This week (12-16 January), 160 youth from over 50 churches across Victoria have gathered at Phillip Island Adventure Resort for PYV Summer Camp 2026. There was a real sense of joy and anticipation as everyone arrived on Monday afternoon. Many had been counting down for months. For some it’s their first camp, for others it meant long travel from across the state, but everyone arrived safely and excited to be here.
Our speaker this year is Rev Gary Stephens from Bairnsdale Presbyterian Church, teaching on The Unstoppable Gospel from the book of Colossians. On Monday we heard about the one story driving all human history and learnt a Bible Overview in 12 steps. In sessions since, we’ve been challenged and encouraged deeply that faith in the Unstoppable Gospel is not about what we give up but what we gain. We’ve also considered what a really good spiritual life looks like; faith in Christ that gives us a new operating system for life.
Tuesday was packed with study group time, quiet time devotions, and activities, which included a new waterslide and a massive game of Capture the Flag that was enthusiastically enjoyed by all. In the afternoon, campers chose from workshop electives including Following Jesus in a Digital World (Cameron Griffiths), Mission: God’s Word at Work (John Wilson & Tom Vines), and A Biblical Response to Supporting Peers with Mental Health Challenges (Louise Griffiths).
Across the whole camp, in study groups, prayer meetings and new friendships, the gospel is being shared, shown, and sung. A particular highlight was Tuesday night’s worship session, singing together and being reminded of the glory of Christ and our identity in Him.
Praise God for the perfect weather, a beautiful location, everyone arriving safely, and the many hours of humble, servant-hearted preparation that our leaders have already given.
Tim Reesink
Convener, PYV Summer Camp 2026