As with recent years the summer camp was held at Camp Wombaroo, located south of Sydney, approximately a two-hour drive. Situated in a rural bush environment there is always plenty of wildlife around with sightings of kangaroos, wombats and kookaburras being common.

Every summer camp has a theme, and this year’s theme was a “Framework for Eternity,” which was intended to convey to the campers that their life’s purpose is an eternal one. Over the eight days, the campers were encouraged to develop a framework based on God’s principles for processing every decision they are faced with. We showed campers that the decisions they made now have an eternal context whether that be related to career, education, family or Church. Each day a facet of the “Framework for Eternity” was expanded upon in a Christian living class, mentioned throughout the day’s activities and discussed in dorm chats. Dorm chats are a discussion at the end of a day between dorm members and dorm leaders who are young staff members.

Summer camp is also about providing campers with a fun and healthy environment for enjoying a variety of activities. This year’s activities did not disappoint with a lineup that included, ultimate frisbee, speedball (or speedaway in other places), nine square in the air, archery and high ropes. Campers also decorated their own baseball caps and learned a variety of different dances. One of the highlights of camp was the speech night where we were warned by one camper about the traumatic experience awaiting anyone who attempted to make Nutella. Another hit was the movie night where movie trailers with grand titles such as “Saved by the Queen,” “Noah’s Big Cruise” and “Broseph” were shown. All movie trailers were made over the course of camp by the campers.

A day in the life of a camper consists of breakfast, Christian living, morning activities, lunch, afternoon activities, dinner, evening activities, dorm chats and sleep. In contrast, a staff’s day is: Work. Work. Sleep. Despite this, all of the staff enjoy being at camp and find it very rewarding to serve the campers in this manner. The staff also enjoy working with each other in the unique environment that summer camp creates free from the cares of the world.

Whether camper or staff, summer camp is profitable for all and I know many plan to apply again next year, I know I am. The countdown for this year’s camp has begun.  

by Scott Barnett