The inaugural JEWELS Camp was a roaring success with girls from all walks of life coming together over four days of discovery, community and fun. Activities included archery, night games, art, self-defence and a fabulous costume dance party. In between all the frivolities some serious content was covered which set the stage for growth and discovery.
Kel Beams (Collective Shout) held a captivating presentation on how advertising and the media sexualizes and objectifies women and the impact that has for girls in their self-esteem, value and image. She spoke on how the proliferation of pornography is impacting the current generation of girls and boys. Girls commented afterwards that this information had ‘blown their minds’ and had totally changed their thinking.
Chris Battistuzzi presented on how girls and boys are wired differently when it comes to sex and relationships. He emphasised how highly God valued each girl and that all girls should expect care and respect from boys. Jo Paynter shared a powerful talk on how Jesus views women compared to how our culture views women. Jesus was woven into all issues discussed at JEWELS and many girls gave feedback revealing a new understanding of how Jesus was relevant to their lives.
What the Girls had to say about the camp:
“I saw God at work on camp when the leaders told their stories.”
“It was really good, they spoke on topics that everyone could relate to, Christian or not.’’
“God comes to us where we are in our life.”
“God is with you. No matter what.”
“God is there and he can change any horrible life around once we believe”
“It made sense and made me more aware of how much God values me and all women”
By the end of camp non-Christian girls were asking us to connect them with their local youth group and church. Most declared they would be returning to JEWELS in 2017.
Cherith Harvey | At-Risk Ministry Coordinator
If you – or someone you know – have a story about how an SUSA Camp experience has changed your life, we’d love to hear from you.
Send your story to: stories@susa.org.au