Campout kids experience God as mystery

In spite of so much rain and crazy weather over summer the second weekend in March provided the most beautiful sunshine for the 149 people who went to Kids Camp Out at Wedderburn in a great bush setting.

KCO is a camp for primary aged children, their adult leaders and youth who offer leadership. Some camped in tents, others in cabins and it was a brilliant weekend.

This year saw adults, youth and children from 11 congregations and two presbyteries gather together to explore something of themselves and their relationship with God as they wondered about the theme “God is mystery”.

Mystery singers (spontaneous volunteers from among the children) were more than happy  to lead singing, showing actions to the songs and sharing how they felt close to God in a “spotlight of fame”.

One child shared how wonderful it was for them to feel “so much closer to God”.

Others just had so much fun in the activities, which included swimming, games, craft, minute to win it hilarity as well as the great and amazing race.

Small group sessions enabled children to discover more about God as well make new friends. It was amazing to see water turn into wine, laugh in “wonder” at Gibbo the Great and his magic tricks, which made some things disappear, not to mention the way God’s love is overflowing.

This year there were 28youth leaders — many who joined in the leadership development session on the Saturday night. For ten years now this aspect of KCO has offered a unique hands-on opportunity for high school youth (and some slightly older) to offer leadership to younger children and also gain some insights for their own leadership skills.

Not only is it a fun time but also a lot was learnt about the importance of communication and reflecting on what to say, how much to say and when to say it in leadership.

Needless to say this camp is seen as a valuable opportunity for children, youth and adults and the Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery continues to build a team to keep KCO happening.

KCO14 is booked in at Wedderburn for the weekend of March 8-9. We look forward to even more people coming and enjoying a great weekend.

The Rev. Christine Bayliss Kelly is Parramatta-Nepean Children, Youth and Family Minister.