There is something special about this time of year. The cool, crisp mornings. The gloriously sunny days. The scent of smoke lingering in the air. Its the appearance of these things that herald the approach of Day Camp for another year.

The smell of a campfire transports me back to childhood, where, as an exuberant young girl, I would arrive on the first morning of Day Camp with barely contained excitement. A week filled with adventure, toasted marshmallows, charcoaled sausages, semi-cooked damper, and my faviourite Day Camp songs. I can still remember my group leaders from camp all the way through Primary school! I have such fond memories of my Day Camp years. 

Since its inception all those years ago (1991 to be exact), well over a thousand children have come along for the adventure of Day Camp. We now have second-generation Day Campers coming along, whose parents so fondly remember their own Day Camp experiences and are eager for their kids to experience it too.  

While I think the bush and roaming in Gods creation is certainly a draw card, its the connections we form with the kids over those 4 days that leave a lasting impression. More and more the world is trying to silence the message of hope that we have to share. Its not often are we afforded such an opportunity to connect with kids, openly share with them the Gospel message, and show them what it means to follow Jesus.  

During Day Camp we plant seeds. Seeds that God may choose to begin growing immediately, or seeds that may lay dormant for many years. But those connections, relationships and positive memories forged during Day Camp can last a lifetime! It is my prayer that the work we do over those 4 chilly days in July may make it easier for someone to approach church and find Jesus. Now, or 20 years from now. 

As we plan for Day Camp 2023, I urge you to consider how you can contribute to growing connections, planting seeds, and helping in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Maybe as a leader, maybe as an assistant, maybe at main camp. Maybe helping with set up, baking cakes, or being there as a smiling face on the Friday Concert, or Day Camp Sunday. In whatever capacity, we all have a role to play in this ministry and in supporting our core mission of bringing people to Jesus.