Back at it with CQ CLW!
Held at the end of term three each year, the Central Queensland Christian Life Week Camp (CQ CLW) is usually the last for the season. This year the team had the absolute pleasure of leading the first CLW to resume in person this year. Here’s a short insight into what took place from the perspective of leader, Tiffany Kneen.
What is CLW and what did you do?
CLW is a five day camp for high school aged students that is centred on an unforgettable experience of faith, friendship and fun. This year CQ CLW, previously at Tannum Sands, ventured to the beautiful and well equipped Bucca Retreat campsite that hosted a covered outdoor eating area, covered and open stage, big green oval, epic waterslide and dam. As you can imagine, these worked well for planning activities and adhering to COVID-19 guidelines that made camp possible. Activities included worship, small groups, games, various activities and personal challenges.
What was a highlight for you?
I have directed CQ CLW’s for the past 4 camps. This year, stepping back into a non-directing role, I thoroughly enjoyed an absolutely fantastic team, leading a small group through studies written by Pastor Ryan Norris from Bundaberg (looking into grace, faith, word and Christ alone) and being involved in the activities (laser tag and dam activities were a highlight for me). Theme night “Games” also brought some great costumes out!
What was it like with new “COVID” rules?
One of the key changes this year was the need to sanitise hands and equipment before and after every activity. The leaders and campers did a fantastic job of following the rules (with little complaints 😉). The leaders had to follow a 1.5m distancing rule, while the campers did not need to (this would have been quite a different camp otherwise!) We were grateful to be on a camp together in community, so were happy to do what it took to make this happen.
What do you look forward to now?
This year we had quite a few grade 7s and quite a few year 12s. This brings a mix of feelings. I’m excited for the journey the grade 7s have ahead of them and the opportunity they have to enjoy more camps in the coming years. I’m both sad and excited to see the familiar faces of the year 12s who have journeyed through CQ CLW for many years move on to their next stage of life. I’m also hopeful that some will return as leaders and experience the truly satisfying feeling of seeing others grow in faith and character throughout the years.
The culture this camp cultivates is truly one of a kind. It’s a shame we can’t meet more often!
As I reflect on my experiences with CLW’s, I find myself personally grateful for the ministry of LYQ and pray for them as they continue to touch the lives of many youth and young adults in Queensland.
Here are some highlights in photos
(There are definitely so many more pictures that could be used!)
Tiffany getting into Laser Tag
Creative group dressing up a characters from the computer game ‘Sims’
Leaders team from the well known game ‘Guess Who’.
Sunsets from the campsite were beautiful!
The big open stage space used for worship and activities (There was a Willy Wagtail bird nest in this space with 4 little baby birds!)
The camp right after a massive Glow Stick Game!
Acknowledging the Year 12 campers!
