Stories From Autumn Camps

From first-time decisions for Jesus to life-changing conversations, Autumn Ministries Camps 2026 was filled with powerful moments of faith, courage, belonging, and transformation.

Autumn Ministries Camps 2026

Every camp season brings stories that remind us why camp ministry matters.

Across Autumn Ministries Camps 2026, we saw campers grow in confidence, ask deep questions about faith, experience authentic community, and encounter Jesus in personal and meaningful ways.

This season, 496 campers attended camp, supported by 198 volunteer positions filled. Across the season, 149 campers made decisions for Jesus and 73 campers were connected with local churches for ongoing support and discipleship.

Behind every number is a story worth celebrating.

Seeing Things Through a New Lens

“She was so excited by the way God was already working in her life.”

Josie has attended camp a number of times over the years and has always loved the friendships and relationships formed during the week. But this season, something changed.

During camp, Josie made a first-time decision to follow Jesus. After speaking with her leader about wanting to experience the Holy Spirit, her leaders helped her recognise that God had already been speaking into her life in meaningful ways. They encouraged her to continue praying and seeking opportunities to grow in faith.

By the end of camp, Josie was excited to share her faith with friends back home and invite them along to future camps.

Not the First Time, But It Feels New This Time!

Jordan is a regular camper who often starts camp feeling shy and reserved. However, as camp progresses and relationships deepen, he gradually becomes more comfortable opening up.

This season during cabin discussions, Jordan honestly admitted that he thought Jesus was “boring.” But despite his doubts, he remained deeply engaged in the conversations, asking tough questions and wrestling with faith in an authentic way.

As the discussion wrapped up, Jordan found the courage to pray out loud for the first time. It was a powerful reminder that camp creates safe spaces for young people to explore faith honestly and personally.

Big Heart, Big Revelation

Amber used her big personality to boldly share the Good News with others.

Amber arrived at camp full of energy, personality, and curiosity. As a neurodivergent camper, she had often struggled to feel like she truly fit in.

Before attending camp, Amber had never heard about God, the Bible, or Jesus. Throughout the week, she eagerly asked questions about faith and worked hard to understand what she was hearing in sessions and discussions.

She even taught herself “The FOUR” so she could share the Gospel with friends back at school. During excursions, Amber confidently asked facilitators if they believed in Jesus and engaged them in genuine conversations about faith.

Amber’s story is a beautiful reminder that God can use every personality and every voice for His purpose.

New Identity in Jesus

Porshia arrived at camp feeling isolated, sad, and uncertain if God could truly love her. Hurtful comments from people outside of camp had convinced her that her mistakes placed her beyond God’s care.

Her leaders gently walked alongside her, sharing Scripture and reminding her that God’s love is bigger than our failures and that forgiveness is available through Jesus.

After praying together, there was an immediate change in Porshia. She became engaged in activities, connected with others, and embraced the joy of camp life.

The next day she shared:

“I didn’t think God loved me because of my sins, and now I know that God loves me!”

Moments like these are why camp ministry is so important.

Leading From Within

Austin has been attending camps since Grade 3. Over the years, leaders have watched him grow through challenges, learning how to better manage his energy and influence.

This season, Austin recognised that as one of the older campers, he had the opportunity to positively impact those around him. Instead of contributing to disruptions, he intentionally encouraged younger campers, modelled positive behaviour, and helped redirect others when needed.

The younger campers listened to him.

Austin’s growth demonstrated the incredible impact that campers can have when they choose to lead and encourage one another.

Curiosity Doesn’t Have an Age Limit

God continues to reach people who have never heard the Gospel before.

Zhien and his family attended Easter Family Camp for the first time after being invited by friends. Before camp, Zhien had never heard about Jesus.

After hearing about Jesus during camp sessions, he approached one of the volunteers with a simple but powerful question:

“How do you know Jesus changed your life?”

Using Google Translate, they spoke together about sin, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. After camp, Zhien experienced a near-miss accident and believed Jesus had protected him from serious injury.

Wanting to learn more, he reached back out to the camp team. Leaders connected him with a local church and sent him a Mandarin-English Bible so he could continue discovering more about Jesus and faith.

Coming to Camp As You Are

Joe is the type of camper who throws himself wholeheartedly into every part of camp life. He loves activities, sessions, and simply being part of the community.

On the final night of camp, leaders created intentional space to pray individually for each camper before they returned home. During this moment, Joe vulnerably shared struggles happening in his life — things he had never spoken about before.

His cabin leader was able to pray personally and specifically for him.

Camp provides opportunities for young people to feel seen, supported, and prayed for in ways that can leave a lasting impact long after camp finishes.

Why These Stories Matter

Every camp season is filled with moments that point young people toward hope, belonging, and faith in Jesus.

From first-time decisions for Christ to honest conversations, growing confidence, and life-changing prayer moments, Autumn Ministries Camps 2026 reminded us once again of the incredible impact camp ministry can have.

Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, parent, church, and leader who helps make these stories possible.

Because of your support, young people are encountering Jesus, building lasting relationships, and discovering that they truly belong.

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