inform - encourage - unite
InterSections
NEWS
Camp Soul, VIC
Youth camps are always a highlight for many Christians, from the edification given to the relationships formed. Camp Soul, held during the 23–25 of May this year, was exceptional. This year brought a milestone presence of campers – around 70 attendees (with addition to the Sunday worship number reaching almost 100) stayed for the entire camp! Campers represented congregations from all around Australia: NSW, VIC, ACT, WA, QLD, and finally TAS.
​
This year we were delighted to have Mark Jennings (from Canberra Church of Christ) speaking on the theme of “If I Knew’’, presenting engaging and insightful lessons on areas Christian youth often lack guidance on. Such examples of the lessons varied from self-control to wealth, relationships as one grows in Christ, and sharing testimonies from Scripture that we could further relate. Mark also shared his own experiences from pursing a stronger relationship with God, as a teenager transitioning to adulthood, and then family.
​
Activities consecutively ranged from icebreakers (thanks to Laura Tickner), two encouraging bushwalks on the Saturday afternoon, and a singing workshop led by Sean Kelly. Everyone then physically and spiritually geared up for the campfire that same night, leading to having voices echoed all around as hymns were sang. My final thoughts? Camp Soul is a very encouraging time of the year, and was blessed with the privilege of all participating together as members in Christ. Big thanks to the committee!
Joshua Ekong, Heidelberg West Church of Christ, Melbourne.
Autumn Camp, VIC
If you have ever read of the day of Pentecost and noticed the plethora of nationalities that congregated there, the Autumn Camp of 2025, located in beautiful country Victoria, was Australia’s rendition. Ninety-one people from 13 churches across five states gathered together to be encouraged and dish out encouragement. Speaking of dishing out, the food was abundant and a blessing thanks to Lesley Christensen.
Many thanks also to the work done behind the scenes by her and her husband Brett to make camp the blast it was. One of these works was the organisation of the teaching which played on the humourous title, ‘Chronicles of Biblia’. Throughout the weekend the teachers took us through the sometimes perceived ‘drudge books’ of Chronicles, and gave insightful meaning and application from these fantastic narratives of the Kings to spur us listeners to take it and run with it. I can say for myself at least that many a late night was had talking to beautiful Jesus followers (just like camp should be), and I regret nothing - even after the funny looks at my zombie-like expression entering the dining room of a morning.
​
Funny, isn’t it, that camp falls on Easter when so many people in this world take opportunity to remember the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. I’ll let you in on a little secret: we did, too. And isn’t it a privilege that we got to do it just like we did the week before camp and exactly like we did each week thereafter. All in all, come to camp. It was a blessing.
Douglas McPherson, Mornington Hill Church of Christ, TAS
50-N-Over Retreat, NSW
The 50-N-Over Retreat for 2025 was one of the best attended in recent years with people coming from Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. The theme this year was ‘Notes to Self’ encouraging participants to remind themselves of what things are important as we live out our Christian lives.
As this is a camp for folks over 50 years old, it was quite fitting to be encouraged to remember things, as lots of people can get a bit forgetful as they get older. (That’s certainly been my lived experience!)
​
From a morning exercise class led by Annie Rogers and Annette Dines, through games and free time, to a memorable auction night and an entertaining performance by the Silver Chords barbershop quartet on Sunday night, the feedback received from those who attended was very positive. The calibre of the lessons from Bob Marks, Stuart Penhall, Peter Tickner, David Mowday and Geoff Thomas was great and also thought-provoking.
​
Old friendships were celebrated and new friendships made, and the retreat was over all too soon. Many people expressed the thought that they couldn’t wait until next year’s retreat. Let’s just hope they remember!
​
David Mowday, board member, 50-N-Over Retreat
Camp Drewe, NSW
Located on the beautiful coastline of Lennox Heads, NSW, Camp Drewe offers a place for Christians to gather. Organised by the Coffs Coast Church of Christ, 21 Campers met together for a wonderful time of fellowship from 14–17 April. Some of the Campers attending were from sister congregations in QLD and NSW, providing opportunities to build new friendships and broaden circles of fellowship. Both young and old attended and were blessed by lessons from Graham Wall.
The theme was ‘Go for Gold’ and Graham enthusiastically taught about strategies for running the spiritual race to win the prize at the end. Some strategies included: making sure you are in the right race, discarding anything that will hold you back and running in the ‘grace lane.’ The ‘grace lane’ allows you to experience the comfort and grace of God if you run and stumble. Graham provided an encouraging example of crowds cheering runners on as he related his inspiration hearing 100,000 people cheering for their team at the MCG. It’s good to draw inspiration from others and cheer other people on as well. There were plenty of fun activities including kite flying, canoeing, beach walking, decoupage and making bead bracelets. The kids and adults both enjoyed the night games and this year a fun auction was held to provide some financial assistance for Campers next year. We were also privileged to have Jaz Coker and Craig Sonter who are both faithful Christians and fabulous cooks for the Camp. Although smaller in numbers this year, I think it has been our best Camp yet!
​
Jenny Ancell, Coffs Coast Church of Christ, NSW
