By Garry Sanossian
More than 110 campers and 50 volunteer leaders gathered at The Tops Conference Centre for SYNC Camp at the end of September to explore what life ‘On Expedition With Jesus’ means!
The five-day camp for children in Years 3-7 was filled with energetic worship with dance choreography, theme-based skits prepared by the camp team, creative challenges, outdoor adventure activities designed to invite kids out of their comfort zone, and small and large group moments that explored life with Jesus.
Camp director, Jess Love, who also attended this camp as a child, described the week as a joyful celebration of what God is doing among campers and leaders alike.
“Young people are meeting Jesus, campers are enjoying themselves and we’re just celebrating everything that God’s already done this week,” she said.
“One of the things we love about camp is that it feels like family. Everyone says that, and it’s true, this feels like family.”
That family legacy is what has kept the camp thriving for over 45 years, formerly known as ‘Minis’.
Each year, the program draws leaders and volunteers from a range of churches – including from our network – who believe in its mission to nurture the next generation in faith and friendship. Like Jess, many who first attended as children are now returning as leaders, eager to give others the same formative experience.
Merrilee Monk, who first joined as a teenage leader in the 1990s, has watched the camp flourish over three decades. “I’ve been involved in SYNC/Minis, for over 30 years. It’s been a joy each year to come and serve God through this ministry with others who love Jesus,” Merrilee shared.
“We come together from right across Sydney and NSW to share Jesus with the next generation. My children were campers here, and now two of them are leaders themselves. It’s a pretty special place to be.”
The theme for this year’s program was “Expedition”, which explored the idea of life’s journey with God serving as both guide and companion. Sessions were designed to help campers recognise that following Jesus isn’t a destination, but an ongoing adventure of trust and discovery.
Leaders worked throughout the week to help campers make these connections between adventure and faith. Georgia Cross, a leader and a staff member at The Tops, helped bring the theme to life through the camp’s drama program.
Tops, helped bring the theme to life through the camp’s drama program. “Through the drama, we explored following Jesus, following the way, getting to know His direction and making the decision to walk with Him. It’s been really fun seeing that message click for the kids,” she said.
The theme became personal for Georgia early in the week. “When we all arrived and headed down to the J Zone (the camp auditorium space) for the first time, it was like Jesus was tangibly in the room,” she said.
“The girls in my cabin didn’t really know each other, but immediately they sat together, prayed together and connected. It was a beautiful moment of seeing them meet with Jesus one-on-one.”
Part of the vision of SYNC is to raise up young leaders to pass the camp baton onto in the future. This year, the SYNC intern leader program has 19 young people, aged 16-18 years old, who were given the chance to shadow older leaders, contribute to the program, and encourage children.
Ramsar Kong Lang came to camp for the first time with Wagga Wagga Christian Church as a camp intern. He reflected how the camp’s program impacted him: “I love the activities, the high ropes, the carts, and what we learn about God. In life, you’re going to make many decisions, but you’ve got to trust God and have faith in Him to choose for you.”
Xavier Monk, a camp cabin leader who is completing The Tops internship program, embraced the week’s adventure with his small group wholeheartedly.
“SYNC has always been a highlight of my year,” he said. “This year, I’ve really enjoyed the worship, learning new songs, and seeing everyone come alive in praise.”
Shannon Moir, a long-term leader and senior staff member at The Tops, recalled one camper’s moment of courage that captured the heart of the week. “There was a girl who tried a climb and completely froze after three steps. She said, ‘I can’t do it!’ and there were tears,” he said. “But with some encouragement, she prayed, asked God for help, and tried again. She made it all the way to the top. That breakthrough, knowing she could face her fears with God’s help, that’s something she’ll carry for life.”
After many years of serving at SYNC, Shannon has witnessed the lasting impact. “Every year you see kids come back transformed,” he said. “They bring their friends. They want to know God more deeply. SYNC isn’t just a camp. It’s a growing community that builds year after year.
