Dear JCS Whānau

Term 4 is a full term, not only with lots of work but also lots of fun outside of the classroom learning.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting the Year 5 and 6 camp at Narrows Christian Camp in Hamilton. I was once again reminded of the huge benefits and impact camp can have on young people. There was a buzz in the air as students crowded around my car bursting with stories about all the fun and firsts they had been having. Go-carting was top of the list for most! There are so many great things about going on camp and doing so many things for the first time. I spent dinner time chatting to some young chaps who were excitedly telling me all about some of these activities. Water slides, archery, night stalks, talent shows, grass-carting, archery, the camp dog, horses and detailed descriptions about the yummy food, were all included. And not to be forgotten were the stories about the awesome crashes whilst driving the go-carts in the paddock.

I was also reminded of the impact God can have on our lives when on camp. I have heard many, many testimonies over the years of people who have come to a true and living faith in their Saviour at a camp in their youth. I am not sure quite why this is such an impacting time but our prayer is that the Lord is very much at work in the camps we run this year and look forward to not only great stories of night time adventures, new friendships but also of spiritual growth and breakthrough.

I would like to thank the staff and parents who have and will take time out of their busy lives and away from family to support and bless at camp. I know this is a fantastic time but also exhausting as you take on the responsibility of looking after other people’s children 24/7 for a few days of non stop activity.

The Tīwai students are off to have their turn at camp in two weeks’ time in Thames at Kauaeranga Christian Camp. Wai and Manu are also doing a very special trip before the end of the year. One of them is an old favourite where they bring Christmas cheer to folks at rest homes. Due to the volume of students this year, we are able to visit four different rest homes. Wai is also going to Orewa to do some learning in the surf.

Learning happens all over and is not simply confined to happening in buildings. At JCS our tamariki are once again enjoying learning experiences in all sorts of diverse places.

Yours in His service

Sandra Bosman