A GROUP of 15-24 year-olds from All Saints’ Parish, Albany Creek took part in a Camp FRESH weekend retreat at Tuchekoi Outdoor Recreation Centre on the Sunshine Coast from September 19-21.
It was the first time the parish Youth Evangelisation Team, one of seven youth action teams in the parish, devoted themselves to developing a camp that reflected five outcomes – Faith, Relaxation, Encouragement, Sharing and Healing.
The result was a weekend packed with activities including talks, high ropes, small groups, games and canoeing for the 30 young people who attended the camp.
All Saints’ youth ministry co-ordinator, Nahum Kozak, said the Sunday night teenage youth group named themselves FRESH earlier this year.
‘The letters stand for each one of the things the group aim to get out of their weekly meetings, as well as their camp,’ he said.
Ryan Dalton, 15, said the high ropes and the small groups are what stood out for him during the weekend.
‘I loved the fear of being up there on high ropes, and in small groups it was great finding out what other people thought and how their things can help me,’ he said.
Sophie Mangan, 15, said the high ropes were like life.
‘It’s scary sometimes, but when you keep on going you feel fantastic to have overcome that fear,’ she said.
‘Also, you’ve got to stay attached to your safety cable overhead at all times – that’s like how in life our only real safety is in staying connected to God, all the time.’
Nahum said the camp’s closing liturgy was a high point for many of the group.
‘As part of the Gospel reflection, each person was given the opportunity to share something from the readings that touched them, and to offer a prayer of thanks or petition.
‘I was amazed at what they came up with, until I realised these young people are the Church, and I shouldn’t be surprised that the Holy Spirit is so alive in them,’ he said.
