Collaroy Mum's Camp empowers solo parents
Collaroy Mum's Camp empowers solo parents
29 November 2017
Photo: Megan Lewis.
A group of 12 mothers and their 17 pre-school children gathered for the recent Collaroy Mum’s Camp, a week designed to create fun family memories and particularly to strengthen, empower and value women parenting on their own.
Stepping out of their normal routine, the women had the chance to enhance their life skills, with sessions on positive parenting, self worth and finances, and also participated in a high-ropes challenge! Throughout each session, camp leaders shared their faith and the gospel message. Seven of the women made a step of commitment to Jesus.
“We had our challenges throughout the week, but God was victorious in the lives of the mums and also the staff here at Collaroy,” said camp coordinator Sherrie Cocking.
“A burst water main on the Tuesday saw us with no water until lunchtime, which is challenging at any time, but with small children, some of whom were not well, it added complexity to the day.”
While the mums were engaged in their sessions, the children enjoyed games, craft activities, movie time and a music session.
The week also provides opportunities that are rarely enjoyed by the families, such as a pampering afternoon, family portraits and a day trip to Taronga Park Zoo.
“The trip to the zoo is a time for the families to spend together, and for some, to experience the zoo for the very first time. We always have lots of tired bodies after this day, but it is a highlight of the week,” Sherrie said.
Another high point was the high-ropes challenge.
“This involves several elements, suspended high above the ground where they have to make their way around each obstacle. This session, apart from being fun, is also a time of challenge and to build their self esteem,” Sherrie said. “Each lady is supported and encouraged to achieve what they feel comfortable being able to do and, for most after completing the course, they feel ready to conquer other challenges they face in everyday life.”
At the beginning of the week the women watched the movie <i>The Shack<i>, which became the theme for the week of camp. “The final evening session is where the culmination of the week comes together,” Sherrie said.
“They talked about forgiveness and forgiving others and forgiving themselves and asking God to forgive them too. The challenge was put forward to the ladies to accept Jesus into their hearts and make a commitment to follow him.
“They were also taught that God will be with them and even if they don’t think so, God is with them wherever they go and that he will never leave or forsake them.”
The Collaroy Mum's Camp has been running since 1991 and run twice a year. Next year's camps will be held in June and November.
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