A group of 36 youth and young adults from Mile End Community Church in South Australia travelled to Tumbarumba (NSW) for their third STORMCo service trip from July 5 to 11.
Throughout the week, the team engaged with the local community through service activities, including a daily Kids Club and an outdoor ministry team that completed gardening, pruning and general maintenance tasks for residents.
Held at Tumbarumba High School’s Multi-Purpose Centre, the Kids Club saw record participation, with 107 children attending. The program provided a structured holiday activity for local families during the winter school break.
The outdoor ministry team, supported by local Adventist elder Wayne Ford, worked at several sites, including the property of a foster mother caring for a six-month-old child.
According to Pathfinder leader Mitzy Camilo, who coordinated the trip, the group was met with “overwhelming generosity and kindness” from the local community. Several organisations supported the initiative by offering facilities and accommodation. The Uniting Church hosted male participants, while the Tumbarumba Motel provided rooms and use of its conference space for the female team members. The St Jude’s Anglican Church made its hall and kitchen available as a base for the week.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms Camilo described it as “a week filled with purpose, compassion and the transformative power of service.” She said the group is already planning to return in 2026, with the Tumbarumba Sports Academy offering its facility as a potential venue for the growing Kids Club program.
