How PYNSW camps shaped (and are shaping) the faith of a whole family
When Leanne and Steve’s family settled in the regional town of Leeton, six hours west of Sydney and five hours north of Melbourne, they knew raising children in Christian community would be a challenge, with few peers their age nearby. What they didn’t know was how deeply PYNSW camps would shape not only their kids’ […]
The first Northern Inland PY camp: Where friendships spark and faith grows
When over 30 kids from across the Northern Inland Presbytery rolled up to a local church in Inverell, NSW, no one quite knew what to expect. It was the first-ever regional PY camp in the area, and the start of something very special. The weather? Perfect. The kids? Pumped. The leaders? Nervous, but excited. And […]
“But, why would I do that?”: Welcoming children and their questions in SRE
Kristian has been teaching SRE for over a decade. He’s spoken to hundreds of students across many schools, but there’s one moment he’ll never forget. It was Easter, and he was teaching a Year 5 class about how Jesus died in our place and how he’s our substitute. “I could tell one boy, Tim* just […]
Living the gospel out together: Leading and growing at PY Summer Camp
PY Summer Camp is an experience that transforms both campers and leaders alike. For Gavin Hays, leading at PY Summer Camp is not just about leading activities or studies, but about doing life with young people and showing them the heart of Christ in every interaction. Life together “I think what stands out most about […]
Helping children explore Jesus, one school at a time
When Kerry thinks back to her own childhood, she smiles at the memory of sitting cross-legged on the floor, wide-eyed, listening to stories about Jesus. “I grew up in a non-Christian family,” Kerry says. “But my parents still sent me to Sunday School and SRE classes. Those were the places where seeds of faith were […]
The joy of following Jesus: Charlotte’s story of faith through PYNSW
For Charlotte McLaren, growing up in a Christian family in Newcastle meant she always knew about God. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in Year 6 that Charlotte made the decision to follow Jesus for herself. That moment came at her first PYNSW camp. “It was my first Christian event away from my parents,” […]
The Balloon Arch at the Front Door
Picture a big, bright balloon arch. You know the kind. It stretches above the entrance of a party or a celebration. When you see one, what do you instinctively know? Something is happening here. Something worth noticing. Something worth stopping for. Youth and kids ministry is the church’s balloon arch. This was the metaphor Dave […]
A second chance: The impact of PYNSW on Lucy
When Lucy first arrived at a PY camp, she didn’t realise her life was about to change. She hadn’t grown up in a Christian home, and faith wasn’t something she thought much about. But through the friendships she made, the talks she heard, and the love she experienced, she discovered something she never expected. A […]
A new chapter: PYNSW’s renewed vision unveiled at PY Annual Forum 2025
As the Zoom room filled with kids and youth leaders, ministry workers, volunteers, and members of the PY Committee, the PY Annual Forum 2025 began. Attendees gathered to reflect on the past year, consider progress, and plan for the future of PYNSW. After opening in prayer, the evening kicked off with an update on key […]
More than inclusion: Valuing and learning from kids and youth with disabilities
Rev. Jason Forbes works at Jericho Road as the Disability Advocate. His role involves encouraging churches to be more inclusive of people with disabilities and equipping them to do that. Jason lives with Cerebral Palsy which affects his speech and overall movement. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister and holds a Masters of Theology. – Jesus’ parable […]