Study Camp or vacation with the family?

A handful of high school students chose camp, where they spend eight hours a day in a gymnasium…studying. Students in Australia must take a test at the end of their 12th year in high school, similar to the United Sate’s SAT or ACT. The test is called the High School Certificate, which is comprised of roughly 10 tests, one in each subject that the student has taken. Depending on the student’s score (out of 100), the student can test into pursuing a certain degree at university.This week I had the privilege of leading a group of 100 twelfth graders at what is known as a Study Camp, led by Crusader Union Camps of Australia. The camp lasts one week and the camp guarantees parents that their student will have a total of eight hours of study each of those days. What I find even stranger than 100 students choosing to come to a camp to study, is having 80% of them coming to a Christian affiliated camp as Atheists. Yes, the gospel is preached each day and the students knew they were required to attend when they signed up for this endeavor.

While helping lead this camp, which was part of a Wesley class by the way, I was stretched in my faith in ways I never thought I was capable of. I sat in discussion groups where seventeen year-olds were not afraid to tell me they thought Christianity was a hoax. I stayed up until late hours of the night explaining why I believe what I believe to girls who have all they ever wanted in life. As I had these eye-opening debates and talks, I realized this is so rare in the states. I cannot think of a single time where I lead a retreat or mission trip where I was patronized for my faith, and here I am being questioned by someone four years younger than me. It breaks my heart to see such apathetic hearts, but I rejoice in the Lord for giving me the opportunity to share my faith with such a group as this… a very intelligent and talented group at that.

On top of all of this, I gained friendships with leaders that I wish could last forever. These people are awesome. In between all of the studying and activities, I even got to drive a car! Videos to come when I have better internet.

these are some lovely campers that stayed in my cabin

this is Kat, she was a leader at camp- she has a great singing voice, a sweetheart of a guy, and she was a blast to hang out with :)