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Mo Mansill National Youth Co-ordinator

‘If you are making some excuse for not going to Easter camp, think again…’ - Rev A. Huston, ‘The Young Presbyterian’ March 1958 (The Pressie Youth Magazine of the 50s – 60s)

When I was sixteen I went on my first Easter Camp. By myself - there wasn’t anyone my age at my church. I don’t know what made me decide to go. I didn’t know what to expect. I found some forms at church, sent one in and bowled on up to Camp Adair with no idea of what was before me.

The food was a good - although the cook had brought along food colouring. Milk doesn’t taste the same when it’s blue. Nor does mashed potato when it’s pink. I got to know some people playing games. They seemed friendly enough. The music at worship was cool - although coming from a trad church it was a little bit more upbeat than I was used to. On the second day I discovered some people in the back row who didn’t jump up and down as much as everyone else. It turned out they were Presbyterian. Over the next few days we listened and sang and talked and went for walks and played more games and did other Easter Campy stuff. By the end I decided I’d had a good time and I was glad I went.

At a time when I was questioning a lot of things with God and the church, Easter Camp challenged me in new ways to think about my faith. It also gave me a whole new group of God friends from different parts of the same place. I can’t say I was looking for what I found. But I’m glad I found it.

If you haven’t done the Easter Camp thing before and you’re feeling a bit nervous about going yourself or sending your youth group, don’t be. Even if it’s not what you’re used to or not what you’re expecting, I’d be surprised if you didn’t come away bigger and better from the experience.

God’s blessings this Easter,
Arohanui