Red Shield Kids Camp opens door to new adventures
Red Shield Kids Camp opens door to new adventures
25 January 2017
The Collaroy Centre on Sydney's northern beaches was the venue for the recent Red Shield Kids Camp. Photo Lena Pobjie
Some of the children had never seen the ocean, others had never been to the movies or gone to a big city, and most had never been on a holiday before.
Earlier this month, 77 children aged 8-12 enjoyed all these experiences at The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Kids Camp (RSKC) at The Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches. This camp, and another held in the Easter school holidays, gives hundreds of children annually a special holiday in a caring, encouraging and Christ-centred environment.
Every year, Salvation Army officers throughout Queensland, NSW and the ACT identify disadvantaged children in their communities, many from remote areas, and nominate them for the camps. The camps are funded by Red Shield Appeal donations.
“The camps give the kids a break from their normal routine and they see and experience something new,” said Sherrie Cocking, Mission Executive at The Collaroy Centre. “The ultimate goal of the camps is, of course, to share the love of Jesus with each of the children.”
Onsite activities at camp include a flying fox, laser tag and walks down to the local beach for swimming. The children also visited Taronga Zoo, Wet’n’Wild water park, the movies, and enjoyed a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
During camp, 42 staff supported the children, the majority being young adults from different corps, and other churches. For many of the staff, seeing the children give their hearts to Jesus and express a desire to follow him was the highlight of the week.
“Seeing the response of children to the unconditional love of Jesus expressed through all staff and all aspects of RSKC was a highlight of this camp for me,” said Steven Pearse. “I am privileged to share in God’s ministry to children.”
For Adele Masters, the best part of camp was “seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when they did something they’d never done before, and watching so many children ask Jesus into their hearts.”
When the children return home, many connect with their local Salvation Army and several families have begun attending church because of their connection with RSKC.
“It was a privilege for me to have the opportunity to share God’s love with kids who have never known his love and meeting kids who I can connect with in my church back home,” staff member Camilla Hall shared. “Many of them have experienced for the first time what it means to be a kid, be cared for by an adult and loved by Jesus.”
Sherrie explains that follow up after camp is vital, so that families and communities can experience the love of Jesus and know that The Salvation Army is a church, not just a social services centre. “We want to link the children back in to our local corps and see lives continue to change,” she said.
The next camp will take place 9-15 April. For more information contact sherrie.cocking@aue.salvationarmy.org
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