From 27 to 30 September 2024, the Australia Southern District youth gathered for three nights at Oasis Christian Camp in Melbourne. Young people from the Australia North & West District also made the long trip down from Brisbane. More than 70 people gathered for what has become the highlight of the spring school holiday in the Australia Southern District.

Pastor Glenn Stanley from Sydney spoke about making decisions in a complex world. He challenged the young people to move beyond simply following rules and seek God's heart when making decisions.

Over the weekend, the youth worshiped together and played games. On Saturday afternoon, there were workshops on leadership, worship, gaming, and how to share your faith. On Sunday, everyone split into four teams; each team made a music video they shared in the evening. 

The weekend culminated in a special prayer time over Absalom Vaotuua, Agnes Fifita, and Grace Po Ching, some young people representing Australia at the upcoming Third Wave Conference in January 2025. Previous Third Wave attendee Pastor Kat Wood, Nazarene Theological College–Brisbane Principal Joseph Wood, and Australia/New Zealand Field Strategy Coordinator Roland Hearn each prayed over the representatives that God would bless them at Third Wave. Vaotuua, Fifita, and Po Ching are already leading the youth at their churches and districts.

The youth camp illustrates the Australia New Zealand Field's emphasis on developing young people into mature leaders and Christ followers. 

"Last weekend's youth camp was a powerful reminder that investing in our youth is not just an opportunity but a sacred responsibility," Fifita said.

The region prays that God would continue to inspire, empower, and grow his church through young people in Australia.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific