Young people from all over the Southern Territory were encouraged to explore their creative gifts for God at the 2017 Territorial Creative Arts Camp (TCAC) from 9-14 July.

More than 70 delegates danced, sang, played, designed and performed, learning more about their God-given identity and his creative purpose for their lives.

The week-long camp was held at Rutherford Park Country Retreat near Daylesford, Victoria, with leaders from all over the territory adhering to the camp’s three key principles – “spiritual, social, skill”.

The week covered a variety of streams, including instrumental, drama, dance, visual arts and contemporary band.

Keynote speakers were Captain Kate Baudinette, from Reservoir Corps in Melbourne, and Justin Michael Gall, from Kardinia Church in Geelong. The Kardinia Church band also led worship.

The spirit of the traditional Salvation Army was also well-and-truly alive in the vocal and instrumental ensembles, which were led by Ken Waterworth and Brian Hogg.

Delegates also took part in electives and master classes, with topics such as “Preaching” with Captain Baudinette, “Song Writing” with Nathan Rowe, “Designing Funky Shirts” with Captain Jo Brookshaw and “Social Media with Heart” with Kristyn Cameron. 

“TCAC is very much a discipleship camp,” said Ken. “Creative arts streams, studying the Word and engaging in powerful worship times are effective tools in nurturing the growth of these young people during their time at camp. It’s a place where young people can go deeper with God; it’s a place where they grow together and develop their gifts to use in their local corps.

“There was space for open discussions with peers and leaders. When young people are grappling with all sorts of stuff in a world that’s going in all sorts of directions, a forum for them to talk openly in a Christian environment is extremely important.

“In many ways, creativity helps us express ourselves in ways words can’t. The delegates displayed a passion for the creative arts and a desire to express and develop their own Christian faith through this medium.”

Parents, friends and family were invited to an end-of-camp concert on the Friday where delegates showed what they had learnt about the character of God during various performances.