A Voluntary Lay Ministry committed to Building Up the Faith In Catholic Teenagers

^{JESUS 4 REAL CAMPS}

The major focus for Jesus 4 Real has been the week-long camps for Secondary School students, held in the April and September school holidays. The April camps cater for students in Forms 5 – 7 (15 – 17/18 years of age), while the September camps cater for students in Forms 3 – 4 (13 – 14 years of age). The camp programmes comprise a balance of outdoor activity/sports, skill-based "workshops", lively Christian praise, energetic games, and spiritual teaching sessions, within a zany, competitive, and, at times noisy, environment. The camps begin on Wednesday with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there are Cabin Devotion times each morning and evening, a personal "Quiet Time" for Bible study, prayer, and reflection each morning, and Mass each afternoon. Cabins are named after young "heroes" from the Bible, and the Cabin Leaders, who are trained by the Jesus 4 Real team, engender a spirit of friendly rivalry between cabins.
The evening sessions provide opportunities for the Cabin and Activity Leaders to share testimonies, for teaching on living as a Catholic Christian in a non-Christian world, and for campers to respond to the invitation to let Jesus be real in their lives. Many, of course, take this step, and, while strictly accurate records are not kept, a conservative estimate would be 80% - 90% of the young people ask Jesus into their lives either for the first time or as a recommitment.

The dance, drama, and music workshops and sessions of the week culminate in the Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Parish Church in Paraparaumu, and the folk of the Parish, who continue to be extremely supportive of the Jesus 4 Real Ministry, are able to share in the enthusiastic worship of a large group of teenage Catholics.

^{JESUS 4 REAL SPECIAL CAMPS}

As a result of the success of the week-long Jesus 4 Real camps, the leadership team has been invited to provide programmes for weekend seminars, Confirmation camps, Youth Group camps, evening programmes for senior Primary School students, and even a Jesus 4 Real camp for parents! The response to all of these events has been consistently positive, both from the teachers/leaders and the students.

^{JESUS 4 REAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMPS}

Jesus 4 Real runs regular Leadership Training Camps for students 15+ years of age, who have demonstrated ability and commitment to leadership, not only at Jesus 4 Real camps, but at school, in their local Parish, and in their faith walk. After being trained in skills such as leading cabin devotions, sharing testimony, and providing positive leadership for younger teens, the young leaders are then provided with the opportunity to become part of the leadership team at future Jesus 4 Real camps. In addition to providing boundless enthusiasm and energy, they make an essential contribution as Cabin Leaders, Activity Leaders, or Music Leaders.

Many, of course, continue to develop their leadership abilities by leading Parish Youth Groups, becoming involved in programmes such as Diocesan Youth Leadership training, and assuming leadership roles in Catholic outreach events such as "Firepower" Youth Rallies. A growing number have also travelled to Australia to participate in the Catholic "NET" Teams which travel from school to school sharing their Catholic faith with the students.

THE SUCCESS OF JESUS 4 REAL

For the past twelve years we have enjoyed the enthusiastic support of a growing group of parents who have seen real changes in their teenagers after they have returned home from a Jesus 4 Real camp – so much so, in fact, that a small number of teens have been sent to camp as a disciplinary measure! By the grace of God, and the gentle power of the Holy Spirit, however, the results have always been positive, fortunately for us!The fact that all camps have waiting lists, that many teens return time after time (the current record is 14!!!), and that they are prepared to travel long distances to attend speaks for itself.

Most importantly, perhaps, has been the number of young Catholics who not only remain firmly in the Catholic Church, but who become enthusiastic, active members of their Parishes, start or help lead Parish Youth Groups, and continue to do so as they move into Tertiary education and beyond.

These, we believe, are the fruits of a solid, enduring, and blessed camp programme, which is based on two "four letter" words : "KISS" ("Keep it simple sweetheart!") and "LOVE" (No fancy mnemonics! – just plain care, concern, and interest in the teens while on camp and beyond.)!