In 2021 CCCNZ youth leaders in the South and North Islands came together to plan and host Easter Camps specifically for connecting CCCNZ youth groups.
Putting on the North Island Easter Camp at Tōtara Springs Christian Centre was a team effort coordinated by Hangyul Cho, the Associate Pastor at Northcross Church. Hangyul said that leaders from at least 10 churches were involved, with each taking responsibility for different elements of the camp. They were pleased with the outcome.
“It felt very camp-y” he says—larger than a retreat, but smaller that a festival. “The campsite was phenomenal. We were able to do so many activities, which allowed intermingling between the youth groups”.
In previous years some youth groups hadn’t joined any Easter camp and others had gone to the one at Mystery Creek. In 2021, Easter Camp North Island had about 190 campers, which was near capacity.
CCCNZ Waikato Youth Enabler Aaron Hodgson was the camp’s speaker: “I think Han and his team did a really good job of having a balance between camp activities and some fun stuff, but also a lot of down time for people to get to know each other and connect with people they normally wouldn’t”.
Planning is already underway for North Island Easter Camp 2022. If you’re in the North Island and want to know more, have a chat with your youth leader or youth pastor.
The Top of the South Easter Camp was a collective effort from Hope Community Church, Grace Church Richmond, and Tasman Church. Speakers Marina Shannon, Shannon Samuels, Anthony Samuels, and Steve Maina shared the gospel with the crowd of young people.
Regional Youth Enabler Sean Young says, “a real highlight was being able to connect young people and people and leaders with others from different youth groups as they heard the gospel message and celebrated the resurrection of Jesus together”. He says planning is already underway for Top of the South Easter Camp 2022.
We asked two young people what they thought of Easter Camp 2021. Read about Cate Wilson's experience at North Island Easter Camp HERE. Read about Siao-wei Huang's experience at Top of the South Easter Camp HERE.
