Words: Nathan Muirhead & Sammy Mould + Photos: Various

Easter Camp 2024 was an incredible 92-hour event filled with connection, fun, and camaraderie among over 3,000 youth from various parts of the motu (island). 

Easter Camp serves as a fantastic opportunity for both leaders and youth to forge deeper connections, engage with the gospel, and nurture their faith. The central "BigTop" featured speakers who sparked meaningful conversations in small groups. Many young participants opened up about their lives, sharing from their hearts. As leaders, we witnessed the power of vulnerability and mutual support among attendees.

This year, I (Nathan) along with 36 youth and leaders from the Fendalton Parish St Barnabas Youth Group SBYG, and St Margaret's College Merivale) went to Easter Camp. Notably, some of the St Margaret's girls came from unchurched backgrounds but responded positively to the gospel message. As a result, a St Margaret's college student and her mother joined a Sunday Lifestreams service at Fendalton Parish after Easter Camp. The youth expressed her growing understanding of Christianity and her desire to follow Jesus. Additionally, members of SBYG recommitted to their devotional practices, emphasising prayer for their friends.

None of this would have been possible without the support of numerous individuals. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who:

1. Contributed financially.
2. Assisted with practical tasks such as site setup, pack-down, and carpooling.
3. Volunteered as leaders.
4. Committed to praying for our youth and leaders; and
5. Entrusted their youth to SBYG.

A special shout-out to St Timothy's for generously lending equipment worth hundreds of dollars, including tents, carpet, sleeping mats, and decorations.

Sammy concludes, "There were many highlights at Easter Camp including at the Anglican Party Central (APC), which is made up of 10 different youth groups. The usual shared volleyball net; night prayers; and Saturday Night "midnight" Communion — all helped to create a community atmosphere in APC. The "BigTop" sessions created a great vibe for Southern Easter Camp and many of our young people either made faith commitments or progressed on their journey with Jesus through mountain-top experiences. We are thankful for another EC for our young people to meet and know Jesus more".

"I really enjoyed Easter camp. My absolute highlight was meeting Bazi Baker and talking about getting baptised. He wished me all the best and said he was proud of me. This really meant a lot." - Cayla 17yo