LYV Kid’s Camp Coordinators Needed
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – Kids Camp Coordinators
A Little History:
For as long as anyone can remember, Youth and Young Adults of the Lutheran Youth of Victoria (formally Luther League) have run Christian Life Weeks (CLW), Easter Camps (EC), Western Zone, Central Zone, Metro Zone, ReUnite Camps, and any manner of other Camps. This is a fantastic legacy.
Also, for as long as anyone can remember, the Staff of Araluen & Tandara have run a yearly ‘Kids Camp’ with the help of volunteers and supporters from the surrounding local congregations. But importantly the camp managers, firstly Charlie & Cheryl Reif and recently Darren & Kerry Linke, under their own steam, have organised and ran this vital ministry event for pre-teens/tween-agers, introducing them to the fun, community building, and personally stretching ministry that is Camps Ministry. This, too, is a great legacy, which has helped so many young people develop and grow in their faith over the years.
Sadly, the staff at Tandara and Araluen have recently needed to set aside this ministry and focus on the day to day running of these two great camp facilities that we have been blessed with over the last 50+ years. May they continue to grow and bless the groups they host onsite.
As such, the current LYV committee have decided to pick up Kids Camp and officially bring it in under the LYV Banner. They see exciting potential for this age group to meet God through retreat(ing) to a safe place and being introduced to a Christ-centred community that will grow with them through their teenage years and into their young adulthood. A place where they can build relationships with God and other like-minded peers and mentors that can last a lifetime.
Current Needs:
This is where you come in. We need a small team (4-6 people) to tackle the unique challenges/opportunities that this age group presents. You already have the passion, and you have a unique skill set that would undoubtedly benefit the ministry/mission opportunity that Kids Camp can be, going forward. Skills in publicity, administration, building engaging programs for tweenagers (activities/worship/studies), and/or networking.
This is an intergenerational venture – whatever age you are [>30, 30+, 40+, 50+, etc…] , we want you on the team! We do not believe that you ‘age out’ of Camp Ministry. There are 2 of us so far. 😊
Just a little interested? Think this might be tap on the shoulder God’s been whispering to you about? Talk to someone you know who is involved with LYV. Or contact Jon directly.
A little bit about me: I grew up in the Victorian District and discovered a heart for Camp Ministry as a leader on CLW’s. That was some decades ago, and I haven’t stopped being an advocate for Camp Ministry since. I believe the Camp environment offers opportunities for young people to meet God and deepen their relationship with him in a safe place outside of their usual comfort zones. It is this belief that has led me to picking up Kids Camp where Araluen & Tandara have left off. I would love to work with any like-minded people to continue to build and grow Camp Ministry here in Victoria… yes… even in the messy-ness.
PS: Come to LYV’s 60th Anniversary, September 18-20, 2026 – I’ll be there. Let’s chat about the possibilities! 😊
