WHY LEAD ON CAMPS?

Leading on our camps isn’t easy and comes at a sacrifice of both money and time. So why do volunteers keep coming back to these jobs? Talking to some of our returning camp leaders makes it very clear why . . . because camps are a life-changing and life-giving experience–not only for campers but also for leaders!

"A VALUABLE FORM OF DISCIPLESHIP" Scripture Union camps were a valuable form of discipleship that hugely influenced Claire Boniface’s faith formation when she was a teenage leader on Southland SUPAkidz camps. "I definitely learnt just as much as a leader! I came back from camps excited about growing in my faith, connecting with God more through Bible reading and prayer, and being a faithful witness to Christ’s transforming work." She was inspired by leaders dedicated to helping young people encounter a God who loves them just as they are, through interactions that always demonstrate the patience, love and grace of Christ. "Being around them showed me how to take Christ’s call to be transformed into his image seriously in the day-to-day." The great value of daily Bible reading was also reinforced to Claire. "Telling children how much God loves them and wants to talk and be with them, drove the point home to me. The Word of God is right there, waiting for me! The best way to get to know Him is to read what He has said, to ask Him to show me how He is speaking to me now, and to start a conversation with Him in prayer. Thank you, God, for bringing Scripture Union into my life!"

"A HIGHLIGHT OF MY YEAR" Millie Law has been a leader on our Ruapehu ski camps since 2017, after attending seven of our camps during her years at high school. "The reason I am so hooked on leading through Scripture Union is simple, I was influenced in such a positive way through my time as a camper on SUCAMPS by the people volunteering. I want to be the sort of person who, through camps, sparks a passion for the Lord and builds up communities of the younger generation for the future!" Each camp nurtures an environment that pushes campers to deepen their relationship with God and their fellow campers through activities, studies, worship and conversation. Millie is excited to see young people ask questions about their faith and build friendships. "It's so rewarding being able to be a part of these young lives, to watch them grow into themselves and become fantastic people over the years! I truly can’t imagine what I would rather invest my time and energy into other than camps. Each one is a highlight of my year and I leave the camp feeling renewed and longing for the next."

"I LEARN SO MUCH ABOUT GOD AND ABOUT MYSELF" For the last five years, 20-year-old Kate Donaldson has been involved with Scripture Union camps as both as a camper and a leader (on both youth and SUPAKidz camps). Kate reflects that camps have provided her with an environment to meet many cool people, enjoy the outdoors as a Christian learning about creation care, and growth. "Being given an opportunity to lead has also been a special time in my relationship with the Lord and has given me a real passion for seeing children and young people have an opportunity to come to know Jesus and learn more about God. Leading on camps has pushed me out of my comfort zone in such a good way and I am so thankful for the growth personally and spiritually as a result. There is something about being in the camp environment . . . being surrounded by a community of Christians with similar passions about the outdoors and sharing Jesus with campers. It’s an environment that every time pushes me and helps me grow." Interested in volunteering on an SUNZ camp? Visit www.sunz.org.nz/ volunteer-on-a-camp to find out more!