This year’s Junior Kids Camp (ages 6–9) at Tōtara Springs Christian Camp brought together 37 enthusiastic campers for a weekend focused on understanding how God’s grace can change any heart.
Throughout the camp, children engaged deeply with the gospel message—asking thoughtful questions and sparking meaningful conversations about Jesus and his transforming love.
This was followed by the Senior Kids Camp (ages 10–12), with 195 campers taking part. The theme, “Building Faith Under Pressure,” struck a powerful chord. Werner du Plessis, Ministry Development Leader at Tōtara Springs, observed that “the theme resonated deeply as children learned to trust God in challenges and to stand firm in their identity in Christ.”
Campers participated in a full programme of games, devotions, worship, and small group discussions—all designed to build faith and friendships.
Both camps were led by a dedicated team of young leaders who gathered the weekend before camp for intensive preparation. They practised sharing the gospel with children, told their personal testimonies, and explored how to answer common questions about faith and life.
Werner observes that while camps struggle to find enough leaders, these experiences offer a unique opportunity for young people to grow their leadership skills while deepening their own walk with Christ.
Tōtara Springs has recently partnered with a number of different CCCNZ churches for their camps, including speakers from Chapel Hill Community Church, Rossgrove Chapel and New Lynn Community Church, and leaders and campers from Hukanui Bible Church, Church @ 109, Putaruru Gospel Chapel, Te Awamutu Bible Chapel, Redeemer Church - Tauranga, Matamata Bible Church, and Northgate Community Church.
