Training youngsters to prepare them for life and leadership is readily seen across the natural world — birds teaching their chicks to fly before they leave the nest, teenagers on L-plates learning to drive, big cats teaching their young how to hunt for food.
CRU is no different.
For young people aged 15-18 who are interested in learning how to lead on CRU Holiday Camps in the future, CRU offers ‘Onward’, our Junior Leadership Training program. Junior Leaders receive training in running discussion groups, listening skills, planning CRU Camps, running various activities and games, discipleship and mentoring. They are then able to put these skills into practice as they lead on select CRU Camps during the year.
In 2024, our Onward trainees gained practical experience on ‘Autumn Adventure’ and ‘Mac Time’ camps in the spring school holidays.
Here’s what they shared about their experiences and training:
Lana, 15 years old: “I love to lead on CRU Camps to teach others about Jesus and spend time in Christian community. I have been able to learn more skills through Onward — how to run games and activities and how to keep the focus on Jesus.”
Daniel, 16 years old: “Kids deciding to follow Jesus makes camp great. I lead on CRU Camps because of evangelism + exploring camp ministry as a job + leadership skills.”
Grace, 15 years old: “The Onward program gave me some great skills. I love sharing the good news of Jesus in a fun way.”
Avril, 17 years old: “Onward helped me learn how to run different things like discussion groups and activities. I want to lead on CRU Camps because it helps me grow in my own faith and helps equip me for a life of ministry.”
Keira, 15 years old: “I feel more equipped as a leader and have grown and matured a lot. Onward helped equip me and teach me how to be a good leader while giving me experience on camp.”
If you are, or know of, a young person aged 15-18 who loves kids, camps and Jesus, we’d love to train you!
Contact Onward by visiting crucamps.com.au/onward