CRU Lake Mac Open Day allowed guests the opportunity to participate in all the site has to offer, from sailing and archery to reconnecting with old friends, making new memories together and reminiscing over plenty of old ones! We hope you enjoy reading this sample of wonderful Lake Mac memories from over the years, and lovely feedback from the Open Day.
“I was very involved, with my parents, Hugh and Nora Braga, in the working parties setting up the campsite in the 1950s. The highlight was the erection of the hall - a big project then.”
- Stuart Braga, memory from the 1950s
“My very first Crusaders camp was at Lake Mac in 1988. We slept in the old A-frame tents with no doors, canvas flaps on the end and mattresses on the floor. But the sailing, canoeing and other fun activities were fantastic! Lake Mac will always be very special to me.”
- Linda Newman, memory from 1988
“I remember meeting my future wife, many days sailing over bumpy waves while telling kids about God's grace and long nights playing 'Mafia'. All this and more are my fond memories of Lake Mac.”
- Damien Wang, memory from 2010
“I was sailing on a boat on Lake Mac while attending Senior Aquasports and chatting to my leader. I acknowledged the faith I had in Jesus was real, wanted to take that seriously, and have it as the most important thing in my life!”
- Jess Keryaks - memory from 2010
“I remember attending Club Mac at the site as a camper in 2004 and 2005. After the camp in 2005, one of my friends I’d invited sent me a text saying that he’d committed to following Jesus on that camp. Praise God!”
- Calum Henderson, memory from 2005
“My first camp at Lake Mac was amazing! Loved sailing on the boats with students and sharing Jesus with them. Over our third dinner together, one camper realised the truth of the gospel and gave her life to Christ in the dining hall.”
- Jason Todd, memory from 2020
“I was a camper at Lake Mac as a 9 year old, and have been leading, directing and speaking on Lake Mac camps since my 20s. But one of my highlights was the first time we were camp parents at Lake Mac with our own kids, hopefully the first of many Lake Mac memories for them.”
- Nathan McElveney, memory from 2014
“On a Year 11 CRU Educational Camp, two of my discussion group girls wanted to become Christians. I told the teacher and she was so happy. It really highlights the joy of Christian camping ministry.”
- Naomi Hammond, memory from 2021
“One afternoon all sailing boats went out on the lake. A southerly storm hit with waves half way up the mast. Our captain was an experienced sailor and managed to get us back to shore. All the other boats ended up down the lake. It became a rescue mission but lots and lots of fun.”
- Jonathan Cannon, memory from 1971
“Kids were stoked that sailing was still on given the inclement weather. It was just fantastic to praise God together in the service. Having been on camps since the site was redone, it was wonderful to see the reactions of those who hadn't seen it yet - such a massive change!”
- Evelyn Hall, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“A highlight was the happy smiling faces of the CRU staff.”
- Michael Lawrence, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“The new site looks fantastic! We were very impressed with all of the facilities and continue to be inspired by the ministry of CRU.”
- Matthew and Julianne Duggan, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“For Al and I, Lake Mac reminded us of the big work God has commissioned us to do (making disciples) and the great need for this campsite in assisting in fulfilling this great commission. We were so excited to see the completed Stage 1 and to know over 300 kids can be there every week. Congratulations to the fantastic CRU staff who made us feel so welcome. We were so encouraged by their enthusiasm and commitment to the gospel. Thank you for letting us be a part of the celebrations.”
- Julie Mathews, Lake Mac Open Day 2022
“It was a fantastic day! It was so good seeing the completed site in action…especially the climbing tower!”
- Juliet Ward, Lake Mac Open Day 2022