For many rangatahi (and their leaders!) it is a highlight of their year. This year it was a whirlwind of worship, games, workshops, seminars, disappointing football results, great speakers, icy swims and countless games of basketball.

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A key element of Rise Up’s kaupapa is the workshops in which rangatahi are invited to step into leadership. This year we had a youth band leading worship on Saturday night as well as youth MCs and an absolutely stellar dance performance. I was lucky enough to be involved with the youth worship band, and it was incredible to witness the growth in confidence, trust and friendship in real time.

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We also had four main sessions over the course of camp where we explored the theme of Jesus in the wilderness and what it meant for us to “enter the wilderness” and also what it might look like to go on a “kingdom adventure”. Youth were encouraged to hear that their adventure can start right now and were challenged about the areas in their own schools and neighbourhoods that needed an infusion of the “culture of the kingdom of heaven”.

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One particularly moving moment was the sight of over 50 youth laying their phones at the front of the room as a declaration to spend more time truly listening to God. As adults, we ought to feel encouraged and challenged by this declaration too. A life of phone-fueled distraction is an intergenerational reality, and it was inspiring to see the younger generation owning this problem and turning back to God in response.

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The breadth of highlights was wide; none of our young people could narrow it down to just one. However, the low-lights were unanimous — camp was too short! There is no doubt that we’ll be back next year for more.

 

- Simon Langham