Community & Business
6 February, 2026
Spark Camp ignites friendships
“Spark Camp” was held in Pittsworth over the Australia Day long weekend, and provided an opportunity for young people to connect, build friendships and ask burning questions about life, faith and purpose.
Fifty-seven young adults in Grades 7-12 attended the annual camp which was hosted by the local youth group (Life Support Youth) in the grounds of Harvest New Life Church in Short Street.
Although numbers were down slightly from 2025, the enthusiastic engagement from the participants was heartening, especially given the ever-increasing challenges faced by our teenagers including mental health pressures, isolation, academic demands, navigating peer relation-ships, and the youth crime crisis.
On the first day of camp, youth leaders Brenton and Jack created a large obstacle course which focused on teamwork.
The teens had to rely on one another to make it through each challenge.
There were several water activities across the four days which was a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat in the lead up to a scorcher on Australia Day.
A mental health workshop took place with a panel who shared both their professional expertise and personal experiences.
The teens submitted anonymous questions that were answered by the panel.
A highlight was hearing from Pastor Darren Illicic from Alpha Youth Australia, a free program that creates a space for young people to explore their questions about life, faith and purpose together.
Life Support Youth Co-ordinator, Emily Hobbs, said Paster Illicic spoke about what it means to be a disciple, and commissioned the young people to be sent out as missionaries in their schools and communities.
Miss Hobbs said the camp would not have been possible without the generosity of the wider community.
“We received a large amount of donated food and game materials from local businesses, as well as support from many volunteers who helped with baking, cooking, and cleaning throughout the weekend,” she said.
“We were also really encouraged by the strong support and volunteer involvement from the Pittsworth churches,” Miss Hobbs said.
The program intentionally included plenty of free time, to allow the young people to build friendships, strengthen connections with one another, and create lasting memories.
Life Support Youth resumed last week at Bottle Tree Hall in Hume Street.
It is open to high school students, every Friday evening during school term, between 6.30 and 9pm, starting with dinner and then games and discussion.
