Insights from Camp Leaders

The SALT team asked leaders at Northern and Southern Easter Camp four questions to discover what it’s like to lead young people at camp. 1. How did you first become a youth leader? 2. What’s the best part about being a youth leader at Easter Camp? 3. How have you seen the young people grow through this camp? 4. What’s some advice you would give to young people wanting to lead? Here is a selection of their answers.

Southern

Beaven TurnerSydenham Corps

3. The young people have grown both spiritually and emotionally. They’ve been a good support to each other. It’s been great seeing them calling out to their Lord in worship.

4. Find somewhere to start. Have a chat with the leaders and see where you can start. It doesn’t have to be something big to begin with.

Olivia StantonSydenham Corps

1. I was actually never part of the Sydenham youth group. My cousin Beaven Turner needed another youth leader so I helped him out with one event. After that camp, I was sold. I said, ‘Beaven, can I talk to you about being a permanent youth leader?’

3 Some youth have some tough stuff going on. When they’ve finally been able to share a little bit about what that’s like, just tolet that sit with youth leaders, they feel acknowledged and upheld.

Letisha DerhamLinwood Corps

1. I’ve been leading since 1994, so about 30 years. Mainly working with children, not necessarily always with youth.

2. Having time to build relationships with the youth, seeing them come out of their shells and being exposed to worship in a different way than they are in their corps.

Kaitlyn BunzRolleston Corps

3. Most of my young people have never been in an environment like this or are very reserved in general. This year, one made a decision for God. One shut her eyes for prayer and feels very curious. One other opened up to me tonight.

4. Just get involved. Get involved in whatever you can. It’s so rewarding getting to see other young people grow.

Lucy BoydChristchurch City Corps

2. Getting to know the kids and seeing them slowly form bonds and get to experience Easter Camp for the first time, because it didn’t happen last year due to Covid-19.

3. Our group didn’t answer questions. They didn’t talk. But by the end, we were getting answers and they’re talking to each other.

4. Don’t be afraid. You never know what you’ll get out of it or what the young people will get out of it from you.

Junho KimChristchurch City Corps

2. I like watching the day-to-day changes in each of them. As the days go on, you see them become more and more engaged, and having our talks after each meeting is always great.

4. You might think youth leaders are perfect, but that is completely false. You don’t need to know everything to become a youth leader. Everyone starts somewhere.

Northern

Tamzin LingAlbany Bays Corps

1. I started going to the 7Up programme in Albany Bays when I was in Year Seven and I’ve just continued through to youth. I’m a junior leader in training now.

2. Honestly, the youth. Everyone’s really cool to hang out with and it’s cool to see how they grow throughout the camp as well.

3. I’ve seen how some of the youth over the years have changed after camp, become more confident and comfortable with themselves.

Wi PirihiWhangārei Corps

2. The best part is being here for our youth to give them as many opportunities as possible to experience God’s presence the whole weekend.

3. I believe the Holy Spirit works in this place and works in them, allowing them to relax and unload some stuff that they might be carrying.

Antonia Leota-Matai’aWaitakere Central Corps

1. I first became a youth leader because I started as a young person through the youth programme and from there, I just went into the youth leading.

2. I think just getting to know the kids a lot more than usual and seeing them connect with each other and seeing their different personalities.

Richard BrayHutt City Corps

2. Seeing the young people grow, watching them go on their journey, and to be able to continue that when they go home as well.

3. We’ve become more of a family. Before camp it was more split, but by putting the whole group together, it has definitely brought them together as a community.

4. Be yourself. Sometimes the best leaders come from who you are inside.

Raymond TualaAlbany Bays Corps

2. Laughing and having fun with young people. Seeing them feel safe enough to be a little bit goofy and a little bit silly.

3. I’ve seen a lot of young people step out of their comfort zones and make new friends. I’ve seen young people try new things, like praying in groups.

4. Be open to serving before leading because I think a leader should be looking out for people. Be willing to serve and have an open mind.

Sarah OpieTawa Corps

1. I started when I was 18. Through my journey into The Salvation Army, I became the Community Ministries and youth coordinator at Tawa Corps because I love youth.

3. I’ve had two young people from the community in our group who have experienced the Holy Spirit as a rushing wind, a warm presence and an overwhelming sense of peace.

4. Follow what God’s saying and directing. Trust your gut and if you’re not sure, double check with another leader.