Kaihautu Rangatahi for Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Upoko o te Ika, Levi Torrey offers this reflection on the Rangatahi Easter Camp held at Mikaere Tapu, Te Papaioea (St Michaels, Palmerston North).
The Rangatahi Easter Camp was a meaningful and engaging experience that brought together faith, creativity, and community. Throughout the camp, rangatahi actively participated in a range of activities designed to deepen their understanding of Easter while expressing their learning in creative and collaborative ways.
A highlight of the camp was the creation of a large Jesus’ Tomb, which the rangatahi constructed using paper mâché and painted together. This project demonstrated teamwork and creativity, and the finished piece was proudly presented during Sunday Service. The tomb was also incorporated into their Jesus in the Tomb play, allowing rangatahi to bring the Easter story to life in a powerful and visual way.
Each rangatahi was given an Easter bag filled with resources and materials relating to the Easter theme. As part of this activity, they designed their own unique bag covers using stencils and paint, encouraging personal expression and creativity while reinforcing the themes of the camp.
The Rangatahi program incorporated all core values—Kotahitanga, Te Reo me ōna tikanga, Pūkengatanga, Rongo, Hari, Aroha, Whakapono (prayer and scripture), and Whanaungatanga—as part of the learning journey.
Ngā Rangatahi demonstrated Kotahitanga (unity) by working together across all activities, including crafting their Processional Cross, collaborating during the scripture scavenger hunt, and preparing for their Jesus in the Tomb play. Rongo was reflected through positive behaviour throughout the camp, with rangatahi consistently showing love, care, and respect for one another.
Prayer and scripture were woven throughout the camp experience. Through the Stations of the Cross, rangatahi explored all 14 parts of scripture, following the journey of Jesus from being condemned to death to being laid in the tomb. These teachings were reinforced through creative and engaging activities that allowed rangatahi to connect more deeply with the Easter story.
Ngā Inoi mō te Pō (night prayers) provided a special time for reflection. Each evening, rangatahi gathered to share prayers and reflect on what they were grateful for, strengthening both their faith and sense of community.
Through creative learning, Ngā Rangatahi explored Whakapono as a foundation of their experience. During a scripture scavenger hunt, they pieced together passages from Ruka/Luke 23:33–46 and Hōne/John 19:17–25, reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the Cross and His crucifixion. Rangatahi also participated in Sunday Service by reading scripture to the congregation, building confidence and deepening their connection to faith.
Whanaungatanga was strengthened through a variety of shared experiences that encouraged connection and joy. Rangatahi took part in a talent show, confidently sharing their gifts and talents in a supportive environment. A trip to the Lido Aquatic Centre further strengthened relationships, allowing time for bonding and whakawhanaungatanga outside of structured activities.
One of the most powerful moments of the camp was the Sunday morning procession, where rangatahi led the congregation around and into the church while carrying the Cross they had created. This was a deeply meaningful experience that allowed them to actively participate in the service and embody the Easter journey in a visible and memorable way.
Overall, the Easter Camp provided a rich and supportive environment where rangatahi were able to grow in faith, build strong relationships, and express their learning through creativity, reflection, and shared experiences.