National Creative Arts Conference bigger and better than ever
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- 2 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
More than 130 youth and young adults from across the country recently gathered in country Victoria to be inspired by spiritual teachings, gain greater confidence in creative expression and connect with one another.
This year’s National Creative Arts Conference, held at Rutherford Park Country Retreat in Blampied from 12-17 January, was the biggest yet, with 132 delegates and 40 leaders attending to focus on the theme of ‘Metamorphosis’.
Keynote speaker Major Matt Reeve spoke on the theme, leading the delegates through what it means to embrace change while following Jesus. At the close of the conference, the delegates performed in a livestreamed concert.
With last year’s delegates numbering 85, Worship Arts Team Leader Julia Roper and Territorial Youth and Young Adults Leader Auxiliary-Lieutenant Melissa Purcell said they were encouraged to see the event, now in its fourth year, gaining such momentum.
This year also marked the first time the event was held as a collaboration between the Creative Arts Team and the Youth and Young Adults Team.
Julia said the collaboration allowed for a clearer focus on the target age group, with the Youth and Young Adults Team able to focus on Bible studies, social aspects and other operational needs, while the Creative Arts Team could give more attention to the creative streams, final concert and all arts aspects.
“It actually worked quite well splitting it that way,” she said.
Julia said the teaching Matt offered in the sessions was the aspect of the event which had kept delegates talking about the conference long afterward.
“It’s the spiritual element that comes from the camp that is the long-lasting effect,” she said. “The relationship-building as well – that’s the other thing that’s really important.
“It’s really quite a unique experience in that sense.”
In testimonials from attendees, campers spoke of how reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, being able to be open about their faith journey, the support offered when trying new creative ventures and the worship experience were all positive memories they would take from the camp.
One delegate wrote that they really appreciated the genuine care and effort from the leaders to be supportive and allow campers to feel inspired in the space.
“Thank you for following God and using what he has given you to pour into young people so they have the space to deepen their relationship with God and make relationships with precious friends,” another wrote. “So nice to meet other creatives in the Salvos who also have the passion to glorify God with their lives and the gifts he has given them!”
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