We were created to connect with others. But for some children, trying to connect can cause much heartache — particularly children with a disability. For mum Debra, she’s seen this firsthand through her son Daniel’s struggles.

Through your support for SU QLD’s camping ministry, Daniel recently made meaningful connections with other young people at Central Queensland’s Wet‘n’Wild camp. (more…)

For the Sudanese community in South East Queensland, sport and faith are playing an important role in bridging the gap between cultures.

Senior Pastor at Hope Pointe Church, Debbie Garth, works closely with the Sudanese community in Caboolture, so when an opportunity arose to partner with SU QLD and run a sports camp, she jumped at the chance. (more…)

Beach Missions aim to share the good news of Jesus with holiday-makers around Australia.

Since 2005, Bargara has hosted a mission team of SU QLD volunteers each year, who come to connect with and serve the local community, sharing the transforming love of Jesus.

Bargara Beach Mission director, James Dwyer, has experienced countless examples of God’s favour, which has kept the mission going for so long. (more…)

In 1980, Malcolm Fraser was prime minister, Dustin Hoffman and Sally Field win Best Actors at the Oscars, Rubik’s Cube debuts at the International Toy Fair, and the first SU QLD SMADD camp was held.

Happy 40th birthday, SMADD! (more…)

Caboolture Special School sent their largest ever team of 41 senior students to compete in the Noosa Special Triathlon last year.

But before the team set off on their epic adventure, they spent three days preparing for the triathlon at SU QLD’s Camp Coorooibah, as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventurous Journey.

Caboolture Special School’s then physical education teacher, Ben Byrne, says the camp was “a story of achievement”. (more…)

When a young person experiences God’s love and hope on camp, it’s always an incredible thing.

But when they turn their experience into a wellspring of life for the next generation – that’s truly remarkable.

SMASH is an SU QLD cluster camp for high school students in Brisbane’s North West. From dance parties and live music, to tubing and giant water slides, the week has heaps of fun activities for campers to enjoy.

Sam Green has directed SMASH Camp for the past eight years, and in that time more than a thousand campers have enjoyed a fun-filled week of community, conversation and spiritual input.

But Sam’s story with SMASH goes back to his first camp when he was just 15 years old, where he first heard of and experienced God’s love.

“I heard about SMASH Camp in Grade 10,” Sam recalls.

“My friends had gone the year before and had come back raving about how much they loved it. The next year I came along.

“I just remember feeling – as soon as I got there – the energy and atmosphere and environment. It was super caring and loving, and it was pretty easy to settle into that straight away.”

Sam had been on school camps before, but SMASH was very different.

“Having so many leaders giving up their time to care for me – that was so different in itself,” Sam says.

“I’d also never experienced a Christian camp before. But there’s no doubting my spiritual experience on SMASH was a positive one, which had a significant impact on my life. I became a Christian when I was in Grade 12, between camps.”

SMASH not only impacted Sam’s faith journey but also his personal life, so when the opportunity came for him to become a leader on camp, he was keen.

Fast forward a couple of years and Sam was heading up the directing team.

“In 2018 we focused on how Jesus is the light of the world, and how regardless of where the kids are at in their lives outside of camp, there is always hope.

“As leaders, we have found our hope in Jesus, and being able to share His life-transforming message was incredible.”

After eight years of directing SMASH Camp, Sam will now pass the reins to the next generation of leadership.

“I know SMASH is in good hands and I’m excited to see where the new directors take it,” Sam says.

“They know that SMASH is SMASH because of the God we serve. So it’s exciting to see how they bring their gifts and talents into that space to glorify God.” If you’re interested in leading or attending an SU QLD cluster camp in your area, contact SU QLD Camps on (07) 3112 6583 or email the team at info@sucamps.org.au

We’d be lost at SU QLD without the hundreds of amazing, beautiful, talented, generous, and gifted volunteers who keep the wheels turning.  Not even exaggerating!

Our volunteers do everything from running camps, helping on camps, cooking for hungry campers, stuffing envelopes, doing paperwork, writing cards, filing, serving at school breakfast clubs, and a thousand other jobs that keep children and young people connected, and our supporters updated.

Today is International Volunteers Day, so we wanted to highlight one of our long-serving volunteers who runs Far North Queensland Splashout Camp in Cairns.  Her name is Kristin Hohoi and she’s amazing. (more…)

Some boys grow up believing a lie; that to be a man you have to show you’re tough – not to be messed with.

They believe their reputation for this type of ‘toughness’ is the only way. Ultimately, it’s a way of thinking that can lead them on a path of self-destruction.

Thankfully there is another way…

(more…)

Winter Mapleton is a camp buzzing with the warmth of fellowship and meaningful connections – including with the one who matters most, Jesus Christ.

From humble beginnings in 2008, this year the camp celebrated 10 years of warming hearts and changing lives. (more…)

Ten years ago, Dawn Barrie saw a need and decided to fill it… with 50 cent coins.

In her youth, Dawn had been profoundly impacted on Christian camps like those run by SU QLD. When she heard some young people couldn’t afford to go, she took action.

(more…)