In Step KEEPING NOVEMBER 2019 - FEBRUARY 2020 Pental Island Junior Camp defied the July winter with a beach theme this year. Held just out of Swan Hill, around forty campers and sixteen leaders came for the week to learn more about God, spend time together and have a good deal of fun. We heard from Leigh Pryse about the characteristics of God and were incredibly encouraged to see so many kids make a commitment to following Jesus. It was such a privilege to talk to and support these kids and we hope and pray that God will continue to work in their lives. We didn’t have a shortage of activities and we were grateful for sunny days despite the chill. Glow sticks made an appearance every night with capture the flag being a crowd favourite. Thursday had all four teams competing for treasure and attempting to defend our forts from other teams as we faced each other off with water balloons and flour bombs! Suffice to say we all needed a bit of time to clean up afterwards. In all we had an amazing time and were so grateful to God for such enthusiastic campers and such quality leaders. We were also honoured to be able to thank Geoff and Carrie Pearse for their commitment to this camp and to ESA as they finish up this year. Bethany Sim (Director) JULY 2019 PENTAL ISLAND JUNIOR CAMP CAMP REPORT SUMMER CAMPS INSIDE
Transcript
InStep KEEPINGNOVEMBER 2019 - FEBRUARY 2020
Pental Island Junior Camp defied the July winter with a beach theme this year. Held just out of Swan Hill, around forty campers and sixteen leaders came for the week to learn more about God, spend time together and have a good deal of fun. We heard from Leigh Pryse about the characteristics of God and were incredibly encouraged to see so many kids make a commitment to following Jesus. It was such a privilege to talk to and support these
kids and we hope and pray that God will continue to work in their lives.
We didn’t have a shortage of activities and we were grateful for sunny days despite the chill. Glow sticks made an appearance every night with capture the flag being a crowd favourite. Thursday had all four teams competing for treasure and attempting to defend our forts from other teams as we faced each other off with water balloons and flour bombs! Suffice to
say we all needed a bit of time to clean up afterwards.
In all we had an amazing time and were so grateful to God for such enthusiastic campers and such quality leaders.
We were also honoured to be able to thank Geoff and Carrie Pearse for their commitment to this camp and to ESA as they finish up this year.
Bethany Sim (Director)
JULY 2019PENTAL ISLAND JUNIOR CAMPCAMP REPORT
SUMMER CAMPS INSIDE
Thankyou for taking the time to read In Step, we’ve had a busy Winter running camps across the state and we’re making plans for our Summer Camps. Inside you’ll read some encouraging stories about our recent camps including the Aviation Camp, Halls Gap and Lake Tyers.
We’ve also introduced a new column with short pieces of news from the ESA family, if you’re connected to ESA and you’d like to include news about a new job, a graduation, birth, death, engagement or marriage then we’d love to include it in our next edition.
ESA Prayer & Praise UpdatesWe are so appreciative knowing that there are faithful people praying for ESA (its outreach, workers, board, administration, volunteers and campers).
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer; that God would be at work reaching out to the lost and growing His Kingdom.
In addition to the prayer notes inside this magazine, we send out specific prayer and praise updates through email as particular needs arise.
If you would be interested in receiving these emails please contact Gerard & Linda at [email protected]
BITS N PIECES
Lucas Rutherford and Monique Bonello got married in May. They both met each other on junior ESA camps.
Jayden Somerville and Jemimah Beattie got married in September. They also met on ESA camps.
James Wake completing his Osteopathy studies. Well Done James!
On Saturday, August 31 around 100 people gathered together to celebrate over 20 years of Lake Tyers camps. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and sharing great memories. It was also a time to reflect and give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done and continues to do in the lives of those who have attended Lake Tyers Teen Camps. We’re thankful for the dedicated directors, the faithful speakers and the wonderful cooks who contribute so much to a camp.
Over the years, there has been 923 camp attendances and 460 leading opportunities. We praise God for the work He has done through the camps, giving people opportunity to hear about Jesus and to grow in faith and we look forward to what He will continue to do through this camp in the future. - Gerard Abdoo
Lake Tyers 20 Year Reunion
Well, it’s the day after camp and looking back over the week just gone, it makes all the sore muscles, unexplainable bruises and lack of sleep worth every minute!
And to think, I almost missed out on all of it!
How glad I am that I came on this Lake Tyers camp for it was a special one indeed. It started simply with a bunch of people not really knowing each other but ended up with a big family being formed. Everyone got to know each other through all the wonderful activities like caving, bike riding, canoeing, biscuiting and night games on the beach. Tim, our speaker led us in studies from the Gospel of Mark, teaching us the Good News that Jesus is The Messiah and that by faith in Him we can have forgiveness. We saw proof that Jesus is God as He heals
a paralysed man. We examined our lives, looking at what path we are on, as we read about the sowing of the seeds and we read about the temple curtain being torn, as the ultimate act of love was being performed on the cross. To see the Holy Spirit transform these kids over a week as they came to understand who Jesus is and what has been done for them is so special to be a part of.
As tears of joy were shed and kids accepted Jesus into their lives, we stood in awe in worship and sang “whatever I walk through, wherever I am, Your Name can move mountains, wherever I stand”.
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the Good News!” Mark 1:15 Rachel (Leader)
SEPTEMBER 2019LAKE TYERS TEEN CAMP CAMP REPORT
MORE PICS ONLINE
ESA invited its leaders to a retreat at the CYC City Campsite over the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. The aim of the weekend was to ensure quality teaching for each of our volunteers, the opportunity for ESA staff and volunteers to connect and an opportunity to spread the vision of ESA. Over 70 people gathered to enjoy teaching from Julia Fulton, Emily Molyneux, Tina Waldrom and the ESA staff. The teaching included topics around, Teenage Mental Health, Youth Alpha, How To Lead A Small Group and a number of other important topics.
We are thankful for each of our Camp Director’s, Camp Leaders, Cooks and Volunteers, each play a vital part to making ESA a Christ centred organisation.
We love and appreciate each volunteer!
SEPTEMBER 2019LEADERS RETREAT CAMP REPORT
This years Teen Discipleship Camp was memorable for many reasons, not the least of which being because it was my first experience with an ESA camp! With a few other leaders and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, we embarked on a 5 day journey which grew, encouraged and challenged leaders and campers alike.
The speaker for the camp, Nate Barbieri, delivered sermons with a palpable enthusiasm and enough pop-culture references to capture the attention of groggy teenagers, and he clearly and thoroughly walked us through the last week of Jesus’ life, using Old Testament scriptures to great effect as he painted the picture of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Through his preaching and personal sharing, he challenged us to live out the faith we profess and really highlighted our need for the gospel.
A variety of workshops were run throughout the camp, covering a wide range of topics from ‘deciphering christanese’ to self-worth, and without fail, each fostered healthy conversations and spiritual growth among leaders and campers alike.
Much joy was had through the activities that peppered the camp schedule, including the oh-so-popular mountain biking, and the surprisingly educational catapult building workshop. As it turns out, large marshmallows make deliciously aerodynamic projectiles!
While there are many stories and highlights to share, there is nowhere near enough room here to tell you about the great conversations, competitions, personal sharing, games, rebellion, minor injuries, food, and a whole host of other events which will mark this camp in my mind. I left the camp as a different person to who I was going in, and I’m pretty sure everyone else did, too.
To God be the glory! Stuart Garton (leader)
JULY 2019TEEN DISCIPLESHIP CAMP CAMP REPORT
Winter Teen - Girls Day 2019
We were never quite sure what we would be waking up to in the world of time warp at Winter Teen Camp. From dinosaurs to robots we saw it all!
This camp gets bigger and bigger every year and never seems to disappoint. If fact this camp actually SOLD OUT. With over 130 people on camp there was definitely never a dull moment. We had games upon games along with some fun activities during the day including basketball, ultimate frisbee, spikeball, board games, dance and so much more. There is fun for everyone at Winter Teen Camp.
Crispin Newmarch came to share on camp and talked about who God is and who are we. This then was followed by looking into what do we do now.
This talks really prompted some deep discussions in our lodge time about what it really means to be a follower of Christ and what we need to do with that.
We all went home from camp extremely tired but with great friendships, lasting memories and a motivation to share the gospel. Abbey Rutherford (Leader)
The circus really did come to life on junior winter camp.
From ringmasters, lion tamers, acrobats, clowns, mimes, elephants and gorillas the incredible team created such a fun realistic and energetic environment for all campers, with fun games laughter and learning every step of the way.
Every morning started with worshiping our God and learning together about incredible people from the bible and the amazing things they did, from our fire walkers Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, our beautiful woman Esther and Jesus our ringleader.
After lunch each day were many different activities including: hunt the leader where our amazing leaders dressed up as mechanics, people in
cafes and athletes for our campers to hunt down. beach games, girls and boys day where our girls and boys split up and bonded through messy games and testimonials from their leaders. we finished off our week with a circus carnival including trapeze (zip line and rock wall) archery and candy with our talent night dance party topping off the camp seeing all of our campers bust out their best talents and dance moves.
As quickly as the circus came to town it was time to leave but the adventures and memories will stay with us all.
Bree Holden (Director)
JULY 2019WINTER TEEN CAMP CAMP REPORT
JULY 2019WINTER JUNIOR CAMP CAMP REPORT
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Mail to 19 Tesmar Circuit, Chirnside Park, VIC 3116
p as preparations are made and for participants as
they travel to the camp.
Th
ursd
ay 9th
: P
ray for
safety travelling
home
for P
ortland Cam
p campers and leaders.
Frid
ay 10th – S
un
day 12th
: Pray for those leading
and attending the Canoeing C
amp, pray for good w
eather, great fun for each participant and safety for all involved.
Mon
day 13th
– Frid
ay 17th: P
ray for the Gippsland
Coastal C
amp, pray that each leader and cam
per enjoy their tim
e on camp participating in safe activities and
great conversations of faith.
Satu
rday 18th
– Su
nd
ay 19th: P
ray for past board m
embers, staff and volunteers of E
SA. T
hank God for
their service.
Mon
day 20th
– Frid
ay 24th: P
ray for country churches of V
ictoria and that God w
ill be working in the com
munity
to be touching the hearts of those who com
e in contact w
ith these churches.
Satu
rday 25th
– Su
nd
ay 26th: P
ray for Peter and
Wendy G
eldart and their sons James and B
enjamin.
Mon
day 27th
: Pray for D
ave and Debbie M
axwell and
their daughter Lacey serving in G
ippsland.
Tu
esday 28th
– Frid
ay 31st: Pray for those leading the
Wim
mera E
aster Convention, pray that their preparations
would go sm
oothly and that each plan would result in
those attending being blessed and encouraged.
FE
BR
UA
RY
Satu
rday 1st – S
un
day 2n
d: P
ray for the ESA
board m
embers – Joash, G
eoff, Nathan, R
achel and Dean.
Mon
day 3rd
– Wed
nesd
ay 5th: P
ray for churches in
country Victoria. P
ray that God w
ill be touching the lives of those in their com
munity.
Th
ursd
ay 6th: P
ray for Scott and Deborah and their kids
Jack, Suzie, Lilly and M
ax.
Frid
ay 7th: P
ray for campers from
summ
er camps as
they return to school. Pray that they w
ill be a light in their com
munities.
Satu
rday 8th
– Su
nd
ay 9th: P
ray for the regional teams
in the Western D
istrict and in Gippsland supporting and
encouraging local Pastoral W
orkers and furthering the m
ission of ESA
.
Mon
day 10th
: Pray for P
eter and Wendy G
eldart and their sons Jam
es and Benjam
in.
Tu
esday 11th
: Pray for D
ave and Debbie M
axwell and
their daughter Lacey serving in G
ippsland.
Wed
nesd
ay 12th: P
ray for Gerard and L
inda Abdoo
serving in Maffra.
Th
ursd
ay 13th - F
riday 14th
: Pray for the regional
teams in the W
estern District and in G
ippsland supporting and encouraging local P
astoral Workers.
Satu
rday 15th
– Su
nd
ay 16th: T
hank God for the w
ork of N
ick Buscom
be and his family.
Mon
day 17th
– Wed
nesd
ay 19th: P
ray for campers
and leaders who are preparing for tw
o great camps this
weekend, the Young A
dult Waterski C
amp and the F
amily
Boating
Cam
p. P
ray for
those leading,
cooking and
volunteering, that their preparations will go sm
oothly.
Th
ursd
ay 20th: P
ray for Scott and Deborah R
onalds and their children serving G
od in the Gippsland region.
Frid
ay 21st - Su
nd
ay 23rd: P
ray for the Young Adult
Waterski C
amp in the W
estern region of Victoria and the
Fam
ily Boating C
amp in G
ippsland. Pray for enjoym
ent, great w
eather and great conversations of faith.
Mon
day 24th
– Frid
ay 28th: T
hank God for the im
pact E
SA has on m
any people’s lives all across Victoria. P
ray that he w
ill continue to use all the volunteers and staff to share the gospel.
Thank you for your prayers.
ESA Prayer N
otes N
ovember 2019–February 2020
“Pray for one another”
James 5:6
E.S.A. Country M
inistries 19 Tesm
ar Circuit, Chirnside Park VIC 3116 Phone:
(03) 9837 5225 em
ail: esa@
esa.org.au W
eb site: w
ww.esa.org.au
The ESA Board
JoashG
eoffN
athanRachel
Dean
Swan Hill teen camp was one for the record books. With this being only the second year of it running, we smashed 2018’s number of campers with over 30 and hope and pray that it continues to grow in future years.
This year we participated in activities such as the amazing race around town (where every team failed to find Sussan), damper and fire making, hut building/flour bombing/water bombing, arts and crafts, and major games throughout the week. The arts and crafts were a major highlight as kids were able to decorate their own piece of work and take it home as something to remember camp by. The amazing race was also a highlight as the ongoing joke of finding Sussan was impossible to do. This made for a fun and successful week of activities that were enjoyable and created lasting memories for the campers.
This year’s speakers were Noah Chislett and Sam Dempsey. The focus of their talks was on evangelism and subsequently they talked about the gospel message, the great commission and how to evangelise after camp. These talks were highly
motivating, and the kids responded in a way that only the Holy Spirit could have prompted. One camper made a public declaration of faith and was baptised in the Murray River.
We also ran activities such as question boxes and electives, which aimed to give kids more of a deeper insight into some issues including leadership, identity, and testimonies. These were highly praised and a definite camp highlight.
Overall, camp was successful as lots of learning about God and Jesus occurred and a lot of fun was also had. As a leadership team, our prayer for next year is that this camp continues to grow and lives would be changed. In the meantime, the search for Sussan continues…
Ben Frost (Director)
ESA’s Aviation Camp was held at Bendigo Baptist Church in early October with 26 campers and 6 leaders. It was a week full of flying activities, learning the theory of Aviation and how Aviation connects with Christian missionary work. Each camper spent time in Avserve’s flight simulator learning more about flying and then each one enjoyed a 30 minute flight over Bendigo with an instructor. There was a wave of excitement from each camper as they walked off the tarmac returning from their flight.
The campers also enjoyed attending the night sessions of Historymakers Youth Conference being held in Bendigo during the same week.
Special thanks to
Bendigo Baptist Church for allowing ESA to run the camp on their property and being very helpful during the week!
The organising team was led by David Cummings and included David Molyneux, Roger Alder, Max Chapman, Stephen Ratten, Gary Peterson and Bruce Stewart.
Young Adults Rock Climbing CampYou’re invited to a weekend of rock climbing, abseiling, great food, fun and discussions of faith. Grab your mates for a great weekend!We have a great weekend of rock climbing, abseiling and discussions of faith. Friday 16th November to Sunday 18th at Mount Arapiles, you can bring your own rock climbing gear or we can provide you with the right equipment. ESA provides all the food, you just need to bring a tent, sleeping bag and your personal items.This weekend away is an opportunity for all. There will be a variety of experienced and beginner climbers so there’s no reason to miss out!Time will be spent meeting people, getting to know each other and hanging out.Come along and explore the amazing Mt. Arapiles.Dates: Nov 16th – 18th, 2019Location: Mount ArapliesCosts: $75Details: Peter Geldart 0427 316 327
Summer Teen CampESA Summer Teen is a combination of all the best things in summer. Friends, sun, games, beach, and so much more!It’s one of the best weeks of the year. Join us at Phillip Island Adventure Resort from Thursday January 2nd - Monday January 6th, 2020. You’ll meet new friends, enjoy the best activities like the Beach, Giant Swing, Waterslide, Outdoor Games, Swimming Pool, Basketball, God Stuff and lots more fun.Come along, bring your friends and get ready to have a whole lot of fun and learn from some awesome leaders.Dates: Jan 2nd – 6th, 2020Location: Phillip Island Adventure ResortWho: Year 8 - 12Costs: $325Details: David Molyneux 0435 376 009
Summer Junior CampYou’re invited to ESA’s Summer Junior Camp for Year 4 - 7’s at Phillip Island Adventure Resort. It’s a high energy camp with lots of outdoor activities along with camp meetings where we will enjoy worship songs, listen to encouraging talks and have time to share stories together.Activities include Giant Swing, Waterslide, beach day, swimming pool activities, basketball, team games and lots more. All activities are fully supervised by Childsafe trained Christian volunteers. Dates: Jan 2nd – 6th, 2020Location: Phillip Island Adventure ResortWho: Year 4 - 7Costs: $320Details: David Molyneux 0435 376 009
Portland Summer CampYou’re invited to one of the best beaches in Victoria, meet new friends, enjoy the relaxed vibe and be encouraged in your Christian faith!ESA’s Cape Bridgewater Summer Camp has a relaxed vibe and is held at Portland Bay Lodge.It has one of the best beaches in Victoria so come along and make new friends and be encouraged in your Christian faith.There’s lots to do on camp including beach days, night walks, basketball, cards games and lots more.Dates: Jan 5th – 9th, 2020Location: Portland Bay LodgeWho: Year 6 - 12Costs: $225Details: Nick Buscombe 0407 875 341
Teen Canoeing CampDates: Jan 8th – 12th, 2020Location: On the Murray River, around the Tocumwal areaWho: 13 – 18 years oldCosts: $195Details: Peter Geldart 0427 316 327
Gippsland Summer Coast CampDates: Jan 13th – 17th, 2020Location: Gippsland CoastCosts: $175Details: Dave Maxwell 0438 322 993
Gippsland Family Boating CampDates: Feb 21st – 23rd, 2020Location: Eaglepoint Caravan ParkCosts: $85 for individuals 14 years old and above $170 for FamiliesDetails: Gerard Abdoo 0411 851748
Young Adult Water Ski CampDates: Feb 21st – 23rd, 2020Location: Boundary BendCosts: $60 per personDetails: Peter Geldart 0427 316327
NOVEMBER
JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
ESA Camping is the camping ministry of ESA Country Ministries. Our aim is to Equip, Serve and Assist country churches in their outreach and discipleship.
About Camp ApplicationsAll camp applications are done through our online application process. Paper applications can be requested through the office if required.
How to ApplyCheck out opening and closing dates for applications and apply online at www.esa.org.au If paper applications are required, please telephone ESA office on (03) 9837 5225.
To be fair to all, our policies are:
1. Full fees to be paid prior to camp closing date. 2. Your camp fee includes a non-refundable $30 administration charge.3. Assist us by applying early: some camps fill well before the closing date!4. If paying by cheque / money order,
make out to ESA and mail to ESA, prior to closing date of camp. (No cash in mail please).
5. Transport to and from camp is your responsibility.6. Confirmation of your application and further information will be
available approximately 10 days prior to camp.
ESA Staff
David Molyneux Gerard Abdoo
Peter Geldart Dave Maxwell
Zoe Boyle Nick Buscombe
Scott RonaldsRuth Parfett
Abbey Rutherford
www.esa.org.au
For the latest camp information
camp info • photos • news • tag yourself • tag your mates
@esaorgau @esacountryministries
Young Adults Rock Climbing Camp November 16-18 2019Summer Teen Camp Phillip Island January 2-6 2020Summer Junior Camp Phillip Island January 2-6 2020Portland Summer Camp January 5-9 2020Teen Canoeing Camp (Tocumwal) January 8-12 2020Gippsland Summer Coast Camp January 13-17 2020Gippsland Family Boating Camp February 21-23 2020Young Adult Water Ski Camp (Boundary Bend) February 21-23 2020
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Keeping InStep is the official publication of ESA Country Ministries 19 Tesmar Circuit, Chirnside Park VIC 3116 Phone: (03) 9837 5225 email: [email protected] Web site: www.esa.org.au
In Step is available online - esa.org.auYou can also get previous editions of In Step from here.
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InStep KEEPING
SEPTEMBER 2019HALLS GAP YOUTH CAMPCAMP REPORT
How beautiful it was as we entered Halls Gap, seeing God’s wonderful creations within all the greenery of nature, the roaming wildlife and the smiles of ice-cream eaters along the street.
We are so grateful to have come together and praise God in a place over which He so clearly already has His hand.
With excitement in the air, all the leaders eagerly greeted the campers as they arrived at camp. The camp’s theme of Fruits tied perfectly with the talks of Fruits of the Spirit given by Sam Dempsey, Simone Holley, Patrick O’Leary and Georgia Leaney. It was so beautiful and refreshing to come back to the fundamentals of living Christ-like. And as we explored what the fruits of the Spirit look like in our lives, we asked “What does it actually look like to show patience or gentleness?”, “How can we be more loving to those that at times we may find difficult to love?”. This reflection continued into the worship and prayer sessions which was led by an incredible team of leaders.
Not only was God’s presence evident in the talks and worship but also in the conversations around the tables at mealtimes, when conquering Mount Boronia, in cabin groups and during team activities.
With the last afternoon involving the greatly anticipated game of Hunt the Leader, the leaders headed into town to hide, dressing up as Bananas in pyjamas, watermelons, grapes and froot loops just to name a few.
As the campers went around and found the leaders, it was only justly to make the campers do a challenge such as catching grapes in their mouth, going for a swim in the creek and even giving a leader a shoulder massage.
To step back and witness God’s good works present in the encouragements, laughter, new friendships and deeper understandings that are shared throughout the camp is such a blessing and personally restoring for my faith.
I am so thankful to all the leaders, directors, cooks and everyone behind the scene who put time and effort into making this camp a joy to lead on.
