The 2024 Easter Camp experience

This year’s Southern Easter Camp (EC) saw 3000 youth camping in Spencer Park. The event accommodated 14 to 19 year-olds from across the South Island, with another venue in the North Island. Teens were required to register as part of a youth group (church affiliated programs), as they provide leaders to oversee the campers. Easter Camp has been running for over 25 years and is organised by Canterbury Youth Services Charitable Trust. 

EC was first started to teach youth the story of Jesus and his death at Easter. According to the website, it is a space for people of all denominations to come together and experience Christianity under the same roof. 

“We welcome people from any walk of life to the event. You don’t have to be part of a church or youth group at all (but you do need to come with one) – you’ll have a mint time whatever you believe.”  

Easter fell on April Fool’s Day this year, and camp management took full advantage. Youth were shown a video in which Mike Dodge, camp director, claimed that EC would not be returning next year. This was met with stunned silence, as many could recall Easter Camp being cancelled during the Covid 19 pandemic. The prank was revealed almost immediately to alleviate those concerns. 

Easter Camp will instead be losing the much-loved Toastie Shack. The Shack is partnered with World Vision and was established in 2005. Since then, it has raised around $100,000 for World Vision, money that will go towards children in poverty. It is a staple at EC, serving toasties such as the French Toastie (bacon, banana and maple) and the Cheeseburger (cheese, burger patty and sauce).  

Mike and Amy Sinclair, who run the Shack, took to the stage to give a tearful goodbye. Mike said they had been balancing their work alongside raising children, and it was time to move on. However, he wanted the youth to understand the value of EC before he left.

"I would encourage you all to come back. You don't understand how special this is."

Campers were stunned when it was revealed to not be another April Fool’s prank, although there were hints that it may come under new ownership. 

Other activities at camp include a talent contest, milk chugging competition, Ferris wheel rides, Zorb balls, workshops and sport tournaments. There are also two mandatory Big Top meetings each day. According to camp director Mike Dodge, the Big Top is the largest tent in the southern hemisphere. In it, the youth listen to guest speakers and worship music.

This year, Allen Hou, Ben Macgregor, Esther Greenwood and Dr Christa McKirland featured. They covered topics such as removing distractions, being the odd one out and God working through unexpected people. The Satellite Band also returned, teasing a new album to be released later this year.  

Oxford local, Samara Wyllie, has been to EC as both a leader and a youth. She has plenty of experience to draw from and was able to share a few of her 2024 EC thoughts.