Fix Your Eyes - A Reflection on UYC25

From the early hours of Tuesday morning, 30th September, the spirit of adventure was alive as our Canberra Youth Leaders and campers gathered at Saint Margaret's Uniting Church in Hackett.

With leaders and ministers from Kippax, North Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Pulse on board, we began our journey north to the Uniting Youth Camp at Yurramundi, NSW.

Our first stop was in Goulburn, where we connected with youth from Wagga Wagga and Goulburn congregations over a hearty breakfast before continuing together to Y Camp. From the moment we arrived, there was an undeniable energy, a sense of unity and anticipation for what God had in store for the days ahead, starting with a challenging Black Out. Day 1 'Let there be light. Please!

Over four unforgettable days, our fearless campers embraced the theme of "Fix Your Eyes" alongside other youth from across NSW. As a first-time Youth Leader attending a Uniting event, it was an absolute honour to witness our young people integrating with others, sharing their stories, skills, and faith journeys.

Among the many highlights was watching more than a hundred young people form a joyous mosh pit as the Camp Band consisting of Youth and leaders from different Uniting Churches played. The excitement was electric, especially when some of our own Canberra Youth were invited to join the band and experience performing live before the crowd! Another standout moment was seeing our Canberra crew lead the entire room in a ripple through our congregations for weeks to come.

We give heartfelt thanks to the Pulse Team for their incredible coordination, and to everyone who supported the planning, volunteering, and funding that made this experience possible.

The feedback from campers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward with joy to the next opportunity to gather a s one, continuing to expand our learning, faith, and connection through Christ.

- Written by Nicole Seifert