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What if my child doesn’t know anyone else on camp?
Most CRU Camps have a few campers who arrive not knowing anyone else. Our leaders are trained to watch, care for and help campers to feel part of the group. Camper surveys consistently show that over 95% of campers felt well cared for, made new friends and want to come on camp again.

Who looks after the campers?
A team of young, committed, Christian leaders look after the campers throughout camp. All leaders are reference checked, trained in child protection procedures and have completed government child protection requirements. In addition to a Camp Director and young adult volunteer leaders, primary camps also have a ‘camp mum and dad’ to support young campers who may experience homesickness.

How many leaders are on each camp?
All CRU Camps have an unequalled standard of care with at least 1 leader for every 5 campers, meaning that your child will be well looked after.

What does camp accommodation look like?
Students are normally accommodated in cabins, usually with bunk beds. Girls sleep in separate rooms to boys and there are leaders in or near each cabin block to ensure appropriate behaviour. Our camps take place at a variety of locations, but as a general guide we use sites with 6-10 beds in each room.

Can my child be in the same room as his/her friend?
Absolutely! During the registration process, you can nominate the name/s of your child’s friend (of the same gender) as a preferred room mate. Camp directors use these preferences to guide their cabin allocations. However if multiple campers are listed as room mate preferences, it may be difficult for directors to ensure every request. Please be aware that during camp, the director reserves the right to separate campers for disciplinary reasons. Even if your child’s friend has not yet registered, you can nominate them as a room mate, however this does not guarantee their place on camp.

What does my child need to take on camp?
Two weeks before camp you will receive a ‘camp information pack’ by email with all the details of what your child will need to bring to camp. This information will also be available for download on the camps unique page on our website. In the meantime you can also see our Typical Pack List.

What is the daily program for camp?
With over sixty CRU Camps featuring hundreds of exciting activities, each camp’s daily program is different. However, for a general idea, check out our Typical Camp Day.

What is the Christian component of the camps?
Each day of camp features a short Bible talk and small group discussion time for campers to talk about issues in greater depth and ask questions about God, life and everything.

Are the camp activities safe?
CRU Camps have an excellent safety record, and we work hard to keep this high standard. Of course there is an element of risk to everything we do in life and camp activities are no exception. CRU Camps minimise risk in a variety of ways including risk assessments, having trained activity guides and performing regular equipment checks to maintain industry safety standards.

How can campers be contacted?
We understand it can feel strange to be out of contact with your child for a few days, especially if this CRU Camp is their first time away from home. Campers who wish to contact their parents may ask the director for permission to do so. We recommended that campers do not bring their mobile phones as they can be intrusive, detrimental to building camp community and may exacerbate homesickness. Parents are given the contact details for the Camp Director and we recommend that, if needed, you contact your child via this method. Your child’s well being is our first priority. If they are finding camp difficult, or are not well, we will contact you at the first opportunity.

Will there be any other camps onsite while my child is on a CRU Camp?
Our Lake Mac and Galston campsites are equipped for multiple groups. When more than one group is onsite, we work hard to make sure each group has a unique sense of its own space. Activities are run separately and meals are provided either in different sections of the dining room or at different times. Groups are accommodated in their own section of cabins, with as much space between them as possible.

Our volunteer leaders supervise campers closely and keep groups in their own space. Campers are usually unaware of other groups or only see them in passing.

Do I need to leave a deposit to put my child on a waiting list for camp?
No. If a place for your child becomes available, we will contact you and request the full camp fee to secure the booking.

If my child is on a waiting list and places on that camp become available, what do I do?
We will contact you and give you a set time period to register. After this time the place will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. If you have not been contacted, then places have not become available.

Can I place my child on more than one waiting list?
Yes, you are welcome to put your child on as many waiting lists as you like. If places become available on any of those camps, we will contact you as outlined above.

If I place my child on a waiting list for one camp and also register them for a second camp, can I switch to the first camp if places become available?
Yes, provided the transfer occurs within our transfer/cancellation policy as outlined in our booking terms and conditions. A transfer fee will apply, and transfers are not permitted once the 50% or full cancellation fee period is in place.

If my child is on a waiting list and their friend is already confirmed for that camp, will this help my child to get onto that camp?
No, your child will remain on the waiting list until places become available. These places will be offered in the order of registrations received.

How do I find out what position my child is in on the waiting list?
Please contact us if you require this information. If further places become available for a camp and your child is next on the list, we will contact you as soon as possible.

Our questions section is constantly updated to answer the common questions we receive. Please check through all the questions categories to find the answer you are looking for. If your question is not answered here, please call us on (02) 9874 8933 (option 1) or email us.

Camp Parents have the special role of caring for the extra emotional needs of primary campers, as well as having great opportunities to support the leaders. Having a camp ‘Mum and Dad’ helps make kids feel welcome, safe, and supported. Camp Parents often bring their own children which helps foster a sense of family and community on camp.

Express your interest and we’ll help you find a place to serve that suits your family.

Sample Camp Parent Responsibilities Summary

Before Camp

  • Participate in team meetings as you are able
  • Encourage leaders and help them see camp ‘from a parents perspective’

During Camp

  • Provide support to the directors and leaders (e.g. lead devotions, supervise campers to allow all leaders to attend meetings)
  • Be available for children who might be homesick or struggling with aspects of camp
  • Help leaders and the director manage behavioural issues

After Camp

  • Provide support to the directors and leaders in their follow up
  • Keep praying for campers and leaders
  • Get some rest and put next year’s camp in your calendar!

CRU Camp Speakers prepare and present a series of age appropriate, creative and engaging talks explaining the good news of Jesus from the Bible. Speakers join campers and leaders in awesome activities and help answer campers questions about life and faith.

If you are interested in reaching kids with the Gospel as a CRU Camp Speaker, express your interest.

Sample Speaker Responsibilities

Before Camp

  • Register and complete required checks and online training
  • Attend training days and meetings
  • Read the CRU Camps Speakers manual
  • Prepare 4-6 talks, illustrations and games for the Christian Discovery sessions.

During Camp

  • Present the talks
  • Join in activities, get to know campers
  • Help leaders in their discussion groups or question times

After Camp

  • Participate in team meetings, program evaluation and reunions
  • Meet with the director and/or CRU Staff to review talks
  • Keep praying for the campers and leaders
  • Consider speaking again next year!

There are a number of ways you can play a support role on CRU Camps.

Mechanics help prepare our fleet of dirtbikes before and during camp ready for campers and leaders to ride.
Boat Maintenance Officers (BMOs or Boaties!) ensure our fleet of Sailing Boats are maintained before and during our Summer CRU Camps.
Qualified Boat Drivers are required for our Brightwaters camp each January, and we have occasional needs for Licensed Bus Drivers.

For each of these roles, skills and/or qualifications are required, plus a willingness to learn and serve God behind the scenes.

Do you enjoy cooking? CRU needs you!

Our cooks prepare great menus before camp ready to chop, sift, mix, spread, bake, present and serve tasty and nutritious meals for campers and volunteers. Volunteer cooks enable us to provide an increasingly diverse range of camps by allowing us to choose from a wider range of sites.

Sample Daily Responsibilities

Before Camp

  • Complete/update required training
  • Plan menus in consultation with CRU Camps staff and directors
  • Purchase/order required items

During Camp

  • Prepare nutritious and tasty meals
  • Participate in team meetings
  • Follow safe cooking and hygiene procedures

After Camp

  • Ensure the kitchen is thoroughly cleaned
  • Return any borrowed items and any unspent budget
  • Attend post camp debrief meetings

CRU Camp Junior leaders get to experience camp leadership with the care and support of experienced volunteers and staff. CRU Camps are a great place to have a go at new things like leading fun activities, sharing your faith and helping campers have a great time.

If you are 15 years or older, express your interest in junior leading with CRU Camps

Sample Junior and Assistant Leader Responsibilities

Before camp:

  • Register and complete required checks and online training
  • Attend training days and meetings
  • Read your leaders manual
  • Prepare games and activities (with a senior leader’s help)

During camp: Under the guidance of a senior leader:

  • Care for the campers emotional, social, physical and spiritual needs
  • Help lead the daily discussion group
  • Follow your leaders manual and the director’s instructions
  • Get involved in and have a go at facilitating awesome games and activities

After Camp:

  • Debrief with a senior leader about camp
  • Complete post camp surveys and reports
  • Stay in touch with campers as outlined in your leaders manual
  • Keep praying for the campers
  • Get some rest and put next year’s camp in your calendar!

Want to use your leadership and organisational skills to help bring kids into God’s kingdom? CRU Camp directing could be for you.

Directors work with the CRU Camps Staff team to plan for camps many months in advance. They recruit and help train great leadership teams to ensure every moment of camp is planned, prepared and of the highest possible standard.

Got what it takes to be a CRU Camps director? Express your interest.

Sample Director Responsibilities Summary

Before camp:

  • Meet with a CRU Camps staff member and liaise throughout the process
  • Recruit a high quality leadership team ready to serve
  • Organise planning and training meetings
  • Delegate tasks and ensure adequate planning and risk management
  • Meet with the camp speaker to discuss the Bible talks and discussion group questions

During camp:

  • Welcome campers and parents
  • Lead meetings, pray with and coordinate the team
  • Ensure that campers and leaders are cared for emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually
  • Manage and communicate any issues that may arise

After camp:

  • Organise any post camp reunions and team debrief meetings
  • Complete post camp reports and surveys
  • Keep praying for the campers and leaders on your team
  • Get some rest and plan for another great camp next year!

If you are passionate about helping young people hear the Gospel and grow in faith, then CRU Camps are for you!

Each year children miss out on attending camp because they are stuck on waiting lists. By volunteering to lead on a CRU Camp you can help get kids off these waiting lists and onto camp where they can learn about Jesus!

By leading on a CRU Camp you will be joining over 1100 other young volunteer Christian leaders who give a week of their time to lead each year. CRU Camp leaders are exceptional role models who care for and mentor a small group of children throughout camp. Each leader is passionate to help kids and youth enjoy the camp experience, grow in confidence and skills, investigate Jesus and have a go at great activities.

If that sounds like you, express your interest now!

Sample Leader Responsibilities

Before camp:Share your faith by leading on a CRU Camp

  • Register and complete required checks and online training
  • Attend training days and meetings
  • Read your leaders manual
  • Prepare games, activities and discussion starters
  • Join the online camp group

During Camp:

  • Care for the campers emotional, social, physical and spiritual needs
  • Lead your daily discussion group
  • Follow your leaders manual and the director’s instructions
  • Lead and get involved with activities

After Camp:

  • Complete post camp surveys and reports
  • Stay in touch with campers as outlined in your leaders manual
  • Monitor and share in the online camp group
  • Keep praying for the campers and attend the camp reunion
  • Get some rest and put next year’s camp in your calendar!

A few weeks before the start of your camp you will receive a camp specific information letter which includes what to bring, start and finish times, transport & emergency contact details and other important information. This letter can also be found on the webpage of the particular camp your child is attending.

Most CRU Campers will require the following general items:

  • Shorts & t-shirts
  • Jeans/long pants
  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Jumper
  • Swimmers & boardies
  • Beach and bath towel
  • Sleeping bag or doona
  • Pillow slip and/or pillow
  • Toiletries – soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Hat & sun screen
  • Water bottle
  • Raincoat
  • Insect repellent
  • Pyjamas & underwear
  • Multiple pairs of enclosed shoes & socks
  • Torch
  • Bible and pen
  • Theme night costume

Optional extras:

  • Fitted sheet
  • Small amount of money for vending machines, CRU merchandise or kiosk

Activity specific items:
Activities such as sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, dirt biking, horse riding, skiing/snowboarding will require more specific items. Please make sure you read your camp specific information letter carefully.

Please make sure everything is clearly marked with your child’s name and we recommend you don’t pack expensive items e.g mobile phones, digital cameras, iPods, laptops etc. The Crusader Union of Australia accepts no responsibility for personal property that your child brings to camp.

What not to bring:

Food containing nuts
Campers often have nut allergies/anaphylaxis. We ask that your child does not bring foods to camp that contain or are made using nuts.

Mobile Phones
Campers who wish to contact their parents may ask the director for permission to do so. We strongly recommended that campers do not bring their mobile phones as they can be intrusive, detrimental to building camp community and may exacerbate homesickness. You will be given the contact details for the Camp Director and we recommend that you contact your child via this method. Your child’s health and well being is our first priority. If they are finding camp difficult, or are not well, we will contact you at the first opportunity.

Drugs and Alcohol
CRU Camps do not permit the use of alcohol, non-prescribed drugs or smoking on camps. Anyone found in breach of this can expect to be sent home immediately.

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winter Camps

Camper Callouts

My son had never been skiing before and CRU Camps offered a fun and safe environment for him to experience the snow.

- Alison – parent
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