Young Revivalists (VIC) Senior Camp

It’s that time of year that, for the kids (and some of us bigger kids), just cannot seem to come fast enough and disappears far too quickly. I, of course, am speaking of the Young Revivalist Senior Camp.

Starting from the Box (Melbourne Hall in Box Hill), the kids take a bus, stomachs tight with excitement and car sickness, as they make their way to Camp Rumbug near Foster in country Victoria. Upon arrival they are split into their teams: Elisha, Deborah and Gideon, each to represent the camp theme, ‘If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?’ (Romans 8:31).

Food was provided by our incredible team of cooks (a big shout-out to them), with each meal accompanied by the obligatory slamming of the tables as Grace is sung. Activities ranged from Giant Swings and Canoeing to Marshmallow Structures and Escape Rooms, with the cooking of said marshmallows around a campfire accompanied by choruses. These events culminate in the Grad Night and the infamous Grad Walk, where our newly Youngies-aged kids get to dress up and receive some… special treatment from the post-Grads.

Of course, the main event of camp is Play Night, where each team performs the plays and songs and displays the banners they have been working so hard on. Every kid did an admirable job, being thoroughly entertaining, educational, and funny. Deborah was the winning team this year, but the joy of victory is quickly cut down by the realisation that this was the last night of camp.

As a leader, I find it unsurprisingly interesting to reflect and realise that the time spent exclusively with likeminded saints is much more enjoyable than the time spent without. And these guys are just kids! Of course, we’re not a cult so we return to everyday life, but this camp’s theme has helped improve the attitude that there is nothing in the world that can be against us with God by our side. The talks given by the kids and leaders alike highlighted our ability to trust and rely on God and therefore we can “spread the Word like butter on the ‘toast’ that is the world” without fear.

Nonetheless, Post-Camp Blues (a real phenomenon, trust me) settles in, and the eager wait for next year to begin.