Labour weekend saw 120 rangatahi (youth) and leaders gathered at Bridge Valley in Wakefield for Spring Camp 2026.
“Camp was great,” said Brad Wood, diocesan youth coordinator. “I feel like I say that every year, but this year was particularly good.”
Unlike last year’s camp that followed severe weather warnings, the sunshine poured out in full force, sending campers hurrying into the lake and swimming pool.
The theme was based around words from 2 Samuel: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” Keynote speaker Nina Harris talked about anxiety and the peace that God gives. “It was cool to see young people responding to the invitation to give our fears and anxieties to the Lord,” Brad said.
“It was absolutely amazing,” said one first-time camper from Greymouth. “I loved it.”
Youth groups were assigned to three teams: Westport and Greymouth made up Moana (meaning ocean or lake), Victory, St Barnabas and Blenheim youth constituted Rangi (meaning sky or heavens), and All Saints and Golden Bay were in Kokomea (meaning sunset glow).
Throughout the weekend, the teams participated in games and activities to score points towards the coveted Bishop’s Log. It was Kokomea who took it out in the end.
One of Brad’s highlights was the annual talent show. “Everyone was really encouraging of all the acts and there were some awesome talents that were showcased.” Koriniti from Greymouth won the evening with a cover of Wayfaring Stranger by Johnny Cash.
Having completed his sixth year of running Spring Camp, Brad expressed his gratitude to the long-serving supporters who contribute every year. “It’s an awesome group of youth workers and volunteer leaders that really make it happen.” Alongside these stalwarts were brave young people stepping up to help lead. “We want Spring Camp to be run and led by the youth of the Nelson Diocese. It’s a really cool expression of our faith and priority on discipleship.”
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Labour weekend saw 120 rangatahi (youth) and leaders gathered at Bridge Valley in Wakefield for Spring Camp 2026.
“Camp was great,” said Brad Wood, diocesan youth coordinator. “I feel like I say that every year, but this year was particularly good.”
Unlike last year’s camp that followed severe weather warnings, the sunshine poured out in full force, sending campers hurrying into the lake and swimming pool.
The theme was based around words from 2 Samuel: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” Keynote speaker Nina Harris talked about anxiety and the peace that God gives. “It was cool to see young people responding to the invitation to give our fears and anxieties to the Lord,” Brad said.
“It was absolutely amazing,” said one first-time camper from Greymouth. “I loved it.”
Youth groups were assigned to three teams: Westport and Greymouth made up Moana (meaning ocean or lake), Victory, St Barnabas and Blenheim youth constituted Rangi (meaning sky or heavens), and All Saints and Golden Bay were in Kokomea (meaning sunset glow).
Throughout the weekend, the teams participated in games and activities to score points towards the coveted Bishop’s Log. It was Kokomea who took it out in the end.
One of Brad’s highlights was the annual talent show. “Everyone was really encouraging of all the acts and there were some awesome talents that were showcased.” Koriniti from Greymouth won the evening with a cover of Wayfaring Stranger by Johnny Cash.
Having completed his sixth year of running Spring Camp, Brad expressed his gratitude to the long-serving supporters who contribute every year. “It’s an awesome group of youth workers and volunteer leaders that really make it happen.” Alongside these stalwarts were brave young people stepping up to help lead. “We want Spring Camp to be run and led by the youth of the Nelson Diocese. It’s a really cool expression of our faith and priority on discipleship.”
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
