Junior Ichthus

Date: Tuesday 2nd – Sunday 7th October 2018

Venue: Mt Tamborine Conference Centre

For: Grades 7– 9 in 2018

1.       What is Junior Ichthus 2018?

Junior Ichthus is a six day/ five night residential camp during the September/October school holidays. It is an exciting holiday experience that challenges young people to step outside their comfort zones through participation in group and individual activities. Junior Ichthus also give the participants opportunities to form and strengthen new and existing friendships and to spend time in group discussion. All of this takes place in a safe Christian community that encourages participants to meet the God who challenges us to step out and live a life of faith in Jesus.

Ichthus camps have been around since 2002. Many of the leaders on these camps grew up attending them.

The word Ichthus comes from Koine Greek, where it means ‘fish’. In Koine Greek, it is also an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour”.

2.       When is Junior Ichthus 2018? (IMPORTANT CHANGE: PLEASE NOTE) 

Please note that Junior Ichthus has changed starting and finishing days due to the Queens Birthday Public Holiday and change in location. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Junior Ichthus 2017 starts 2pm Tuesday 2nd October and ends 11am Sunday 7th October.

3.       Where is Junior Ichthus 2018? (IMPORTANT CHANGE: PLEASE NOTE)

The camp is held at Mt Tamborine Conference Centre, which is located at 237 Beacon Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272.  For a map and directions, see below.

4.       What is the cost?

The total cost to attend Junior Ichthus 2018 is $275.00. Part and full subsidies are sometimes available. If you need assistance with this please contact Erica Skerman on 07 3514 7412.

Registration close 16th of September. We are unable to process registrations after this date due to strict catering deadlines.

5.       Who can attend the camp?

Anyone in Grade 7, 8, or 9 in 2018.

 6.       What can participants expect to experience?

This year we will be taking advantage of being in the beautiful valley near the Gold Coast to include a wide range of activities which will be decided upon soon.  A key aspect of the camp is the worship and small group time, giving the participants a chance to discuss and reflect with other participants their own age on what the Spiritual Director’s talks mean to them.

 7.       Who is running Junior Ichthus?

Junior Ichthus is overseen by the Ministry Education Commission of the Diocese of Brisbane (Anglican Church of Australia). Jonathan Kemp (Director of Youth, Children’s and Families Ministry) and Erica Skerman (Diocesan Camps Coordinator) provide direct oversight and logistical support to the team of volunteers leaders.

The Camp Directors of Junior Ichthus 2018 are Melissa Scheuch and Howard Greaver. Melissa is a returning a camp director from Senior Ichthus 2017 and has been heavily involved in both the Ichthus Ministry and across various parishes in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Howard is also a returning camp director of Junior Ichthus 2017 and has a strong connection to our ministry and also been heavily involved with Youth ministry at Logan Anglican Parish and is now at St John’s Bulimba.

The Spiritual Director for Junior Ichthus 2018 is Rev Daniel Berris. Dan is currently priest in charge of North Lakes Anglican Church and has had a long relationship with a range of events and camps that AYCF has run over the years. We are very excited to have him on board!

Junior Ichthus 2018 is led by a team of around 20 volunteers. All leaders complete thorough pre-camp training – and depending on their role, they may be required to have further training or qualifications. For more information on becoming a leader, please refer to: /camping/leaders/

All Junior Ichthus leaders who are over 18 have current Blue Cards or the equivalent.  Before camp, all Blue Cards and Exemption Cards are validated, via the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.  We also require all leaders who are 18 and over to complete the Safe Ministry Check and work through the Diocese of Brisbane Child Protection Policy and Procedures.

You can find more information on Blue Cards at the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardians website (http://www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/). More information about the Safe Ministry Check can be found at Safe Ministry and to view the Child Protection Policy and Procedures go to “Protection Policy for Children & Young People”.

8.       Do participants need to be Anglican or Christian?

No – there is no requirement for participants to be Anglican or Christian. There will be Christian input and worship throughout the week. Participants are expected to respect the faith and beliefs of others and can expect to have their own faith and beliefs respected.

 9.       How do participants register?

Register online now at – www.aycf.org.au/camping/registration/

10.   What happens if my child gets hurt or sick?

All care is taken to prevent injuries and illness on camp, but sometimes accidents happen.  For all activities, on and off site, there will be a designated first aid officer accompanying each group. Should anything happen, we will apply first aid as required and if warranted travel to Accident and Emergency, or call an Ambulance. We will make every effort to speak to the emergency contacts nominated on the registration form as soon as possible. Our camps are drug and alcohol free events (including cigarettes) which applies to both campers and leaders. If you believe this is going to be an issue, please contact us sooner rather than later.

 11.   How can my Parish or School support Junior Ichthus?

Your Parish or School can support Ichthus camps in a number of ways.