New Camps, Camp Speaking, and a Bloke Named Barry Bottoms

Oct 1, 2025

Join two enthusiastic youth leaders as they share their vibrant camp experiences. Alex recounts running her first youth camp in Ballarat, diving deep into the Trinity with interactive workshops, games, and historic adventures. Meanwhile, Tom balances family life and camp duties at a larger gathering, featuring fun activities like trivia and night games. The discussion explores whether camps are essential for youth groups, highlighting their role in building relationships and community. Expect laughs, insightful debates, and creative ideas for future events!

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ADVICE

Don’t Run Formal Right Before Camp

Avoid scheduling a formal event the night before camp because leaders get exhausted and logistics stack up.
Start camp on a non-school day to gain more full daytime hours while keeping nights minimal.

ANECDOTE

First-Time Youth Group Camp In Ballarat

Alex ran her youth group’s first independent camp in Ballarat and focused on unpacking the Trinity across workshops and sessions.
They stayed at Ebenezer Presbyterian, did Sovereign Hill, played mafia and basketball, and had ten youth with three leaders.

ADVICE

Plan Teaching Collaboratively

Coordinate leaders via shared documents and plan teaching in advance to avoid overlap and ensure cohesive sessions.
Use workshops with interactive activities like butcher's paper and reports-back to engage small groups effectively.

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Alex took her youth group on their first ever camp. Tom took his family to camp as he spoke on camp with another church.

If you have a question, suggestion, or wanna tell us about podcasts you like more than ours, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.com

Follow Alex's Youth Group here: https://www.instagram.com/darebinpresbyterianyouth/ Find more of Tom's stuff here: https://tomfrench.com.au

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

AI made a themed episode summary for us:

Gather 'round, friends, as I tell you the tale of two youth group adventures that unfolded in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Our story begins with Tom and Alex, spirited youth leaders, each embarking on their own journey to create memorable camp experiences for their young charges.

Alex's camp was set against the backdrop of Ballarat, a place rich with history and the echoes of the Gold Rush era. As the sun rose on the first day, the youth gathered, eager to explore the mysteries of the Trinity—a topic that had long piqued their curiosity. Through workshops and sessions, they delved into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, weaving their understanding into the fabric of their faith. The leaders, wise and patient, guided them through this spiritual journey, fostering connections and friendships that would last a lifetime. The camp was alive with laughter and camaraderie as the youth played games of Mafia and basketball, and ventured to the historic Sovereign Hill.

Meanwhile, Tom found himself amidst a larger gathering at a campsite near the Great Ocean Road. Here, the youth group from Holy Trinity Doncaster came together, filling the campsite with energy and excitement. Tom, along with his family, joined the camp, adding a personal touch to the experience. The days were filled with sessions, games, and activities, each designed to build community and deepen faith. Tom's evenings were spent balancing campfire tales with the joys and challenges of family life, as he navigated the unique dynamics of having his loved ones by his side.

As the campfires crackled under the starlit skies, stories were shared, and bonds were strengthened. Both groups returned home with hearts full of joy and minds enriched by the lessons learned. And so, the tale of these camps became cherished memories, testaments to the power of community and the spirit of adventure.