Families from NSW and beyond convened at Yarra Holiday Park (Stuarts Point Convention Centre) for the Homeschool Families Camp from November 10 to 12. The camp is an initiative of the Light Carriers Adventist Homeschool Network, supported by the North New South Wales (NNSW) children’s and family ministries department.
Approximately 115 parents and children, ranging from babies to 15-year-olds, participated in the event. Attendees included families who travelled from as far as Victoria and Queensland.
Guest speaker Pastor Brad Rea, chaplain at Macquarie College (Wallsend, NSW), spoke on the topic “Shine for Jesus”, with activities and worship centred around the theme. The camp featured interactive games, crafts and challenges for children and parents to enjoy, including STEM activities, water activities, bubble machines and other games. Each activity aimed at fostering intergenerational connections and relationships between homeschooling families in NNSW.
The Sabbath program involved different stations where attendees could interact with distinct characters that “shone for Jesus”, encouraging families to do the same in their lives. The Sabbath program also included intentional time in nature, collaborative family worship and a Bible nature scavenger hunt.
There were also various opportunities for the attending mothers to spend time together in prayer and fellowship over a hot drink at the “Mum’s Rejuve.”
Homeschooling mother and founder of Light Carriers Adventist Homeschool Network Marilyn Östring shared that “connecting Adventist homeschooling families to other families in the same boat is the main objective.”
NNSW children’s and family ministries director Colleen Savage added that the camp’s intention was to connect with like-minded families in the conference who may be going through similar experiences, challenges and triumphs regarding homeschooling. “It was wonderful to see the parents connecting, forming a support group and sharing as well as the children of various ages playing together,” said Mrs Savage.
The Homeschool Families Camp will return in 2024 on September 26 to 29 at Yarra Holiday Park with NNSW president Cristian Copaceanu as the guest speaker.
