By Luke LaRocque
Muskoka Bible Centre is thrilled to be partnering with Christian Camping New Zealand (CCNZ) to offer a camp exchange program where our staff get the chance to serve in the sunny south over a five-month period, and we welcome Kiwis back to Canada for a summer of service here in Muskoka. At its core, the partnership is designed to foster deeper discipleship opportunities for our staff while creating lifelong memories and friendships. Getting to skip a cold Canadian winter isn’t the worst thing either!
Camps in New Zealand operate on a different schedule than Canada, because their school year calendar is completely different. They don’t have a traditional ten-week summer break. Instead, there are ten-week school terms with time off in between. As exchange participants, young people get the chance to serve mid-week groups from New Zealand schools, as well as supporting ministry-based holiday camps throughout the school breaks. Of course, there are a lot of opportunities to experience great new adventures in New Zealand too. So, what’s it really like? Don’t take our word for it – here are some thoughts from one of this year’s participants (written back in November as she was getting settled):
My name is Emily Angell and I’m currently on a work exchange through Christian Camping New Zealand. I’m volunteering at Waipara Adventure Centre near Christchurch until April. It’s been an incredible experience so far. The camp staff have been so welcoming to us; welcoming us with open arms. It has been amazing to watch God working in my own life, as well as the lives of other interns and children attending camp. It’s inspiring to watch how passionate full-time staff are about being a light to Jesus using outdoor activities. The full-time staff work incredibly hard to ensure the camp is in a presentable state for children attending camp throughout the week. The other instructors have been working hard to ensure we are well equipped to serve the kids to the best of our ability. I am currently practicing many different knots and learning how to set up abseiling (translation: rappelling)!
The church community has also been incredibly welcoming. We attend a young adult group on Tuesday nights, as well as church on Sunday mornings. I anticipate joining the worship team soon and I’m very excited to serve God like this in a different country. It’s amazing to see how God is the same God on the other side of the world. I can feel His presence with us every day as we embark on this epic adventure!
Please pray that God would help us at Waipara (and Hannah and Averie at Teapot Valley Bible Camp), as well as fellow co-workers, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in New Zealand over the next few months. And pray for us as we invite Kiwis back to Canada next summer!
Luke LaRocque is MBC’s Director of Ministry.