sunz
November 2012 ISSN 1176-5143
adventure exodus 33:7
Camping with God
WAY2GO Magazine Inside
EDITORIAL
Welcome Eighty years ago, the first SU NZ camps were held on the iconic Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf. There were no showers, the oven was a pit of hot ashes, and the camps were strictly gender divided. For up to two weeks, Ponui campers enjoyed all the island had to offer. Pat Chamberlin calls this island home. If you sit with her, she has some fantastic memories to share of the years of SU camping on Ponui Island. As she flicks through photo albums full of pictures of campers across the decades, it is clear that this place, and the camps held here, have a special place in her heart. She can tell you stories of the campers in each of the photos,what they were like and what was happening when the photos were taken. As the pages turn, she tells you a bit more of their story, and what they ended up doing with their lives after camping. SU NZ camps are famously labelled ‘temporary communities’. A group of people from a variety of backgrounds, locations, and life experiences come together to share new and exciting experiences. These communities nudge boundaries of faith, enrich social experience, and stretch physical limits a little. All this is done in pursuit of figuring out the potential for life, and the image of God that is resident in every person. 2 I sunz.org.nz
Nobody can control how things will turn out on a camp. We do know, however, that during every holiday break, children and young people are becoming followers of Jesus, and many move further along in their understanding of following Him. And that is enough. Enough to keep leaders coming back each year. Enough to keep us developing the leadership skills of teams. Enough to keep us selling the vision to local churches and schools. In this SU Youth Camp themed adventure, you will read more about these life changing experiences. We hope that you are able to join us in supporting this vital ministry in some way, and thank you for all your support.
Wayne Fraser National Director Want to get in touch? Visit us at www.facebook.com/sunz.nz
Connect Community Challenge
november I 3
THR33 C’S
thr33 thr33C’s C’s
cripture Union has been active cripture Union in has in Christian camping New been in Christian in Zealandactive for over 75 years.camping The New Zealand for over 75 focus of Scripture Union’s years. Theisfocus of Scripture camping ministry what I Union’s camping ministry is affectionately call the 3 C’s, and this what I affectionately call the 3 C’s, combined with variety helps us to and this variety produce life combined changing with camps. So helps us to produce life changing camps. what are these 3 C’s, and why are So what are these 3 C’s, and why they important to the running of are to the running of campsthey withimportant youth? camps with youth? The first C stands for Community. The first C stands for Community. For teenagers growing, developing It is important for us allto and discovering who they are, itfeel is like we belong. For teenagers growing, particularly important for them to and discovering who they know developing that they belong, and to know are, it is particularly important there are people who care for and for toWe know that they aboutthem them. feel safe andbelong, open and to know there are people who care up more when we are around people for and about them. We who we know care about us, feel and safe and open up more when we are who we know we can trust. around people who we know Therefore, for our camps to work care about at us,impacting and who we we can effectively the know lives of trust. people Therefore, our camps the young who for attend, we to effectively need work to make sure that at weimpacting create a the lives of the young people loving, trustworthy community for who The f attend, we need to make sure our campers to be part of. I think we that can h wevery create a loving, trustworthy do this well, but we are always metho community for better our campers looking for new and ways toto be ways, I think we do this very well, createpart thisof. community. deep, but we are always looking for new fact t and better ways to create this The second C stands for Challenge. faith community.for young people to It is important ability grow in their abilities to dealfor with life and itsItchallenges. Forfor some, thepeople biggesttochallenge The second C stands Challenge. is important young grow in their becau may just be coming to camp andits being with a and group of people they don’tthese know. For abilities to deal with life and challenges, learn how to overcome challenges. how to others, may bethe to biggest overcome a fear, or to overcome a physical challenge. Whatever Forit some, challenge may just be coming to camp and being with a the group of oppor challenge, try don’t to create safe, encouraging environment at aour camps help peoplewe they know.aFor others, it may be to overcome fear, or totoovercome a w God campers meet challenge. these challenges. Hopefully they succeed at them, and if help physical Whatever the challenge, we try to create a not, safe,we encouraging engag them environment in dealing with moving forward. Life throws many challenges us, and I they at that our and camps to help campers meet these challenges.atHopefully they c think succeed being a follower Christ adds Because of this, I believe it Life at them,of and if not, weeven help more them challenges. indealing with that and moving forward. nature is ourthrows duty tomany help young people the right tools to meet of these challenges. challenges at to us,develop and I think being a follower Christ adds even more give t challenges. Because of this, I believe it is our duty to help young people to develop thelife, a 4 I sunz.org.nz
We Wetry tryto togivegivethemthem tools theythey cancan use use for for tools the the restrest of their life life of their
THR33 C’S
connect connect
venue to experiment. A place where is no failure, wherethere there is such no thing such as thing as just opportunity to grow. failure, just opportunity to grow. It
is easy toeasy run to a camp and include It is run a camp and include one ofone theofC’s.It is even reasonably the C’s.It is even reasonably easy easy to run camp with with two of to arun a camp two of them.them. However, it takes skill and However, it takes skill and dedication by our staff staff and and dedication by our volunteers to produce camps that volunteers to produce camps that fulfil all 3 C’s theatsame time,time, fulfil all and, 3 C’s at and, the same are fun for everyone concerned. On On are fun for everyone concerned. top of that, we need to provide top of that, we need to provide campscamps that attract a wide variety of that attract a wide variety of campers. To do this we are campers. To do this we are branching out and campscamps branching out running and running that not only appeal to those who who that not only appeal to those like the outdoors, but also camps like the outdoors, but also camps ranging from from eco eco engagement ranging engagement through to performing arts arts style style through to performing camps. Our two Eco-camps are are camps. Our two Eco-camps already becoming a regular feature already becoming a regular feature on our campscamps list, and onsummer our summer list, the and the new camps will continue to roll new camps will continue toout roll out over the months. I think we overnext the 12 next 12 months. do camping very well, and we will continue to we strive to do itvery better. I think do camping well, and The next timecontinue you aretopraying we will strive for to do it our camps, to pray better.please The remember next time you are that the 3 C’sfor are our fulfilled in theplease praying camps, lives remember of the young The final C is Connect with God. The more we to praypeople that thewho 3 C’s are The final is Connect God.toThe more we attend. Maybein even dare of to the prayyoung canC help young with people develop current fulfilled the lives can help youngof connecting people to with develop current how people else you beMaybe involved. methods God, and find new who may attend. even dare methods of connecting with God, and find new Maybe canhow support camper ways, the more chance they have of growing a to you pray else a you may be ways, the more of too growing financially, or Maybe help sponsor deep, longchance lasting they faith.have I meet many ayouth, involved. you can bible support a deep, long lasting meet too many in with reading guidesfinancially, for our campers. It in fact toofaith. manyI Christians, whoyouth, struggle camper or help sponsor fact tootheir manyfaith Christians,who struggle with their couldbible be thatreading God is asking to our because they have not developed guidesyoufor faith because theytohave notwith developed their volunteer on one of our their ability connect God. They struggle campers. It could be camps. that God is ability because to connect with God. They struggle Whatever it you mayto be, please continue they don’t know God in a personal way, asking volunteer on one of our their becauseorthey don’t know God in aHim. personal way, or to seek GodWhatever on behalf of be, ourplease how to connect with We endeavour to camps. it may nges. how to create connect opportunities with Him.We endeavour to create camping ministry. for young people to continue to seek God on behalf of up of opportunities forwith young people to our connect with connect God while on camps. This is our camping ministry. me God a while on our camps. This is done by creatively done by creatively engaging with scripture, and aging engaging with scripture, them how showing them howand theyshowing can connect with God they they can connect with God through the world, through the world, nature and the people . Life nature around and thethem. people around them. We try they to can Neville Bartley We try to give them tools more give them tools they can use for the rest of their for the rest of their life, and give them a p thelife, anduse november I 5 give them a venue to experiment. A place
community challenge community challenge
fdjsklfsdjfklsdj FEATURE
THREE GENERATIONS THREE GENERATIONS
One m Domin (pictu one squee
OF SCRIPTURE UNION CAMPING OF SU NZ CAMPING
Martin duced huge Crusa ehu, M family Kaweka Kaweka Ranges Ranges for ye 1964 1964 to the went throug “I went“Itowent camptoascamp soon as as soon I could on go readings on it. experiences after as Igocould on ings on Martin’s it. Martins’ experiences after that them!” them!” That statement is echoed by all 4 bythat mainly of leading weekend camps camps That statement is echoed all 4werewere mainly of leading weekend Nevill of the Yeoman kids, who arewho noware enjoying for the Napier High School of the Yeoman kids, now enjoying for theBoys Napier Boys High Crusader School Crusader was a their teenage years as campers on SU on group. Vine SUNZ’s SUNZ’s travelling their teenage years as campers SU group..Martin, Vine Martin, travelling horse camps. camps. They have a range SU of secretary, was often was involved. would Martin Theybeen haveonbeen on a of range the secretary, oftenMartin involved. later NZ camps, horse riding, eco towrite all thewrite 3rd form andform invite SU NZfrom camps, from horsetoriding eco to would to all boys the 3rd boys and now l adventure to snowtocamps! them to the group. camps were in were adventure snow camps! invite themThe to the group. Theset camps from t winter inset theinKaweka Ruahine ranges, winter and in the Kaweka and Ruahine It all started with Drwith LairdDrbringing SU andSUthey ranges, all hoped snow while Desiree It all started Laird bringing andfor they all hoped for snow while Nevill campingcamping to NZ. Martin (Grandpa) (Grandma) stayed(Grandma) at home and prayed for to NZ. Yeoman Martin Yeoman (Grandpa) Desiree stayed at home and hugely went onwent the on firstthe camp an old fine weather. was involved in firstincamp in school an old school prayed Desiree for fine weather. ageme outsideoutside of Wellington. It mustIt have Crusaders at Takapuna Grammar butat Takaof Wellington. must been have been in Desiree was involved in Crusaders lead o in the early 1940’s. He recalls being being given given married campingbut scene! the early 1940‘s. He recalls a into punathe Grammar married into the campworki a SU card withwith a year’s worth ofofBible SU card a years worth Bible reading scene! 6 I sunz.org.nz
FEATURE
S
see camps starting up children again that our One memory Martin of the camps hut, to starting up again that our One memory Martin has is ofhas theis hut, children the Kaweka can enjoy goingcan on”.enjoy going on.” Domini Domini Bivy, in Bivy, the in Kaweka ranges ranges (pictured boys concert put on a camp (pictured). 30 boys left). put on30 a camp Askkids their kidsmakes what makes SU camps concertwhich one evening, wasaa bit Ask of atheir what SU camps good, good, one evening, was a which bit of squeeze!!squeeze!
NG
Martin Yeoman Martin Yeoman 1964 1964
Yeoman Whanau Yeoman Whanau 2012 2012
andhave theyahave wide of range of answers. and they widearange answers. Martin and family Desiree’s family were Martin and Desirees’ were intro“The leaders nice and friendly…camps Thea leaders are niceare and friendly…camps to SUand camping, and have had duced tointroduced SU camping, have had a are personal…you do things…you cool things…you do cool huge involvement over the the personal…you huge involvement over the years withyears the with are make awesome friends.” least friends.’ At leastAtone of one of Lodge. Built 1965 on make Mt awesome Crusader Crusader Lodge. Built in 1965 on MtinRuapis planning on aatcamp them isthem planning to leadto onlead a camp the at the Ruapehu, was the lodge’s ehu, Martin was theMartin lodge’s architect. Thearchitect. next year. end ofend nextofyear. the working annual Easter family didThe thefamily annualdid Easter bees working years, and it became for years,bees and for it became a second home a second Observing the 3 generations SU camping Observing the 3 generations of SU of camphome to their Neville. Many of their to their son Neville. Manyson of their children andwhat what encourages them involved, themtotobebe on a number of differenting SU and went on children a numberwent of different SU camps there are a number of things that stick involved, there are a number of things camps through their teenage years through their teenage years r that out. Camps are interdenominational, and that stick out. Camps are interdenominaamps campers can all meet a melting pot of tional, and campers can all meet a meltNeville‘s first camp was Ponui Island which Neville’s firstcamp was Ponui Island which sader beliefs and traditions. They encourage a ing pot of beliefs and traditions. They was also Penny’s (his wife). Both went on was also Penny’s (his wife). Both went on elling love of creation and God’s world, and they encourage a love of creation and Gods horse riding camps led then, and 30 years horse riding camps led then, and 30 years Martin They see so many world,are and life theychanging. are life changing. They later, by Val Riches Their daughter Greta later by Val Riches. Their daughter Greta s and campers and leaders whose early camp see so many campers and leaders whose now loves to go on these, travelling up now loves to go on these, travelling up were experiences have formed leadership skills, early camp experiences have formed from the South Island to attend. from the South Island to attend. ahine and askills, love of people that lead them leadership and a love of will people while into the present day occupations. They that will lead them into the present day Neville and Penny feel SU NZ camps are Neville and Penny feel SU NZ camps are e and forming. occupations. are life forming. hugely Friendship relational.and Friendship and are lifeThey hugely relational. encourare the They agement encouragement are the highlights. Theyhighlights. have Takahave lead on many, and have supported lead on many, and have supported camps campcamps since. working since. working groups “Itgroups is exciting to “It seeis exciting
The Yeoman Family
november I 7
FEATURE
Stepping out in faith and the and fellow of first camps,leaders the leaders thecampers. fellow I loved don’t really remember much don’t really remember much of my firstof my out in faith andfaith going by myself, campers. loved stepping out in and Union but camp,but that may have Istepping ScriptureScripture Union camp, that may as it enabled me to make many wonderful going by myself, as it enabled me to make been because I was at the time! have been because I was onlyonly 2 at2the friendships. I am still Ifriends today with many friendships. am still parentsdirected directedand andcooked cooked on horsewonderful time! MyMyparents somewith of the campers I met when I friends some of thethat campers is fair today on horsecamps campswhile whileIIwas wasgrowing growingup, up, so it 14,I was 15 years that I metwas when 14, 15 later, years and later,am even to to saysaythat my 33 brothers so it is fair thatmyself myself and and my attending thethe wedding and am even attending weddingofofone one of those brothers were real camp kids. We loved it, especially campersininJanuary! January! of those campers allall thetheattention as, and and couldn’t especially attentionwewegotgot, couldn’t wait wait until until we we could could join join all the ‘big kids’ Many leaders at both horse and sports Many leaders at had botha horse and impact sports on my camps profound ‘big kids’activities. activities. camps hadfaith, a profound impact on my faith, and on who I am today. They modand on who I am today. They modelled elled Christ-like servant leadership and stepping outfaith in faith and ‘I loved‘I loved stepping out in Christ-like challenged servant me leadership andMany will to do the same. going by by myself, myself, as challengednever me toknow do thethe same. Many will and going as ititenabled difference that they me to make many wonderful never know the difference that they made lives. I made in mine, and many others, enabled me to make many in mine, and many forget others, will took the will never thelives. leadersI who friendships’ wonderful friendships.’ never forget the leaders who took the time time to get to know me, got alongside me to get to know me, got alongside mewalk and with the and encouraged me in my encouraged me in my walk with the Lord, Finally, when I got to Form 1 (year 7), I Finally, when I got to Form 1 (year 7), I regis- Lord, all while having a tremendous while having amount of registered for my firstfirst SU camp at Happy amountaoftremendous fun. tered for my SU camp at Happyall Valley. fun. Valley. I Ithink as soon as I got the brochure think as soon as I got the brochure I sent I sent the in, and and couldn’t couldn’twait to get These leaders gave me the confidence the registration registration in, These leaders me thetoconfidence and Union wait to get started. Every year after that,I attended and gave self-belief direct Scripture started. Every year after that, self-belief to direct Scripture Union camps I attended either the Happy Valley or either the Happy Valley or Sports camp. I camps myself. I am now up to directing myself. am now up to directing 8th started Sports camp. have many memories 8th Summer camp, my having have I many great great memories of camps, the I my Summer camp, having started with horse 8 I sunz.org.nz
loved yself, derful with hen I even those
sports n my modp and y will they es. I ok the de me h the ndous
FEATURE
camps, andrecently more recently camps, and more with Karapiro Adventure. with Karapiro Adventure. I see my role on camps as role on camps as enabling I see and mychallenging enabling and same challenging leaders to model the leaders to that model servant leadership wasthe same leadership modelledservant to me. I lovethat was modelled come to me. seeing campers to I love seeing campers camp and watching themcome to camp and watching them grow in statute in who they grow inand statute in who they are as a person how they arebyasGod. a person and how they are valued are valued by God.
Scripture Union Scripture camps have allowed Union me tocamps grow have as aallowed me to grow as a person in a safe, person in a safe, caring caringenvironenvironment, ment, and and continue continue to to provide that to provide that to campers today.today. campers Scripture Union camps have Unionascamps have allowed Scripture me to grow a me toenvigrow as a person inallowed a safe, caring in a safe, ronment,person and continue to caring and continue provide environment, that to campers today. to provide that to campers today.
Rebecca Dowdle
dence Union ecting arted november I 9
“ARE YOU AWAKE YET?” SU LODGE
SU Adventure Lodge
9 year old Aaron has just been on a SUPAkidz Camp and he’s come back very enthusiastic about the Bible. Since camp, he’s woken his parents at 7am every morning because he wants to read the Bible with them. We’d like to encourage you to send some children from your church and local community on a SUPAkidz Camp.
What can you expect on a SUPAkidz Camp? FUN
FRIENDS
Our camps are Our programme is structured so the non-stop fun. children will make friends quickly Construction! and our leaders are fully focused on 4–6 Crafts! Bible Stories! the wellbeing of their small group of Sports! Yummy food! children. ER 2013 B O T Games Galore! Team C O – JANUARY Southland challenges! Each llington – e W – d n uckla Aince has aand special GREA T LEAD junior senior snow camps. WeER spent the 1960’s, many people camp S theme with unique have had the privilege and our days in the great outdoors enjoying to try out. Campers live, learn and play together SAFETYof staying at SU’s activities the wonders of God’s creation with blessing in a friendly, stimulating environment, Crusader Lodge. Recently walks, swims in the icy river, Our camps are carefully planned to managed by capable Christian leaders renamed Scripture Union snowboarding and skiing. In the promote physical, emotional and to the lodge for Adventure Lodge to give it a evenings, we returned spiritual safety. our camps.
CAMPS S FOR YE AR
more modern feel and association, studies, group discussions, worship, games the lodgeThe sitsbrochure at 1,249 above for metres next year’s campssea is available now.and more. These camps run annually, and most campers return each level, atWhakapapa on Mt Ruapehu. Email us at supakidz@sunz.org.nz if you would like some brochures or visit www.sunz.org.nz year, excited to get stuck in again. The Besides the name, nothing much else has location, programs and leadership make changed about the lodge that has been these camps perfect for an annual at the heart of so many fantastic camps. event. It is still nestled in a valley surrounded by mountain beech forest, and looks out God has certainly blessed us with this on to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. It still amazing facility. Without it, we would sleeps 32 people, and has its be unable to run these camps,which comfortable living area upstairs. Most make such a difference in young peoples importantly, though, it is still a place of lives. If you, or someone you know, fantastic camps, activities, Bible would like to join us on a snow camp next year, or if you would like to hire the studies, games and fun. You can buy these books and others like them from our online book store at Lodge yourself, check out www.sunz.org.nz or freephone us on 0508 423for 836 to order or request ourthe new SUNZ resources brochure. The Lodge is the perfect place and size website or contact the office. We look to spend time reconnecting Scripture Union wantswith to workGod with yourforward church to create opportunities children young people to to seeing youforon theand mountain! rld. We’d love to hear from you. and people.During the July and October Union in New Zealand — PO Box 760, Wellington 6140 school holidays we did just this,Scripture with our supakidz@sunz.org.nz — 0508 423 836 — www.sunz.org.nz
10 I sunz.org.nz
”
chure.
Issue 40
Welcome to the WAY2GO magazine. It’s full of ideas for people who work with children in their churches and local community. Pull it out and pass it around.
S A M T S I R CH IS COMING! ourselves thinking about what we can give the children in our churches and local communities — maybe a special book or a little knick-knack? But actually there are some far more important gifts for us to think about. These gifts are ones which our children really need because they will help their faith grow. Knowing what they believe is an important part of faith development for children so let’s help them learn the foundational truths, stories, wisdom and emotions of the Bible as part of their exploration of who God is. The second gift is the gift of belonging. It is important that children know they are wanted
and experience belonging to the church community. The quality of the relationships they form with the adults around them will teach them a lot about belonging to God. The third gift is the gift of becoming. As children build a relationship with God and learn to believe in him, let’s encourage them to put their developing faith into practice in the real world they live in. These aren’t just gifts we give our children at Christmas time - they are gifts we give all year round. God wants our children to have these faith in him - faith as they believe in him, faith as they realise that they belong to him and to his family, and faith as they become the people he created them to be.
children’s faith develop in Top Tips on Encouraging Faith to Grow. This is available from SU for $7.99. Buy copies for your team and look at it together. It’s a great book and very easy to read. november I 11
WAY2GO 2013 conference for people children’s ministryministry is SU’s WAY2GO 2013 conference forin people in children’s is coming up. This up. year, we’re with New Wine it willso beit will be coming This year,partnering we’re partnering with NewsoWine SU’s
extra good. Whether you’re ayou’re new volunteer or an expert extra good. Whether a new volunteer or anchildren’s expert children’s worker, worker, this conference will be an inspiring and enriching experience. this conference will be an inspiring and enriching experience. Come asCome a team enjoy it enjoy together. asand a team and it together.
WELLINGTON WELLINGTON
Saturday 2nd March 2013 2013 Saturday 2nd March
AUCKLAND AUCKLAND
Saturday 16th March 2013 2013 Saturday 16th March
INVERCARGILL INVERCARGILL
Saturday 23rd March 2013 2013 Saturday 23rd March Ask us for a brochure or register online atonline www.sunz.org.nz Ask us for a brochure or register at www.sunz.org.nz Registrations open in December. Registrations open in December. Group discounts apply. apply. Group discounts “An
“An
awesome “Very “Very “Great place to place toawesome “Great day — great day — great inspirational, very inspirational, very bring ourbring young our young fellowship, relevantrelevant and veryand very leaders and to and tofellowship, leaders refreshing, refreshing, God based. was It was GodItbased. relevant,relevant, a privilege to be to be a privilege what wewhat are doing we are doing here.” here.” and howand to do it to do it learnt learnt how heaps!” heaps!” better.” better.” “It was a“It real eye opener see how was a real eye to opener to see how we implement God’s work through we implement God’s work through our children’s ministry.” our children’s ministry.” 12 I sunz.org.nz
GOD’S GREAT GIFT GOD’S GREAT GIFT Christmas is a greatis time to do something extra special Christmas a great time to do something extra special with thewith children in your church localand community. the children in yourand church local community. Try this programme — it tells—the storythe of story God who gave Try this programme it tells of God who gave us Jesusus because he loveshe us.loves us. Jesus because
1.GAMES 1.GAMES
Choose fromChoose the following games: from the following games:
4.RESPONSE 4.RESPONSE
Explain to the children that this is athat truethis story Explain to the children is afrom true story from the Bible. Show the children where Luke where 2 is in Luke your 2 is in your the Bible. Show the children Collect Christmas pictures. Cutpictures. each picture • Collectcard Christmas card Cut each picture Bible. into 4 and give to each child. intoa4piece and give a piece to Then each when child. Then Bible. when Ask the children thechildren following questions: Ask the the following questions: matching pieces and put the and picture matching pieces put together. the picture together. • What gift• did Godgift givedid us?God (Jesus) What give us? (Jesus) Put pieces Christmas paper on thepaper on the • of Put pieces ofwrapping Christmas wrapping • Why did •GodWhy givedid us God Jesus? (Because he(Because loves us.)he loves us.) give us Jesus? When Jesus grew up he grew did some amazing things. • When Jesus up he did some amazing things. mas music plays. Whenplays. the music as many mas music Whenstops, the music stops, as• many do? (Jesus all about God. He did hetold do? us (Jesus told us all about God. He children as possible on squeeze to each sheet children squeeze as possible on to of each sheetWhat of did heWhat showed us how much andloves wants showed usGod howloves muchusGod usto and wants to be our friend.) Every time the music again,starts take again, away atake away be Every timestarts the music a our friend.) piece.
piece.
2.FOCUS TIMETIME 2.FOCUS
Pray together. Pray together.
5.ACTIVITY 5.ACTIVITY
Choose one Choose of the following activities: one of the following activities: Ask the children who celebrates Ask the children who Christmas celebratesand Christmas and • • encourage them to share their traditions. encourage them to family share their familyAsk traditions. Ask them: Whatthem: is yourWhat favourite part of Christmas? is your favourite part of Do Christmas? Do talks about talks God’sabout GreatGod’s Gift. Encourage Great Gift.the Encourage the you give gifts? things doof you give?do you give? youWhat give sorts gifts? of What sorts things children to talk about while Jesus they do the they do the children toJesus talk about while puzzles. puzzles.
3.BIBLE INPUT 3.BIBLE INPUT
• Make a Jesus Gift.a Give matchbox. • Make Jesuseach Gift.child Giveaeach child a matchbox. Let them put a piece of cotton wool and a square Let them put a piece of cotton wool and a square very of material of into the boxinto to make a bed and then material the box to make a bed and then Christmas gift. It was the best gift ever. Choose one Christmas gift. It was the best gift ever. Choose one tuck a littletuck plastic babyplastic into the bed. (These are (These are a little baby into the bed. of these methods to methods tell the story of the Jesus’ birth of these to tell story of Jesus’ birth available from shops like wrap- Glue wrapavailable fromSpotlight). shops like Glue Spotlight). from Luke 2:1-20. from Luke 2:1-20. ping paper around the cover thecover matchbox ping paper aroundofthe of theand matchbox and Draw a large picture of Jesus in the manger. • Draw a large picture of Jesus in the manger. slide it overslide the bed. Tiethe a ribbon around it allaround it all it over bed. Tie a ribbon Cover it with pieces of Christmas paper. Cover it with pieces ofwrapping Christmas wrapping paper. to hold it closed. a tag onto ribbon to holdPut it closed. Putthe a tag ontothat the ribbon that As you tell the story, thetake paper by piecesays, As you telltake the off story, offpiece the paper by “To you, from says, “ToGod.” you, from God.” piece until Jesus revealed. piece isuntil Jesus is revealed. Find a nativity Wrap each • Findset. a nativity set. piece Wrap up each piece up We have a copy We of have a copy of separately. Ask different children to unwrap separately. Ask different childrenthe to unwrap the MORE CHRISTMAS UPWRAPPED UP MOREWRAPPED CHRISTMAS appropriateappropriate pieces and put them out forthem everyone pieces and put out for everyone to see as you story. totell seethe as you tell the story. to phone us at and us mention this mention this to SU phone at SU and Use leaders to dramatise story. SU’s • Use leaders tothe dramatise thebook story. SU’s book magazine. It’smagazine. a great book! It’s a great book! More Christmas UpWrapped has someUp has some MoreWrapped Christmas If you miss out, youmiss can out, buy it from If you you canour buyonline it from our online good dramasgood you dramas could use. you could use. book store atbook www.sunz.org.nz or order it onor order it on store at www.sunz.org.nz freephone 0508 423 836. freephone 0508 423 836.
“ARE YOU AWAKE YET?” 9 year old Aaron has just been on a SUPAkidz Camp and he’s come back very enthusiastic about the Bible. Since camp, he’s woken his parents at 7am every morning because he wants to read the Bible with them. We’d like to encourage you to send some children from your church and local community on a SUPAkidz Camp.
What can you expect on a SUPAkidz Camp? FUN
013 OCTOBER 2 – Y R A U N d A J – Southlan
ton – Welling Auckland
SAFETY
Our camps are non-stop fun. Construction! Crafts! Bible Stories! Sports! Yummy food! Games Galore! Team challenges! Each camp has a special theme with unique activities to try out.
Our camps are carefully planned to promote physical, emotional and spiritual safety.
FRIENDS Our programme is structured so the children will make friends quickly and our leaders are fully focused on the wellbeing of their small group of children.
GREAT LEADERS Campers live, learn and play together in a friendly, stimulating environment, managed by capable Christian leaders our camps.
The brochure for next year’s camps is available now. Email us at supakidz@sunz.org.nz if you would like some brochures or visit www.sunz.org.nz
You can buy these books and others like them from our online book store at
www.sunz.org.nz or freephone us on 0508 423 836 to order or request our new resources brochure. Scripture Union wants to work with your church to create opportunities for children and young people to rld. We’d love to hear from you. Scripture Union in New Zealand — PO Box 760, Wellington 6140 supakidz@sunz.org.nz — 0508 423 836 — www.sunz.org.nz
WEEK VS W/E
Issue 40
S A M T S I R CH IS COMING!
WEEK vs WEEKEND
Welcome to the WAY2GO magazine.
churches that previously had little involvement, and new leaders were able to see if SU NZ camping was for them. However, there is also plenty of evidence
that the longer your journey with a young It’s full of ideas person, the more you get to know them. forI people imagine that when motorbikes first became Thisandmeans experience belonging to the there is the potential for a a popular of travel, many pushbike who work withmeansourselves church community. The quality of thinking about what we greater impact in our week-long camps. riders thought that it wouldn’t beintoo long Thisthewas relationships they form with the can give the children our churches seen in our recent journey children in their before driving Harleys to work would bea adults around themstudents. will teach them and local communities — maybe program for Y13 Day 7, 90 km common, petrol special wouldbook be or $1.05 there churches and local a lot about belonging to God. a littleand knick-knack? already traveled, and we suddenly started would be no traffic But congestion! actually there are some far The third gift is the gift of becoming. community. As a keen pushbike commuter myself, I know seeing people coming out of their shell. more important gifts for us to think
As children build a relationship with
firsthand of doing some hard ourThe longer we are together, the greater about. These gifts are ones which Pull it out andthe benefits God and learn to believe in him, slog in the morning. For really one, need it keeps youthey fit levels of trust within the team, and the children because let’s encourage them to put their pass it around. and healthy! So it is certainly a good thing more likely young people will feel will help their faith grow.
that they have stuck around!
developing faith into practice in the
comfortable about asking hard questions. real world they live in.
Knowing what they believe is an These aren’t just gifts we give our So what does this have to do with camping I can safely say that I am not off to sell important part of faith development So, children at Christmas time - they you ask? In 2011, we trialed our first my pushbike. BUT, I believe that the for children so let’s help them learn are gifts we give all year round. God weekend camp, and have recently weekend camp is an opportunity for young the foundational truths, stories, wants our children to have these repeated it in wisdom winterand2012. A of different emotions the Bible people to test the waters of what a longer model to our traditional week-long camps, as part of their exploration of who camp like, andbelieve they work well in faithmight in him be - faith as they in it has had some God great is. outcomes. But, like conjunction week-long him, faith aswith they our realise that they camps. the pushbike, are our week-long belong to him and to his family, and The second gift is the gift camps of irreplaceable, orbelonging. are weekend camps faith ascame they become he It is important thatthe Jesus to the people transform lives, way forward? children know they are wanted created them to be. communities, tribes, clans and nations,
and I believe he doesn’t need 7 days, or Canterbury Winter Escape 2012, our even a weekend. However, both our weekend camp, has been a great camping structures provide opportunities children’s faith develop in Top Tips on opportunity to get young people involved for young people to develop a relationship Faithwith to Grow. with SU camping. Of theEncouraging 19 young people God. we had, only 2 had been on a SU camp in This is available the past, so the camp was a fantastic way from SU for $7.99. to introduce them to our of things! Buystyle copies for your team and look at it together. Connections were alsoIt’s made with two and very easy to read. a great book
Ben Necklan november I 15
FEATURE
hat brought me back to Scripture Union camps every hat brought me back to summer? Drove me to work Scripture Union camps every mundane summer jobs to get the camp summer? Drove me to work fees together? Saw me come back as a mundane summer jobs to get the camp leader, then a director? fees together? Saw me come back as a leader, then a director? My first Scripture Union camp wasn’t an immediate success. My first Scripture Union camp wasn’t an Invited along to a Happy Valley horse riding camp in immediate success. Invited along to a Putaruru, the two “Jennys” on camp Happy Valley horse riding camp in were mixed up and I was allocated a Putaruru, the two “Jennys” on camp horse named Mischief. As I vainly tried were mixed up and I was allocated a to control thattried four legged animal with horse named Mischief. As I vainly a mind of its own, to control that four legged animal with I realised that horse camping that probably a mind of its own, I realised horse wasn’t my cup of tea. camping probably wasn’t my cup of
But c and in word city l see it in the voice
Script annua leade a cam
My My Jou with Script Scripture
tea.
The next summer, a friend invited me comeinvited with her The next summer, atofriend me to the Ponui Girls Camp. I loved to come with her to the Ponui Girlsit! With no animals to be ridden (the donkeys were Camp. I loved it!needing With no animals purely to look at), I loved learning how needing to be ridden (the donkeys were to kayak, cook damper over an open purely to look at), I loved learning how fire and experience to kayak, cook damper over an open outdoor activities I could never do at home. fire and experience outdoor activities I could never do at home.
camp lea The camp The leaders were genuinely ca were genuinely caring and ininterested in and interested me. me.
ME 16 I sunz.org.nz
ME
My sto Union me, S home love a
FEATURE
was so much more than fun activities. The camp leaders were genuinely caring sted in me. They lived their Christian faith at camp, and actions matched their But camp was so much more than fun activities. The camp leaders were genuinely caring ost importantly, Ponui was the place I encountered God. Away from the bright and interested in me. They lived their Christian faith at camp, and actions matched I could see God’s handiwork every time I looked up into the night sky. I could their words. Most importantly, Ponui was the place I encountered God. Away from the he still mornings while sitting on the beach doing Quiet Times. I experienced it bright city lights I could see God’s handiwork every time I looked up into the night sky. I y the leaders loved and cared for the campers ... and one night I heard God’s could see it in the still mornings while sitting on the beach doing Quiet Times. I ng me to follow Him. experienced it in the way the leaders loved and cared for the campers ... and one night I heard God’s voice calling me to follow Him. Union camps on Ponui were the highlight of my teenage years. They became an ent in my life, as I went on to lead and later direct camps. I learnt valuable Scripture Union camps on Ponui were the highlight of my teenage years. They became p and organisational skills, and I learnt to trust God when trying to pull together an annual event in my life, as I went on to lead and later direct camps. I learnt valuable am. Time and again I saw answers to my desperate prayers! leadership and organisational skills, and I learnt to trust God when trying to pull together a camp team. Time and again I saw answers to my desperate prayers!
Journey rney with ure Union Union
Jenny Mackie y Mackie
Pon ui b y
nigh t
Pon ui b y
nigh t
isn’t unique. So many lives by have been God at a variety of Scripture n’t unique.MySostory many lives have been touched God at atouched variety by of Scripture Union we can have fun outdoor adventures with other ps. Yes, we can camps. have funYes, outdoor adventures with other organisations but fororganisations but for me, SU camps an areopportunity special – they’re opportunity to get away from mps are special – they’re to get an away from all the distractions of all the distractions to a place in God’s creation where we canexperience meet our Creator, experience his to a placeofinhome God’slife, creation where we can meet our Creator, his loveAnd andfor hear hisI’ll voice. for back! that, I’ll keep going back! ear his voice. that, keepAnd going november I 17
REGIONAL NEWS
Cant
The l Empow 12-13 workf excitin ing up
Northern Region Northern Region News
R
In October, weSeven held October seven meetings threedays! days-somewhat what a a pleasur meetingsover in three Some whatambitious! ambitious But – but what pleasure to meet people who pray for SU NZ, hear staff members share stories, and meet people who pray for camps and clubs, to hearstaff members share stories, to in introduce newcomers tocomers SUNZ. Paul Martell the new brands, whilePaul Neville and explained duce new to SUNZ, andexplained its resources and programmes. Martell Andy shared the vision for youth ministry, and the need for more people and funding. thinking behind the new brands; Neville and Andy shared the vision for youth ministry Paul, Andrew and the excitement of children on camp to of the ex the Annette need forspoke more of people and funding; Paul, Andrew and coming Annettealive spoke God. They alsoment spoke ofthe discouragement of Sunday School teachers, who long to see of children on camp coming alive to God, and the discouragement of Sunday Sc their churchesteachers take more of see children as able to more contribute share along whonotice long to their and churches take noticeand of children, and see the with adults. the ‘church of today’ able to contribute and share along with adults.
WaiBoP (Waikato/Bay WaiBoP (Waikato/Bay of Plenty) of Plenty)
Running Mountain year wasdemonstration an amazing demonstration Running Mountain Adventure thisAdventure year was this an amazing of answers toof answer prayer, time and time again! These included finding the perfect leadership prayer, time and time again! These included finding the perfect leadership team at the team at last minute, health and family scares and protection, good enough weather last minute, health and family scares and protection, good enough weather to get up the to get up most and days,great safety, and and greatstories studieswith andanstories with group an excellent grou mountain mostmountain days, safety, studies excellent of campers! Although numbers were lower than we hoped, God still blessed. Matthew 1 campers! Although numbers were lower than we hoped, God still blessed. Matthew 18:20 says, For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among th says, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." (NLT) Thank you to all prayed this, and supported this, and (NLT) Thank you to all who prayed andwho supported and other camps thisother, year. camps Withoutthis year. W out you we would be unable to serve and share Gods glory. you, we would be unable to serve and share Gods glory. If you areare a Scripture Union supporter livingliving in thein Waikato – Bay of– Plenty Looking ahead! If you a Scripture Union supporter the Waikato Bay ofand would an invitation to attend the Scripture Union Appreciation Dinner being held in Hamilto Plenty, and would like an invitation to attend the Scripture Union Appreciation Dinner the evening of 7th December 2012, please contact Graham Fullerton on 07 8562775 Regi being held in Hamilton on the evening of 7th December 2012, please contact Graham he provide you with the information that you will need . Maureen Gunston ,Chair of In Sep Fullerton on 07 8562775. Maureen Gunston, Chair of the Board of Scripture Union will be Board of Scripture Union will be the guest speaker at this complimentary dinner, an to hig the guest speaker at this complimentary dinner, and SU NZ Staff will be attending . NZ Staff will be attending . Nigel anoth Nelson Nelson Explo WOW! The lastWOW few months really busy andreally exciting, the lasthave few been months have been busy,with withthe thenormal normalactivities activities as well as well as 2 training events. The first event place in early September, Neville training events! The first tooktook place in early September. We when had the pleasure The of ha C & Andy came down to run an info night (as well as an afternoon packed with individual Neville & Andy come down to run an info night (as well as an afternoon packed ing te meetings) on It’s Your Move. The evening focused sharing fantastic resource with thisfor individual meetings) sharingIt’s Youron Move. Thethis evening focused on sharing fanta th local workers, resource who we are now supporting as they run it in their local schools. with local workers, who we are now working with, supporting them asMark they It was also a privilege hostschools. a Way2Go focused day.toAlthough numbers were training it in theirtolocal It was also training a privilege host a Way2Go focused Heath smaller, it wasAlthough a huge success! A BIG thank you to Raewyn & Paul for coming down to numbers were smaller, it was a huge success! A BIG thank yourun to Raewyn& it, and a special thank you to Megan Wright (Children’s Pastor at Nelson City Church) for for coming down to run it, and a special thank you to Megan Wright (Children’sadmin Pasto month hosting it. Nelson City Church) for hosting it. 18 I sunz.org.nz
REGIONAL NEWS
terburyCanterbury
last three months has been busy new with program, and Explore and The last three months haswith beena busy a newE3-Equip, program,Explore E3 - Equip, wer. Working alongside Spreydon Youth Community trip was focused year Empower. Working alongside Spreydon Youththe Community the trip at was focused on year students12-13 with students the aim of building faith asfoundations the student’s into the head into the with the aim of foundations building faith as head the students force andworkforce University.and TheUniversity. trip was aThe great discussions anddiscussions an tripsuccess was a with greatinspiring success with inspiring and an ing futureexciting outlook.future Keep aoutlook. look outKeep for the 10 day journey in 10 2013. are also a look out for the dayWe journey in gear2013. We are also p for summer camps andsummer lots of leadership events in 2013. gearing up for camps and building lots of leadership building events in 2013.
REGIONAL NEWS REGIONAL NEWS
ure to introd the y and xcitechool em as
rs to t the p the up of 18:20 hem." With-
d like on on 5ional and News – Otago/Southland Oct 2012 Otago/Southland of the ptember, It’s Your Move,It’s a guide and programme to programme help intermediate movestudents move In September, Your Move, a guide and to helpstudents intermediate nd gh SU school,towas launched in Dunedin at an information evening. high school, was launched in Dunedin at an information evening. l Winder (Southern Regional Director), withDirector), his fantastic of volunteers, Nigel Winder (Southern Regional with team his fantastic team ofran volunteers, ran her successful SUPAkidz camp at Edendale for 37 eager primary aged campers.aged campers. another successful SUPAkidz camp at Edendale for 37 eager primary oring the last week of life using eachlife of our senses a lot of fun! Exploring theJesus’ last week of Jesus’ using each was of our senses was a lot of fun! l as 2 The Children’s Ministry Network has continued to enjoy meeting together and the aving Children’s Ministry Network has continued to enjoy together and the organisorganising team have run a training day meeting in Cromwell – Central Otago. Planning is well withhave underway eam run a training day in Cromwell – Central Otago. Planning is well underway for the SUNZ WAY2GO Children’s Ministry Training day In Invercargill on 23 tastic he SUNZ WAY2GO Children’s Ministry Training day now! In Invercargill on 23 March 2013. March 2013. Mark this date in your diary ythis rundateHeather in your diary now! Zwies and Bronwyn Withington, in the Invercargill Office, are gearing up to day. administer the 18 up and coming summer camps. It’s going to be full on for the next few and Bronwyn Withington, in the Invercargill Office, are gearing up to &her PaulZwiesmonths! nister the 18 up and coming summer camps. It’s going to be full on for the next few tor at ths! november I 19
CAMP FOR YOU
START START Are you excited about Are you excited about the chance to have a the chance to have a time away from hometime away from home and have the adventureand have the adventure of a lifetime? of a lifetime?
Y
n
n
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Do you like warm weather coldwarm weather or cold Do youorlike weather? weather?
COLD
COLDboth
Choos Cho n the the very very
Do you like to be outdoors Do you like to be outdoors Go check you pulse andGo ask check you pulse and ask and active? and active? someone to throw coldsomeone water onto throw cold water on you and start again! you and start again!
n y
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BES B
CAM CA
Are you into artistic and Are you into artistic and creative pursuits? creative pursuits?
n
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Check out a range of Check out a range of winter/spring winter/spring Check out our range Check out our range sittingonin front of Is sitting in front adventure camps on adventureIscamps of winter art oftype of winter art type a screen your idea a screen your www.sunz.org.nz www.sunz.org.nz camps idea on camps on of adventure? of adventure? Get Registered! Get Registered! www.sunz.org.nz www.sunz.org.nz Get Registered! Get Registered!
y
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forfor y
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Well you can do that atWellhome you can do that at home Do you have trouble making Do you have trouble making for a lot less money. for Challenge a lot less money. Challenge a decision? a decision? yourself and check outyourself and check out www.sunz.org.nz anyway! www.sunz.org.nz anyway! Get Registered! Get Registered!
You ha chec a sugge You have us confused!You Check haveoutus confused! Check o www.sunz.org.nz anyway, and send us anyway, a www.sunz.org.nz and sen suggestion on a new camp you would suggestion on a new camp you w Then ask your best friend to choose a camp for you and check Then ask your best friend to choose a camp for you and check attend! attend! out our www.sunz.org.nz. Get Registered! out our www.sunz.org.nz. Get Registered!
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20 I sunz.org.nz
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CAMP FOR YOU
Check out our range ofCheck out our range of Do you like to be outdoors Do youandlikeactive? to be outdoors and active? warm summer/spring adventure y summer/spring y adventure camps on www.sunz.org.nz. camps on www.sunz.org.nz.
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Get Registered!
Do you prefer to just relax in the sun, Do you like to be outdoors and active? sip ice coffee’s and bath in the pool?
n
Get Registered!
Then I am not sure you Then I am not sure you nunderstand the concept of understand the concept of
sunny weather and yousunny haveweather and you have trouble amaking decisions. trouble making decisions. Either way, ask a friend to way, ask a friend to Either choose a camp both a camp for you both Ask your parents to take you onparents a Ask your to take you on a for youchoose and check out and check out pacific holiday and when theyholiday laugh, and when they laugh, pacific www.sunz.org.nz. www.sunz.org.nz. go check out www.sunz.org.nz go check for out www.sunz.org.nz for Get Registered! other summer options.other summer options. Get Registered! Get Registered! Get Registered!
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You have a lot of You have a lot of choice! So do you choice! So do you like to be outdoors like to be outdoors and active? and active?
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Are you the artistic Are you the artistic creative type? creative type?
y n
y Check out our camps Check out our camps
Do you prefer to and look for our rangeand look for rangeof a be our in front Check out any of our Check out any of our of artistic style camps.of artistic screen style camps. as your summer/winter/springsummer/winter/spring Get Registered! Get Registered! style of adventure camps on adventure camps on adventure? www.sunz.org.nz www.sunz.org.nz Get Registered! Get Registered!
you r you
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y
e us confused You so maybe have us confused so maybeDo you have trouble Do you have trouble Well you can do that atWell you can do that at out www.sunz.org.nz check out www.sunz.org.nz making a decision? making a decision? home for a lot less money, home for a lot less money, way and send us aanyway and send us a but maybe challenge but maybe challenge on on a new camp you on a new camp you suggestion yourself and check outyourself and check out would like to see would like to see www.sunz.org.nz anyway www.sunz.org.nz anyway Then ask your best friend a friend to choose a Then toaskchoose your best and stretch yourself camp for you and check camp for you and checkand stretch yourself Get Registered! Get Registered! out our website. Get Registered! out our website. Get Registered!
n
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november I 21
...MAKE LIGHT WORK
Volunteer as a leader or a cook on camp.
MANY HANDS...
donation
Reading all this amazing stuff has got me thinking. What could I do to help?
Donate to support a camper fund.
MANY HANDS...
Support a camp staff member.
Pray for camps and campers.
22 I sunz.org.nz
Promote a camp at your church or youth group
INSPIRATION
LIGHT FOR THE PATH ver winter, I had the privilege of working with a number of groups of ‘at risk youth’ in the outdoors. One of the hallmarks of many of them is the difficulty they have in trusting others. There is usually good reason for this, as their trust has in some way been abused in the past. I have also worked with many healthy, happy youth and most of them have no trouble doing the adventures or games that involve trusting others. The young people we work with could be described as: Hurt a lot – trusts little, or healed and whole - trusts much. Many of us relate to the latter group. We are not paralysed into inaction when we are faced with situations that require us to trust. Maybe it is because we have become adept at avoiding painful situations, or maybe it is because we are healthy functioning members of a community that cares. What is our response to this lack of trust? A trust so small that, in some cases, it is smaller than the famous mustard seed, rendering the holder of such trust
seemingly unable to put their faith in Jesus and function as they were designed to.
As our lives intersect with our campers, colleagues and communities, we are continually given the opportunity to be proven trustworthy. This is a calling that is diverse and immense, while at the same time very simple. Diverse and immense because, at times, it will take all our strength and wisdom to achieve. But it is also simple because as we ourselves trust, we become trustworthy. Those of us who do trust become objects of trust to others. As a Christian, my own trustworthiness comes from Him who I put my trust in. Never underestimate the power of a trustworthy person being used to change lives. Christ in us has the power to burst the smallest seed into life.
Peter Bichan
november I 23
sunz is a member of the SCRIPTURE UNION
INTERNATIONAL FAMILY
PO Box 760, Wellington 6140 - 0508 423 836 - info@sunz.org.nz - www.sunz.org.nz
He rama tau ¯ kupu ki oku ¯ wae / Your word is a Lamp to my feet - Psalms 119:105