After party to thank Capricorn Red Shield volunteers
Laser tag was one of many activities run on the day. (Credit: Photo courtesy Yvette Walters).
More than 150 young people from Queensland’s Capricorn region, including many Red Shield Appeal collectors, enjoyed the appeal’s inaugural after party last month.
In an action-packed afternoon, the teenagers took part in laser skirmish, bouncy boxing, a bungee run, riding a mechanical bull, scaling a rock-climbing wall, basketball, competitions, and more.
The afternoon also featured live music from Christian musicians, the Jake Nauta Band and Shemah Zion.
With 500 high school students collecting in Rockhampton and Yeppoon this year, the under 18s event was designed to say thank you to young collectors. It also helped strengthen ties between the Salvos and local youth.
Held at the Capricorn Region Salvation Army, more than 50 local church volunteers worked tirelessly to put on what they termed an ‘afternoon of awesome’.
The young Red Shield Appeal doorknockers received a free pass to the event, while those that didn’t collect paid a small entry fee.
Yvette Walters, Salvation Army Assistant Leader Capricorn Region, says the idea came originally from the Army's Children's Ministry Coordinator, Lynn Dobbs.
“Lynn had a desire for the church to thank the five hundred plus high school students who help us with our Red Shield Appeal across the region,” says Yvette.
"The Salvation Army is about people finding freedom. But without their support collecting, the Salvos couldn’t continue to serve the community."
“Although they might not be able to feed someone, they help us feed people. They help us find someone who is homeless a house. And they help us re-unite parents and kids. They’re as involved in helping people as we are.”
“Hopefully it also showed them that church is a fun place to come and they are welcome. You never know what seed will be planted and will bear fruit later on.”
She says the event was most definitely a great success, with joy on the young people’s faces visible from the very first moment to the very last.
“It was incredible to see so many volunteers from all ages support this event. Their attitude to love and serve the youth was inspiring, and we were all blown away seeing so many youth on the church premises."
There are now plans to run three large youth events including an after party every year alongside regular youth group activities.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.