Missions and Ministry
Junior Leader Training Camp
by Colleen Fuller - Children's Director
Our 19 wonderful Junior Leaders serve faithfully in Kids Ministry. I’m passionate about supporting them, but it can be difficult to get to know each one in such a large group. What better way to connect than by going on camp together?
We spent a night camping at the amazing ‘Circles in the Forest’ in Childers. I was deeply encouraged by the commitment shown by the Junior Leaders and their families, with only two unable to attend. For some, it was their first camping experience.
Ray and Miriam came and cooked delicious BBQ’d traditional South African Boerewors rolls for dinner on Friday night, while Russ and I helped the kids put up tents in the dark. A six-man tent with no instructions is a little harder than you would think.
We enjoyed s’mores around the campfire and hot chocolate the next morning after a freezing night. I had warned the teenagers how cold it would be, but apparently weather advice from adults is optional—I’m guessing they’ll pack a few extra blankets next year!
Mark and Kathy Payne joined Russ and me as we ‘braved’ the camp. I was especially grateful when Mark offered to be our speaker and teacher. Guiding teenagers as they grow in faith and become responsible leaders can feel daunting, so Mark and Kathy’s support, maturity and wisdom were a great encouragement.
Mark led a full-day workshop that challenged the Junior Leaders to step outside their comfort zones. Working in small groups, they practised teaching Bible stories and applying them in children’s ministry.
One of the most meaningful moments was watching the Junior Leaders encourage one another.
My main takeaway was that the camp was simply too short. The Junior Leaders agreed that we should do this more often. It was wonderful to see genuine friendships forming, but even more rewarding to watch them grow spiritually.
Our 19 wonderful Junior Leaders serve faithfully in Kids Ministry. I’m passionate about supporting them, but it can be difficult to get to know each one in such a large group. What better way to connect than by going on camp together?
We spent a night camping at the amazing ‘Circles in the Forest’ in Childers. I was deeply encouraged by the commitment shown by the Junior Leaders and their families, with only two unable to attend. For some, it was their first camping experience.
Ray and Miriam came and cooked delicious BBQ’d traditional South African Boerewors rolls for dinner on Friday night, while Russ and I helped the kids put up tents in the dark. A six-man tent with no instructions is a little harder than you would think.
We enjoyed s’mores around the campfire and hot chocolate the next morning after a freezing night. I had warned the teenagers how cold it would be, but apparently weather advice from adults is optional—I’m guessing they’ll pack a few extra blankets next year!
Mark and Kathy Payne joined Russ and me as we ‘braved’ the camp. I was especially grateful when Mark offered to be our speaker and teacher. Guiding teenagers as they grow in faith and become responsible leaders can feel daunting, so Mark and Kathy’s support, maturity and wisdom were a great encouragement.
Mark led a full-day workshop that challenged the Junior Leaders to step outside their comfort zones. Working in small groups, they practised teaching Bible stories and applying them in children’s ministry.
One of the most meaningful moments was watching the Junior Leaders encourage one another.
My main takeaway was that the camp was simply too short. The Junior Leaders agreed that we should do this more often. It was wonderful to see genuine friendships forming, but even more rewarding to watch them grow spiritually.
Posted in Missions & Ministry