Christian Youth Camps and Conferences on the sunny Kapiti Coast

El Rancho is greatly committed to supporting the local church by equipping youth. Just as much as kids love to come to camp, our youth are also greatly impacted by the leadership training and events we facilitate for them. They go back to their homes and communities refreshed, excited, and passionate about making an impact.

 

I grew tremendously in my faith at my first camp as a leader. It was almost like re-discovering God.  

Our Cabin Leaders are definitely the heartbeat of our Kids' Camps. These youth voluntarily give up a week of their school holidays to come out, look after a cabin of kids, and teach them about God. Sure you get tired, and maybe taken out of your comfort zone a little bit, but the rewards for being a leader far outweigh that.

Cabin Leaders are paired up for the week and are given the responsibility to look after a cabin of 8-10 kids, ensuring their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social needs are met, all within a safe, caring and nurturing environment.

New leaders need to go through an application process which consists of an online form, a written interview regarding working with children, 2 references including one from a youth or church pastor, and for those 17 years of age or older, a Police check. The application plays a big part in whether someone is accepted as a Cabin Leader or not.

To support both new and veteran leaders, we run a 2 day leaders' training just before the start of any of our Kids' Camp. This gives them a chance to hang out with friends, get prepared and focused for the week ahead of them.
 

 

  The LIT programme has changed my life. It's an amazing combination of service, learning, meeting a new family and lots of fun. Everyone in the programme grows incredibly close and we have so many cool memories. It's changed my view on what being a Christian means as well as given me a lot of new skills. Being an LIT has truly been the most valuable experience and I wish everyone could experience and feel as loved as I do as an LIT at El Rancho    

Leaders In Training are the up and coming group of youth preparing themselves for the day they can become a Cabin Leader. The LIT program creates a space where we can grow and nurture a youth in their faith, giving them the best platform possible to move into Cabin Leadership.

Under the guidance of the LIT coordinator, the LIT's work behind the scene to make camp happen, anything from doing dishes, helping with activities, behind a sound desk or up front doing actions to a Kids' Camp song. They also take part in their own activities, devotions and group times.