Who we are

Meet the people behind CRU Camps.
A Message from Nick Hood, CRU CEO

Smiling on a boat.
Laughing with new friends.
Eating great food.
Connecting with great role models.
Trying something new.
Learning to work together.
Asking big questions about life and faith.
Growing in confidence.
Making memories that last long after camp ends.

As a dad, I love watching my own kids grow through CRU Camps. They come home tired, yet buzzing with stories. They talk of the leaders who encouraged them, the friends they made, the things they learnt about themselves and God, and all the fun they had!

CRU has been running holiday camps since the 1930s with generations of kids enjoying a vast array of activities (and even study!) and developing self-confidence and great relationships. Every year around 3,000 school students get involved.

Come and join us!

Nick Hood
CRU CEO
A MESSAGE FROM CALUM HENDERSON, DIRECTOR OF HOLIDAY CAMPS

In a time when young people spend so much of life in digital spaces, CRU Camps offer a refreshing and powerful opportunity for children and youth to experience God’s creation alongside friends and leaders.

Whenever I visit camp, it brings me such joy to see campers trying new things, building friendships, and growing in confidence.

Having attended CRU Camps as a camper myself—and having led on more than 50 camps in both staff and volunteer roles—I’ve seen first-hand the incredible experiences campers have. Whether it’s water skiing behind a boat, climbing a rock wall, or simply sitting with someone new at dinner, CRU Camps help young people stretch themselves in new and exciting ways. And they do it all in the care of leaders who are deeply committed to seeing each camper thrive.

I hope that when your child returns home from a CRU Camp, you’ll get to hear all about the fun, growth, and memories they’ve made.

In Christ,

Calum Henderson
Director of Holiday Camps

Our vision

CRU is a Bible-based, interdenominational Christian youth organisation whose vision is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the students of the independent schools of Australia, to nurture Christians, encourage church membership and train young Christians for a life of servant leadership.

The number of Australian children and youth has grown dramatically since 1930 and demographers speak of significant future growth. Tragically, the proportion of children and youth attending church each week has plummeted. In fact, only 1 in 7 Australians attend church regularly. Many young people don’t personally know a Christian and have not heard of God’s love shown in Jesus. We are on a mission to help change that.

Our core values

For over 90 years, God has used CRU to reach, win, train and send out hundreds of thousands of young people. Our ministry has developed over time with new tools and strategies, but always with a core focus on the truth of the Bible, and the power of God’s Word to change lives.

Being true to the Bible as the Word of God

Being passionately, unashamedly gospel-focused

Being driven towards excellence and growth so that our impact may increase

Being selflessly committed to the care and development of individuals

Being prayerfully dependent on God to bring about real and lasting change

Our camp directors & leaders

Trained & checked by government
All leaders must complete tailored Child Protection Training and comply with government Working with Children regulations, including a full and valid Working With Children Check .
1:5 ratio of leaders to campers
With one leader for every five campers, we provide unequaled care for your kids throughout the week and know each individual camper. We do not tolerate bullying or anti-social behaviour of any kind.
Thoroughly vetted camp directors
To ensure every camp maintains the same culture and values of CRU, we thoroughly vet all camp directors. They are trained to build the best possible teams of leaders to run amazing camps and care for all campers.
Camp parents for extra support
Camp parents attend primary school aged camps. Their primary focus is to provide extra emotional support for younger campers and those who have never been away from home before.

Find your next adventure:

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