacted on SUNZ camps as a teenager, and I wanted to give that back. I lead alongside amazing people who were my camp leaders and are now cherished friends. I love everything about SUNZ and its ministry for young people.
SUNZ camp is a safe environment to be unapologetically, loudly and authentically in love with Jesus. The supportive, loving environment, the worship, and special friendships. Plus, I love the outdoors!
Seeing campers grow their depth of prayer and sincere care for each other. That’s why I help, to see kids gain confidence in their faith and prayer, and make lifelong, meaningful connections.
reuben
As an outdoor instructor, I explore God’s beautiful creation from Bay of Islands to Tongariro. A friend invited me to join the leadership group on Summer Supreme Jan’24. I had a great time. I love the sense of community and the way SUNZ takes conversations about faith outdoors and into creation.
Walking the ridge track from SU Adventure Lodge to watch the sunset; small group conversations on Senior Surfari Jan’26. The way we were able to weave deep discussions about leadership and faith throughout camp activities.
josiah
Being part of Scripture Union is a family tradition. My grandfather was a director of boys’ camps on Pōnui Island, and my mother led SUNZ bike camps. SUNZ camps were pivotal in my faith and opened my eyes to what Christian community can be. Becoming a leader was a natural step in giving back.
I love seeing God move in lives of young campers. As a youth leader, you might see a similar connection or change in a young person over a year that you can see in a week-long camp. It’s incredible to see what God can do through the camps ministry.
he’d experienced brotherhood and expressed thanks. Moments like this make it worthwhile and keep me coming back. I’m reminded of Paul’s writing in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 “… we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well.” It is a privilege to share our lives with young people on SUNZ camps.
marco
I’m a social worker for a Christian organisation. I love to run and mountain bike, and my family enjoy camping and tramping. Two of my kids signed up for Te Anau Wind n Water and a friend (already a camp helper) invited me to help. It is inspiring to see how much campers enjoy and benefit from SUNZ adventure camps.
Leading on camp is an opportunity to step away from everyday life, witness God at work, and be surrounded by likeminded people committed to serving. The camps are a huge boost to the faith of campers. I’ve loved building trusting relationships and supporting campers to overcome fears and take steps forward in their faith journey.
Water sports! Manning the safety boat and seeing how much fun campers were having on and in the water. Also, on final dress-up evening, campers did a drama based on a Bible verse. It’s done so well and gets everyone involved, highlighting the trust and strong relationships campers develop.
I’m keen to continue helping as camp leader. I highly recommend getting involved with SUNZ camps—you won’t regret a minute of it.
penny
I’m a high school Social Sciences Dean. I love to spend time with friends and enjoy games nights and dinner parties. My younger brothers went to a SUNZ camp and had so much fun. Hearing their stories made me want to be part of the camp experience too. As a camper and now a leader, I felt valued, part of a wider community and love the connections with people from all over NZ.
It’s the small moments; meaningful conversations, time in creation with God, new friendships, opportunities to keep learning and growing.
matson
I start mornings on a walk with my dog before work teaching science or continuing postgrad study. I help lead a youth group and a cousin invited me to lead on SUNZ camp. I love the feeling of growing whakawhanaungatanga as leaders and campers explore creation together, share stories and experiences.
Walking and chatting with campers who shared profoundly wise and insightful thoughts about Scripture. It reminded me how the disciples may have felt when Jesus joined them on the road to Emmaus. I help lead on SUNZ camps because I don't want to miss out on what campers can teach me, whether it’s sailing tips or a new perspective on The Word.
SUPAKIDZ SOUTHLAND \Y4-Y6
Pukerau | 28 Sep - 1 Oct
PONUI SPRING ADVENTURE \Y7-Y8
Pōnui Island, Hauraki Gulf | 29 Sep - 3 Oct
CREATIVE EDGE \Y7-Y8
Wellington | 28 Sep - 1 Oct
GOING DEEPER \Y9-Y13
Pōnui Island | 6-10 Oct
SNOW BLAST \Y7-Y10
Mt Ruapehu | 27 Sep - 1 Oct
GAIN \Y9-Y13
Marlborough Sounds | 27 Sep - 1 Oct
HANMER EXPLORERS \Y7-Y10
Hanmer Springs | 4-8 October
Join some reformed pirates using puzzling clues to unearth timeless treasures about God from the life and journeys of the fearless traveller & missionary—Paul. Enjoy an assortment of games, challenges, crafts and Bible stories. There will be hearty rations for all from the galley...
Light for the path
LYDIA RENNIE | SUNZ Central Camps Facilitator
HOLY VULNERABILITY
THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
JOHN 4:1-42
This story has reshaped how I see God meeting us and what leadership in Christian spaces can look like. The story follows a sequence of events: Jesus stops at a well, a woman comes to draw water, they talk, her life transforms, and an entire village believes because of this interaction.
Women usually went to the well in groups for safety, so this lone woman shows she was an outcast unworthy of even the simple task of gathering water with other women (verses 17–18 tell us why). And yet this is the person Jesus chose to be a messenger of His goodness to her village.
As we continue in the story, we learn that for Jesus to sit and speak with her, risked His reputation as a male Jew. Jesus was vulnerable in that moment. I am struck that Jesus would put Himself in a situation where His reputation was at risk simply to meet with someone.
In response, I began to question my own willingness to risk my reputation to minister to those around me. It is easy to
say 'yes' to the things that feel safe but allowing God to work in our weakness is much harder.
For each of us, God’s invitation into vulnerability looks different. It might be opening our home to strangers or stepping onto (or off) a stage. When we choose vulnerability, God transforms our weakness and makes it holy.
...ALLOWING GOD TO WORK IN OUR WEAKNESS IS MUCH HARDER
Jesus chose to be vulnerable and meet with this woman, and that encounter not only changed her life it changed her entire village (verses 39 - 42).
God choosing to be vulnerable in sending His Son changed my life, and I hope it has changed yours as well.
Where might God be inviting you into holy vulnerability?
LYDIA RENNIE | SUNZ Central Camps Facilitator
MeetLydia
Kia ora Scripture Union Family!
Growing up as the youngest of three in a faith-filled family, I can honestly say I have never been separated from the idea that God is real and wants to know me. I do not have a dramatic conversion story, but my testimony is one of God’s faithfulness through everything life brings. I love our God and am so grateful for the love, joy, peace, and freedom that comes with being a follower of Him. As a teenager and young adult my home was in Timaru, now my home is wherever I am with my husband, currently on the Kāpiti Coast.
My working career has involved a few roles, including caregiving in a dementia home, teacher aiding in a preschool, and most recently running the FaithBased Ministry programmes at El Rancho Christian Camp. Now I find myself as the Central Camps Facilitator with Scripture Union, and I am still scratching my head and asking God, “How did this happen!?”
Working with young people, I find it hard not to give unsolicited advice about how you just never know how God is working in your everyday, and how that can lead you into the wildest spaces you never could have planned for yourself. I have always loved camping ministry but never could have dreamed it would one day be my job.
My husband and I have always had a passion for youth ministry, and over the years I have been incredibly blessed by the opportunity to walk alongside young people. We are currently both youth group leaders at Kāpiti Impact Church in Paraparaumu.
Outside of work and camp life, I love to hit the op shops, bake, sew, and, when the opportunity arises, snowboard. My favourite way to spend a day is wandering around markets especially in other countries. I look forward to meeting SUNZ supporters and sharing travel and camping stories.
OUT & ABOUT
APRIL ĀPERIRA
MARK
SUNZ Online AGM 10 September
Ken Edgecombe volunteered for archive room sorting. There’s a lot more to do Ken! Jayden Meads waved the SUNZ flag at Easter Camp Southern. He reported many ex-campers and leaders came by to chat and help. Lydia Rennie, our new Central Camps Facilitator packed up eight Wild Wāhine campers and leaders (Caitlin, Lydia, Lilly, Sophie) for 25-27 April tramp into Tararua range. Read about this experience on our News & Stories page.
MAY MEI
Paul Martell popped into the National Office to assist Peilin Cheng with formal Trust applications. Thanks Paul!
Camp leader training, GATHER 15-17
May (for ages 18+) at Huia Lodge. MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) 2 separate days, 22 & 30 May at Oak Lane Community Church, Tauranga.
Kia Tipu started in Christchurch 23 May with 55 attendees including a brave bunch from Dunedin. Our new FOLLOWING JESUS evangelism resource was presented at Kia Tipu.
Caitlin Janes was farewelled on a staff zoom call 28 May and left SUNZ on 30 May. We are blessed with her leadership and incredible work on our Bible engagement resources.
Blessing! Longview Trust provided generous gifts for Beyond Experience, E3 and Youth Camps. Ngā mihi nui.
JUNE HUNE
Our new Health & Safety officer for camps & events, Kathyrn Bunckenburg, started 1 June. Kia Tipu at Mt Albert Baptist, Auckland 6 June and St Ninians, Karori 20 June. Over 200 people attended. That’s a lot of amazing leaders wanting to guide and teach our children in the way of Jesus.
Liz Eichler dashed down to Christchurch 13 June to run an NZ Rally training day. Peilin Cheng, Fundraising Co-ordinator managed Ministry Staff Appeals for Jayden Meads, Lydia Rennie, Sapati Tima, Myles Boag. Hilary Hague hosted a ‘Meet Lydia’ evening on 18 June. Our Beyond Experience team spent time with Andrew Shamy to develop new leadership curriculum.
JULY HŪRAE
SUNZ Board in Wellington 3-4 July. Welcome to Tessa Behrent and Catarina Young as observer—part of BE leadership experience. Youth Camps 5-16 July – 5 camps on Pōnui, Ruapehu, Peka Peka, Queenstown.
AUGUST ĀKUHATA
Kia Tipu 8 Aug, Taupo (and 12 Sep Whanganui). More camp leadership training: GATHER 14-16 August Peka Peka and GATHER 21-23 August Takamātua.
E3 BAY OF ISLANDS (December 2025)
Q&A with Natalie Duchesne | National Youth Camps Leader Noah Watson and nine other expeditioners and four leaders* journeyed 11 days from Waitangi— sea kayak, tramping, biking.
*Natalie Duchesne, Dean and Reuben (Adventure Specialties Trust), Jesse (BE Kindred 2024)
How would you describe the E3 Bay of experience?Islands
What did you learn about God?
I saw the creativity and glory of God in nature, the stunning views, sunsets and the animals. I learned God is good and wonderful.
Any highlights?
Seeing kiwis at night by Marsden Cross memorial, in Rangihoua Heritage Park. I
"JUST DO IT! IT'S FUN AND ENJOYABLE."
9-20 DEC
OUR VISION IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPAND FAITH, EMPOWER PERSONAL CHARACTER, EQUIP LEADERSHIP SKILLS, EXPLORE AND HONOUR GOD’S CREATION
