Some of the cooks who volunteered at the Canterbury Easter Camp.

In this issue we share some of the stories and photos from the Easter camps held around the country.

I don’t think we can ever heap enough thanks and praise on the amazing people who run these camps for our young people.  They really are unsung heroes. Hundreds and hundreds of hours and hundreds of volunteers put their hearts and souls into creating an Easter weekend that will impact the lives of young people.

Baptists have a reputation for doing youth well but it is only because of the dedication and tireless work of our youth pastors, leaders and helpers that the denomination can take any credit. When you have thousands of teenagers thrown together soaking up the message of Christ at their own level and in their own way – it really is wonderful.

Critics sometimes say that large events lead to impulsive commitment that isn’t necessarily followed through in everyday life. But the seeds have been sown.

It is the ongoing role of the local churches to build on what is achieved at these camps, particularly with the unchurched friends of youth group youngsters who go along.

Our own offspring again came back buzzing from Easter Camp at Mystery Creek, impressed by this year’s speakers and especially Danielle Strickland from the Salvation Army in Melbourne.

I know it is exhausting work and results are not always immediate but these camps are such an invaluable part of Kingdom work here in Aotearoa. Good on you Merrilyn, your team and all those volunteers who make Easter camps happen year after year.

You all really are amazing!

– Fran Pardon