“Just Be Brave”: Charlene’s Family Camp Story

Charlene arrived at CYC Family Camp not knowing anyone and wondering what she had signed herself up for. She left with new friendships, incredible memories and a daughter who had made the decision to follow Jesus.

Taking a Brave Step

Sometimes, saying yes to camp takes a little bit of courage.

For Charlene, a Melbourne mum of two, that moment came one night while scrolling through Instagram. She came across a CYC post encouraging families to “Be Brave” and join us for Easter Family Camp.

Three clicks later, Charlene had paid a deposit.

Almost immediately, the nerves kicked in.

She didn’t know anyone going to camp and wasn’t quite sure what she had signed herself and her children, Zoe and Jesse, up for. But remembering those two words — “Be Brave” — Charlene decided she was going to give it a go.

In fact, before she had even attended Easter Family Camp, she took another leap and booked the family into Summer Family Camp too.

A Welcome From the Very First Moment

“I was like, ‘God, I need you to help me. I don’t know how I’m going to manage this.’”

Arriving at camp with two children and a car packed full of bags, Charlene wondered how she was going to get everything into their cabin.

She didn’t have to wonder for long.

As soon as she parked, another camper named Jess appeared and asked if she needed help unpacking. Within minutes, the car was unloaded and Charlene’s kids were happily drawing and colouring with the other children.

For a mum arriving somewhere new without knowing anyone, it was a small moment that made a huge difference.

What had felt daunting suddenly became a warm and easy introduction to the Family Camp community.

Camp the Kids Didn’t Want to Miss

The activities quickly became a highlight for Zoe and Jesse.

From the kids program to the back-to-back activities, they wanted to be involved in absolutely everything. Charlene’s six-year-old even made sure the family wasn’t allowed to skip an activity — or arrive late!

And while the kids loved having so much to do, Charlene discovered another benefit of Family Camp.

“My favourite part was I didn’t have to cook or do any washing or cleaning.”

With meals taken care of and a full program ready for the kids to enjoy, Charlene had the opportunity to step away from some of the everyday demands of family life and enjoy camp alongside them.

“Of Course I Want to Follow Jesus”

But the most significant moment of the week was one Charlene never expected.

During one of the sessions, the speaker asked a simple question: if anyone wanted to follow Jesus, they could raise their hand.

Charlene looked across and saw Zoe’s hand go up.

Afterwards, she spoke with her daughter to make sure she understood the decision she had made.

Zoe’s response was beautifully simple.

“Mum, it’s simple. The man asked me, ‘Do I want to follow Jesus?’ And Mum, I said, ‘Yes, of course I want to follow Jesus.’”

Zoe went to the front and made the decision to follow Jesus.

For Charlene, it was a turning point she hadn’t anticipated when she nervously booked their first camp.

Following camp, Zoe received a Bible, stickers and a devotional book from CYC to encourage her as she continued growing in her faith.

Taking Camp Home

The impact of Family Camp didn’t end when they packed the car and headed home.

Zoe was in tears as they drove away — something that reminded Charlene of her own childhood experiences of leaving camp.

Now, camp continues to be part of their family’s everyday conversations.

On the way to school and kinder, they play songs they remember from camp. They talk about going back, the friends they made and the experiences they shared together.

And there are already more camps to look forward to.

Just Go For It

For another parent considering Family Camp but feeling nervous about taking that first step, Charlene has some simple advice:

“Just go for it. Just be brave.”

Looking back, Charlene describes attending camp as one of the best choices she made all year.

Seeing her children embrace every activity, build relationships and grow in their understanding of God and Jesus made the experience priceless.

And for anyone worried about arriving without knowing anyone, Charlene has that covered too.

“Everyone’s really friendly, and if you do it, I’ll be there. I will encourage you and be nice. And you get fed five times a day, so you won’t go hungry!”

Experience Family Camp Together

Family Camp is an opportunity to step away from everyday routines, enjoy new experiences together, connect with other families and create space to explore faith as a family.

Whether you already love camp or, like Charlene, need to take a brave first step, we’d love to welcome your family to CYC.

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