2012 began with a very busy week: final camp arrangements, registering the final campers for camp and then a drive down to Wellington with the family. On arriving in Wellington we spent some time exploring, visiting the cable car and finding the Botanical Gardens which we will have to return to at a later date to explore more. I then dropped them off at the ferry as they were on their way to Blenheim for the next week.
    Raewyn Rowney, my Wellington colleague, and I then finalised all the gear for camp. With Jess, the camp team leader, and Darren, a senior leader we visited the new campsite to make sure we had everything we needed. Well we were blown away by what we found: 360 acres covered with bush, paddocks, an obstacle course, a stream, a pool and many other activities. We were in for a good week.
    The team of 12 leaders gathered for training and preparation. We had a mix of new and experienced leaders on the team which was awesome. Unfortunately during the weekend one of the leaders had to leave as they had close connections with one of the couples who died in the hot air ballooning tragedy. This meant we had to find a replacement leader at short notice. Prayers were answered and we had a leader and a team that was well prepared for the arrival of 29 excited campers.

   While Gill and the boys were camping, enjoying the beach, fishing and going on an overnight tramp we were having an amazing time at camp. The theme of Going Bananas was great as we did activities as part of a tropical island theme. Activities like the fruit hunt, coconut mascots, catch the pig and a day's outing climbing a nearby hill were all hits with the campers and leaders. Our Bible theme was around five Bible characters who 'went bananas' for God. Here are two comments from leaders about camp.
    “A highlight for me is God and the message influencing the children. It is amazing how different stories affect and impact different kids.”
    “A highlight was watching kids change and grow in the week.”
    We had 6 children choose to stay behind after a Gospel challenge to talk with leaders about what it means to follow Jesus. Many more children had been asking questions about the Bible and faith throughout the week. Three of the children who stayed behind prayed with their leader and asked Jesus to be Lord of their lives.
    Since camp a number of children and their families have joined a church fellowship. And Raewyn continues to have contact with half the campers through church and SUPAkidz clubs.

     It had been 5 years since I had a block of two weeks holiday with family here in New Zealand. So for the 3rd week of January, while Paul was running our second SUPAkidz camp, we were having a lovely time on the beach at Matarangi. It really was a great week and even the weather was good.
    The 4th week we were in Auckland but did day trips to a number of beaches, went walking with friends in the Waitakere Ranges and also took the boys and their 3 cousins on an over night tramp to Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands. Some of the people whom we met while over there thought we were very brave taking 6 children walking and camping but we all had a great time. Thomas did really well to cover the 22 km without complaining at all. Check out the photos here.

Registrations are coming in steadily for all three events. I have been finalising workshop leaders (still need two) and volunteers (need more than two) and other logistical needs for WAY2GO Auckland. If you'd like to help as a volunteer please let me know and please pray.

The past month has been busy with various things both ministry and home related. At home it has been sport and school: meet the teacher meetings, registering for sports teams and a trip to Rotorua for Chris' BMX.
    At Scripture Union I have been busy doing some training with new Bible in Schools teachers, telling the story at the Starship Children's Church and planning and preparing for camps and WAY2GO events.
    I also spent three days in Wellington as part of the camps team. We were looking at how we can make things safer, more streamlined and grow the camps ministry around the country. I came away very encouraged and excited about what God will do through our camps over the next ten years.

Trumpet 

Medal 

Rugby