Summer Camp

 ö Interior Region of South Africa

By Wendy Holladay

This past December, the goal was to spend eight days with teens in a                   dynamic, service-oriented environment, which would break them free of their comfort zones and ignite their spiritual growth in ways they never imagined.

The theme was The Strongest Link (of course, heavily played off the popular TV game show, The Weakest Link).  The aim?  To help teens realise that with the Strongest Link ö our Saviour Jesus Christ ö there is no voting off, no ridicule, only a relationship that is waiting to grow; a firm foundation onto which every one can firmly plant their feet.

A group of 80 gathered at the Youth for Christ campsite for the programme. There were the usual sporting activities, of which a highlight was the introductory class to scuba diving.  In addition, Tim Maguire and Mike Rabe gave classes based on Christian principles ö one topic which created quite a lively discussion was ãAre you a victim or victor?ä

Photos

Top: Hilda Pearce giving swimming instruction.

Second: Waterpolo.

Thirdt: At Entembeni Home for children

Fourth: Obstacle course

Fifth  Happy campers, having picked up trash.

Sixth: Picking up trash inspires roadside comedy.

A new idea introduced this year was for each group to do an outreach activity.  This was a time for teens to give back to the community in some small way.  One boys' group went to the local hospital and visited with patients. The group was rather sombre upon their return to camp realising just how blessed each of them was to be in good health.

A girls' group went to visit and encourage another church group who host a small day care centre for young children.They were able to play games with the children and enjoy an afternoon together

The second girls' group went to visit the Entembeni Home for abandoned children.  This was a difficult visit for all who went.  Some babies were only a few weeks old, and very tiny. The toddlers were eager to be picked up and cuddled.

The last group of boys had the task of cleaning up a small stretch of one of the regional roads. They filled 27 black trash bags in a distance of only 150m of road!

The Youth for Christ personnel complimented the staff on the awesome programme the church has in place, and just how respectful and responsive our teens were.  They also commented on how well the staff worked together.

A big thank you to all who contributed so generously to the programme in time, finances and prayer. 

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