Introduction (Sarah) -Revolution Camp 2024 was the most amazing experience, which took place from the 5th to the 7th of July at the Woodend Christian Camp.

It was a truly enriching event that brought together students from year 7 to year 9 from various schools across the Christchurch Diocese. The first day started with a drive to Christchurch, followed by a delightful lunch at the Riccarton Mall, and then we headed to the beautiful Woodend Christian Camp.

Throughout the camp, we had the privilege of hearing from some inspiring speakers, including Brother Matthew Clark and Bishop Michael Gielen, who joined us on the second day and gave us the opportunity to vote on the upcoming cathedral’s name, this was a big deal for us, that we should have a say in this.

The main theme for the camp this year was “But Who do you say I am” Who do you say Jesus is, we all know that he is the Saviour, Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, The Way and the Truth. But who is he to you as a child of God? This theme was deep, it made us all think about the friendship we share with Jesus as a fellow child of God.

The camp wasn't just about seminars; we also had a blast participating in fun activities like Jump Jam, Priest of Parish, Just Dance, and the Amazing Race, which included archery, jump rope, charades, tower-building, and more. One of the most meaningful events was the adoration, where we each had the chance to spend quiet time in the presence of the Holy Spirit and take part in the sacrament of confession. Additionally, the prayer and worship session created a beautiful atmosphere of praise and connection with Jesus through heartfelt worship songs.

Overall It was wonderful to have the opportunity to share and spend time with students from all around in the Christchurch Diocese. This experience was made possible by the hard work and dedication of many people. And a special thank you to Ivory Wallace, our Parish Youth Worker, Father Mathew, and the wonderful CYT team for organizing this enriching experience for us, Dr. Roberson, our school's amazing Director of Religious Studies, who guided us through the signing up process, all the parent transport helpers who drove us there and back and our wonderful parishioners and friends who donated generously towards this camp’s funds.

Statements from Year 12  and Year 9 students about the Revolution camp

Rev Leaders:-

Pyper Murphy- Choosing to go to Revolution camp and be a small group leader was the best decision. I absolutely loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it to all future year 12 and 13’s. I really felt that this camp really strengthened my faith and made me understand God more than I thought I could. Getting to meet other leaders who were on the same path as me, and most importantly getting to pass on my knowledge to kids who were beginning their faith journey. It was so enriching being able to share with my small group and watch them grow as people and watching their faith become stronger over the weekend. I can’t stress enough how amazing of an experience it was and I really recommend it to anyone and everyone. If you are feeling stuck with your faith, are wanting to strengthen your connection with God, or are just wanting to meet new people who are in the same boat as you, then being a small group leader at Revolution camp is the thing for you!

Ella Fitzmaurice- Revolution Camp was such a great experience, getting to meet so many young people who were at different stages of their Faith journey and helping them expand their knowledge was great. Being a small group leader meant that I got to meet not only the kind young people, but also other small group leader who were also at different stages of their journeys of Faith. It’s definitely something that I would recommend to people who are interested in learning more about God, as well as how to be a leader, I can’t wait to hopefully reapply to be a small group leader at Revolution next year. I would also definitely recommend to go to Antioch, since its for high schoolers, Im sure it will be lots of fun!

Sarah Manoj- The Revolution camp was an awesome experience. It was my first time being a small group leader. I usually go to Antioch and Rev camps as a camper, and let me tell you, calling this a great experience is an understatement. It was so much fun with the activities, games, talks, kai, adoration, prayers, worship, jump jam, and just dance. The best part was meeting all the wonderful people, the sweetest campers, and the amazing folks who made the camp happen. My small group, group no. 9, was the best. We gave our best in all the activities we did. This camp truly enriched my faith. I felt close to the Holy Spirit during adoration, prayers, and worship. It was great to meet others keen on learning more about their faith. I would definitely recommend the upcoming Antioch camp at the end of TERM 3 for all high schoolers.

Rev Campers:-

Tessa Sweetman- I loved the activities in camp and hearing people's testimonies and experiences with God, it was a great way to grow your faith and grow a deeper understanding and connection with God.

Olivia Ambler- This camp was such an amazing experience, I was able to meet many new people and grow in my faith. The activities were so fun! I would definitely recommend this camp to anyone looking to connect with God and have a great time!

Keton Guthrie- I liked doing heaps of fun activities and many heaps of new people, it was a really good way to get closer with god and be more connected with him.

Paige Meates- I liked meeting new people and doing heaps of activities. I would go again and I would recommend it to my other friends.

Alexandra Dumitru- Revolution was fun because I got to make new friends and talk to new people.

Tasja Murphy- Revolution camp was very fun and inspiring.

I had a great time, made lots of new friends and grew my faith in God. I would definitely recommend it to a friend and would have loved to go again.

Riyansha Prasad- I loved revolution, I loved meeting all of my new friends and growing stronger in my faith. I felt stronger in my faith and confidence with friends.

Conclusion (Pyper) -  Revolution camp was definitely an experience loved by all! From what all of the year 9’s have stated, we can conclude that Revolution camp is not one to be missed. It was an amazing opportunity for kids to make new connections with those wanting to create stronger connections with their faith, just like them. There were so many activities, talks, sessions and kai that boredom was never a factor. Also for the leaders, us three leaders that attended also felt the same as the year 9’s. Making new connections with other small group leaders, and being able to pass on our knowledge of faith to younger minds, while also growing yourself. Getting to experience God and his love in a way like never before. Revolution camp has definitely inspired all of us to attend Antioch at the end of this term. Antioch is a Christian camp very similar to Revolution, except it's for years 9 to 13’s. I highly encourage all those who sound even the little bit intrigued from this article to attend! I know revolution has made my faith stronger and I highly encourage those who are wishing for the same to come along to Antioch and hopefully revolution camp in 2025! And again just a massive thank you to all of those who made this amazing experience possible. Words cannot explain how grateful we all are for all of your time and efforts towards enabling this astonishing experience.

Ngā mihi,

2024 Revolution Camp attendees.