The Sydney Adventist Youth team held their first ever Youth and Young Adult Big Camp in Appin, NSW, over the weekend of September 8-11.
“The Greater Sydney Conference Youth Advisory came up with the idea over a year and-a-half ago,” said youth ministries director Pastor Simon Gigliotti. “It was born from a desire to bring young people together and inspire them to serve Jesus.”
“I’ve been to a few big camps over the years,” said one guest, “but this one was the best. Great speakers!”
“When planning this event, we wanted to be really intentional about creating spaces for youth and young adults across Sydney to have community outside of their local churches,” shared young adults coordinator Eden Ashcroft. “The camp gave us an opportunity to work towards our vision of forming connection and having spiritual nourishment they may not get with friend groups outside the Church.”
Miami, Florida, USA-based husband-and-wife pastoral team Jamil and Vanessa Hairston, and Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Warriors chaplain Ray Moaga were keynote speakers for the event.
“Our speakers, Vanessa and Jamil Hairston, are 26 years old,” Pastor Gigliotti said. “We chose young people who are giving their all in serving Jesus to speak to our young people. Many young people’s hearts were touched, and it goes to show how young people can inspire others in a profound way.”
