Dedicated discipleship time at Square One Camp

‘When I asked what their favourite part of camp was, they said “We love small groups. We love reading the Bible with you and having fun.”’

Children’s Minister Kaitlyn Dixon was surprised to hear this response from the campers after their first experience of Square One Winter camp. Kaitlyn, who works at St Mark’s West Wollongong, was expecting the usual responses of ‘making new friends’ or ‘playing games’. But these 9- and 10-year-old children really valued having dedicated time throughout the weekend with their church leader, who modelled what it means to have a ‘quiet time with God’ – reading a Bible passage, asking questions about it and then praying in response.

In fact, Kaitlyn’s small group of campers was so keen to continue the ‘Me & God time’ and read their Bibles that they asked her if they could start it early once they’d finished packing up.

Square One is different to your usual kid’s camp, as leaders accompany the campers from their church ministry group. This means they can enjoy extended discipleship time with these kids, beyond the usual Sunday morning kids church program. And because Youthworks organises all the logistics of camp – the program, accommodation, meals and fun activities – leaders have the head space and time to really invest in the lives of the kids they disciple each week at church. Kaitlyn shares,

‘When I've had to run everything, I don't get to spend the time with the kids as I’m too busy thinking about the overarching stuff.’

Kaitlyn was also surprised that, on their return from camp, some of the children in her group volunteered to share about their experience during church news time. These same children - who are normally too scared to get up in front of a church gathering - were so keen to tell others how much they enjoyed camp! The enthusiasm of these camp participants will surely lead to more interest from their peers the next time camp rolls around.

Square One Spring has two camps happening in 2026: Spring 1 from 30 October – 1 November and Spring 2 from 6 – 8 November. Children in Years 3-6 can attend with their church leader(s).