E A S T E R C A M P 2 0 2 1
Michael Lemanu, Mission Resourcing
Covid-19 meant that Epworth's annual Easter Camp was unable to go ahead in 2020 - being the first year in a long time that young people didn't gather on bay of Lake Karapiro for the Easter Weekend. By Gods Grace 2021 allowed for Easter Camp to go ahead. And go ahead it did, with an epic weekend of events, fellowship, remembrance and awareness of Gods presence among the 90 plus attendees from all across the North Island.
T i c T o k
Easter Camp 2021's theme was "TicTok" - this was a play off of the popular social media app, TikTok. More specifically it was a challenge to young people to consider the value of time, not just human time, but Godly time on the clock of eternity. As Jesus hung lifeless on the cross, time seemingly stood still. The 3 days between his burial and triumphant victory must of felt like an eternity. How then, can these concepts resonate with young people who are accustomed to the consumption of short-term, shock value, quick buzz material in today's world?
One immediate advantage to being at the beautiful Epworth Campsite is the very unpredictable cellular reception, making moments of internet access few and far between. This played well into our theme - giving young people the chance to strip themselves away from technology and hone in on what the Spirit was saying to us this weekend.
EC 2021 had young people from all across the North Island - representing youth groups from Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and of English speaking, Tongan and Fijian congregations. There was also a wide range of ages and generations present, many being first time campers and many more having their first exposure to the wider church beyond their own contextual bubble. As is always with young people, it didn't take very long for strangers to soon become close friends and the opening awkwardness and shyness be replaced with an exuberance of joyful noise and energy.
One immediate advantage to being at the beautiful Epworth Campsite is the very unpredictable cellular reception, making moments of internet access few and far between. This played well into our theme - giving young people the chance to strip themselves away from technology and hone in on what the Spirit was saying to us this weekend.
EC 2021 had young people from all across the North Island - representing youth groups from Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and of English speaking, Tongan and Fijian congregations. There was also a wide range of ages and generations present, many being first time campers and many more having their first exposure to the wider church beyond their own contextual bubble. As is always with young people, it didn't take very long for strangers to soon become close friends and the opening awkwardness and shyness be replaced with an exuberance of joyful noise and energy.
D e v o t i o n s
The EC 2021 speakers for the weekend brought three different, but impactful, messages of hope to our young people in attendance. The idea was to get them thinking, praying and discerning - throughout the weekend and beyond it - about the theme and its relevance to their faith journeys and everyday lives.
Day 1 saw Kate Caetano bring a message about the importance of time and the way in which we prioritize it into different areas of our lives. Using Jesus' time on earth as an example, young people were challenged to think about how they value time by themselves, with their close inner circle, and in the wider community. In an age where phone screens attempt to absorb as much of our attention as humanly possible, this was a timely reminder.
Steph Gordon brought a powerful testimony and story about love on Day 2, basing her message off of Paul's well-known words in 1. Corinthians 13. Lent is Gods single greatest act of love for His people. Our mission in life is to receive it, but also reflect it in response. Steph's powerful testimony of her work in Central Auckland set the tone for inspiration.
After starting Resurrection with a beautiful Dawn Service on the foggy Lake Karapiro, day 3 had Wesley Machee bring a message intertwined in the theme but with a twist. As TikTok users are well aware, the application uses algorithms to measure what content it thinks you will want to see. This page is called the "For You Page." Wes challenged campers to think differently about this and instead "Follow Your Path" - a path already set in motion by Christ's victory over death. All of the EC speakers offered insightful and refreshing challenges to our young people in attendance.
Adding to our speakers was the last night festivities - known as the Celebration Service. During this service, young people were given the opportunity to share their own testimonies and stories. Many took up the opportunity and inspired with messages of hope, overcoming adversity and trusting God in every stage of life. The night ended outside under the stars with glowing lanterns that had been created by campers throughout the day - God the light through dark nights, above in the sky and also beside at each footstep.
Day 1 saw Kate Caetano bring a message about the importance of time and the way in which we prioritize it into different areas of our lives. Using Jesus' time on earth as an example, young people were challenged to think about how they value time by themselves, with their close inner circle, and in the wider community. In an age where phone screens attempt to absorb as much of our attention as humanly possible, this was a timely reminder.
Steph Gordon brought a powerful testimony and story about love on Day 2, basing her message off of Paul's well-known words in 1. Corinthians 13. Lent is Gods single greatest act of love for His people. Our mission in life is to receive it, but also reflect it in response. Steph's powerful testimony of her work in Central Auckland set the tone for inspiration.
After starting Resurrection with a beautiful Dawn Service on the foggy Lake Karapiro, day 3 had Wesley Machee bring a message intertwined in the theme but with a twist. As TikTok users are well aware, the application uses algorithms to measure what content it thinks you will want to see. This page is called the "For You Page." Wes challenged campers to think differently about this and instead "Follow Your Path" - a path already set in motion by Christ's victory over death. All of the EC speakers offered insightful and refreshing challenges to our young people in attendance.
Adding to our speakers was the last night festivities - known as the Celebration Service. During this service, young people were given the opportunity to share their own testimonies and stories. Many took up the opportunity and inspired with messages of hope, overcoming adversity and trusting God in every stage of life. The night ended outside under the stars with glowing lanterns that had been created by campers throughout the day - God the light through dark nights, above in the sky and also beside at each footstep.
A c t i v i t i e s
To go with the powerful Spiritual elements of camp, there was also plenty of time for the regular hilarity, chaos, fellowship and energy that any gathering of young people comes with. There was the highly entertaining Concert night/talent show which showcased some ridiculous skill and creativity. An EC version of the America's cup, with groups having to build their own rafts and hit Lake Karapiro in pursuit of rubber ducks. Kayaking - both at day time and also to the glow worms each evening, sports comps, inflatable obstacle courses, touch, volley ball, swimming, movie nights, board games, crafts, sewing, bonfires and list goes on. Not to mention, the amazing food menu that EC serves up, with a special themed 'Sunday Best' dinner on Saturday night. All of these events are fun and vibrant, yes, but when done with the acknowledge of the presence of God amongst it all, it makes for a truly memorable and meaningful event.
T H A N K S
Many thanks must go the amazing team of volunteers and leaders that work hard year in year out to make EC at Epworth a reality. All leaders, parents and contributors are lead by the selfless Shane Vanin, a true unsung hero of the church who quietly puts his head down and gets to work year after year. Also many thanks to the parents in the kitchen and around camp who keep things ticking over and moving throughout the weekend without a fuss.
Our goal is to make EC a truly Methodist Camp and to continue to grow it in the coming years. As time ticks by, we hope that Easter Camp 2022 will see more young people join us again for a truly epic weekend, all in the backdrop of the most important week in our Christian calendar.
Our goal is to make EC a truly Methodist Camp and to continue to grow it in the coming years. As time ticks by, we hope that Easter Camp 2022 will see more young people join us again for a truly epic weekend, all in the backdrop of the most important week in our Christian calendar.