Easter Camps across Aotearoa
In the middle of April, amid concerns of cyclones, some brave souls headed to Easter Camps for a weekend devoted to exploring the grief, celebration, redemption and salvation of the Easter story. Sarah Bridle reports how young people showed up to meet with Jesus and left encouraged and recommitted to their faith. Hallelujah!
At Mystery Creek in Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Spencer Park in Ōtautahi Christchurch, 200 rangatahi (young people) and leaders from The Salvation Army gathered with 4000 other rangatahi to share a weekend of fun and reflection.
The unpredictable weather, the standing wet in food lines and the freezing cold nights did not dampen down the joy. The worship kept playing, the touch rugby games pushed through the mud, the table tennis and volleyball nets got the cobwebs well and truly blown out of them, and the name Jesus was sung again and again.
We say it after every camp, but these events really are where impactful relationships are built, and signposts of faith are established. Our leaders watched as young people met with Jesus for the first time or re-committed their lives to serving our God. There is so much to celebrate alongside the joy of an empty tomb.
The theme of the Northern Easter Camp in Kirikiriroa was ‘Called: Come Follow Me’, inspired by Matthew 4:18–20. Throughout the weekend, there were messages of calling, including two incredible messages from Captain Hana Seddon.
Southern Easter Camp had a wide variety of speakers with an impactful final night message, leading to hundreds of people washing each other’s feet.
Our key Next Gen leaders for these events were Sarah Opie, Lieutenant Naomi Tong and, for his first year, Lieutenant Ben Cola. They did an amazing job of providing shared spaces for all the Army youth groups to camp beside each other—huge pakipaki (applause) for them.
Here are their highlights:
‘It was so special being together—young people seeing they’re part of a wider faith whānau (family), united for the same purpose. It was powerful watching leaders connect with their youth and hearing conversations that showed how hungry young people are for God. Some made first-time commitments, others recommitted their hearts. There was laughter, fellowship and even some epic volleyball! Despite the cyclone warnings and gloomy forecast, we had an amazing time—building connections across corps and growing together in faith.’
—Sarah Opie
‘I loved Southern Easter Camp because it created a space where young people could truly disconnect from distractions and connect deeply with God, with each other and with leaders who genuinely cared. It was significant watching our young people open up during worship and small-group times—moments where walls came down and real conversations began. The camp atmosphere created a sense of belonging, fun and reflection, and it was clear that many of our campers left with a stronger sense of purpose and hope in Jesus that will stay with them far beyond the weekend. God showed up! Our young people have been deeply inspired by the truth that they’re not too young to lead, to love or to live out their faith boldly.’—Ben Cola
We’re grateful for all the prayers prayed as we ventured towards Easter, and now as we walk towards the next milestone event, we ask you to pray for the rangatahi as they continue their journeys of faith. Ngā mihi mō tou tautoko—thank you for your support!
Reflections from rangatahi:
What are three words you would use to describe your Easter?
- Muddy, Inspiring, Freeing
- Fulfilling, Love, Praise
- Mighty, Warrior, Called
- Tents, Trailer, Jesus
- Moving, Special, Incredible
- Inspiring, Fulfilled, Jesus
How did you see God at work over Easter?
- He was changing lives
- Through my young people
- He saved one of the younger guys in our group
- Pulling people out of dark, sad places
- He was so present over the whole weekend and was calling each and every one of us to fulfill his plan
- Helping me stay clean
- He led many people towards his love; some people were free from anxiety and shame
How do you continue to grow your faith after Easter?
- After Easter I felt at peace,
- I have continued to have time to pray and spend time with God
- Reflecting on what God has spoken to me and trusting his plan
- Praying for our youth
- I preached for the first time at church
- With forgiveness, forgive everyone
- Reading my Bible every day and spending that time with the Lord
