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One of our flagship family friendly programs ‘Beach Missions’ have been a part of the South Australian holiday landscape for over 70 years. It’s our best known and most loved community program. Today not all our programs are run by the beach and may have different names or be referred to as ‘Family Missions’. They are all part of the same group of community programs.
Over a thousand people encounter a Family Mission in a number of locations each year, and nationally tens of thousands. The response to our volunteers running the week-long programs (virtually free of charge) are overwhelmingly positive!! Families are known to re-book their campsite a year in advance just because they know that SU Family Missions are going to be there! That is a remarkable testimony to the impact of our volunteers and this effective community program.
Although the shape and programs involved have changed over time, the purpose is still the same; to connect with children, young people and families on holidays for fun, build long lasting relationships, and to explore the Christian faith. The fun experiences create life-long memories for everyone.
Family Missions generally run between five to ten days in length, and are jam-packed with a host of programs for people to enjoy. They are well organised and have well-trained, prepared teams that manage them. We use the ChildSafe system of safety & risk management for ministry with children and young people. Every volunteer is trained accordingly, undergoes a thorough screening process and must obtain a Working With Children Check.
Scripture Union strives to work alongside and partner with local churches and volunteers. Family Missions are no different. Each team seeks to partner with and connect into the local community to encourage local people to share Jesus with those on holidays as well as their friends and neighbours.
For more information read our ChildSafe Training Page, or visit the ChildSafe website.
This next summer, Family Missions will be happening in the following townships:
- Victor Harbor ‘the Big Tent’ Dec 27th 2022 – Jan 5th, 2023
- Moonta Jan 2nd-6th, 2023
- Tumby Bay Jan 3rd-6th, 2023
- Mannum Jan 20-26th, 2023
New programs and teams are starting up each year in locations all around the state in urban, regional and remote locations. Do you have a local or holiday community in mind for a new mission? The Missions Department of SUSA has a number of outreach programs that can operate at any time of the year.
Contact us for more information on how you cane involved in our next Beach Mission!