Every year, once a year, a magical period of camp occurs for spiritual young-beings.  This time is significant as it strengthens old relationships and forges new ones, especially the relationships between us and God.

Our days were filled with activities ranging from flying through the air, hopefully connected to rope, not capsizing along with our stiff oars and soaking socks, and humorous team-time evenings singing ‘Kumbaya my lord’, among many many others, surrounded by serious spiritualness.

Following this, after reasonably early nights, bushy-haired children arose from the depths of their smelly dens every day… they filled camp Campaspe Downs, located near Kyneton, Victoria, with a sense of purpose.  Thankfully, the fatigue never diminished each child and leaders’ attentiveness to wake when the deliciousness prepared by the amazing Kath Moodie and the cooking gang began.

This year was composed of three teams; Joseph, Job and Paul along with colours that were interesting to say the least… the kids didn’t mind.

A great part of camp was the talks and meetings everyday, although each child suffered from ‘ants-in-their-pants’, it was joyous to hear what they remembered and their encouraging interpretation of scriptures in the bible.  It was incredible to witness the happiness spread across each child’s face, and so uplifting to see their urge to participate in the meetings through cheeky testimonies and killer dance-jiggling.  It was so great to see that the future of the church was in good hands.

Don’t you worry parents, besides frequent full stomachs, chores were given accordingly, and the leaders used it to their advantage!  Each group was rostered at least one duty a day, ranging from breakfast to dinner.  Duties consisted of table preparation, such as utensil arrangement, hopefully including all needed cutlery, and actively collecting used dishes with a proud smile.  So don’t fret parents, they should be experts at home, don’t give them any slack!

Another role the kids played besides setting up for meal time, was to assign the juniors either the morning or evening meetings to run.  This truly outlines a small person’s version of an actual meeting, opening each child’s understanding to the importance and effectiveness of why and how the church runs meetings each Sunday,… adding the extra benefit of tiring those little darlings out. Okay, all jokes aside, I personally cherish Junior camp as a Junior leader. 

This may only be my second year of junior leading but it truly never gets old, even though I require a kick of coffee to get me going in the mornings.  I can’t praise highly enough the existence of Young Revivalists’ Camp, it really paints the importance of our relationship between God and the kids.  Supporting this, pastors and fellow saints always offer supportive prayer meetings arranged throughout the camp, strategically planned to benefit all, even when a mere prayer for comfort is needed for those who are spirit-filled. 

For those who aren’t, these prayer meetings solidify the importance of creating a personal relationship with God.  I personally can’t recommend enough the experience of camp, as seeing the enthusiasm and enlightenment of each child never ceases to disappoint me, it never weakens, so praise the Lord.  I look forward to being involved again, and for those who are considering participating as a leader or helper, I stronger advise you do so, you won’t regret it.