YEAR 11 students from across Rockhampton diocese converged on Emu Park’s ‘The Haven’, on the Capricorn Coast, for A Chance To Share (ACTS) retreat camp from October 14-16.
The camp, led by Diocesan Youth Ministry co-ordinator Brent Lammas, was an opportunity for students to learn about themselves, their faith and their ability to serve God.
Over three days, the students took part in a variety of activities, focusing mainly on helping others.
Erinn Marrington from Shalom College, Bundaberg said the group spent some time getting to know one another and brainstorming a community development agreement which formed a basic guideline for the camp ‘so respect was maintained for each person throughout the three days’.
‘Sharing the Love’ quickly became the catch cry of the group with many friendships forged within the first few hours.
The second day was spent doing trust activities on the beach and looking at proverbs from the Bible with demonstrations on how they could be applied in the students’ day to day lives.
Brent Ephraims from Shalom College said each night the whole group came together for a time of reflection after long, yet thoroughly enjoyable days.
On the final day the group was asked to write down some of the positive personal traits of people they had met at the camp.
Deonie Robinson, another Shalom College student, said the results were heartwarming and much appreciated, and everyone had helped create a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere within the group.
Brent Lammas said everyone was accepted and there was never anyone left on their own or left out – a true reflection of gospel values.
‘All in all the group learnt a lot during their short stay at ‘The Haven’ and made friends with many people they would never have met under any other circumstances,’ he said.
