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At Tiona Campground, in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales,
Australia, 71 campers ages 7–11, and 15 staff traveled from around the
continent—including Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and the Mid North Coast—to
experience living in a community and as a family. Celebrating the theme “All
Aboard the Peace Train,” each day, October 8–13, participants boarded the “peace
train” for a journey of discovery in search of a hero.
We met biblical heroes like Daniel, who brought his friend to
Jesus for healing, and Esther, the widow who gave her all. We met everyday
people who qualify as heroes because of the way they serve in their daily lives.
We strived to learn more about Jesus and sang his praises as one song suggested:
“He’s always a hero to me.” Finally, we learned that there is a hero in each of
us.
Daily themes for our “All Aboard the Peace Train” experience
helped us explore our search for heroes more deeply. The daily themes were “Be
Strong!” “Be Courageous!” “Be Determined!” “Be Generous!” “Be Loving!” and “A
Hero Lies in You!”
The singing throughout the week was great. Our theme song was
“We’re on a Hero Quest, Powered by Faith.” Each day we learned a Bible verse in
sign language and enjoyed visits from a magician and Captain Peace. Each
activity and guest inspired us.
Campers were encouraged by the messages of the Peace
Train Puppets |
The Peace Train Puppets came by for a peace party. They
delivered their special message of peace and encouraged us all to be
peacemakers. Other activities included building peace poles, making train
whistles, sharing photos of friends in the peace train, and throwing Frisbees
with a message to increase the peace. Campers each created a stepping stone that
represented a personal journal and a peace symbol. They also enjoyed cooking,
swimming, beach games, and building happy memories of the time together.
One afternoon was highlighted by a special worship service in
the Green Cathedral. We were humbled by a dramatic interpretation of how Jesus
washed the disciples’ feet and by the experience for all the campers, who had
their hands washed by those offering servant ministry. We listened as one of our
campers shared a testimony of the experience of being baptized in Wallis Lake.
We also offered for one another a moving “Hero’s Blessing” as the sun went down.
—Wendy Ballard and Anna Anderson reporting
Camp co-directors and Australia Mission Centre staff |
