A Scripture Union Rugby League Camp sounded like a brave new idea. Some would even say “crazy”. It had never been tried before.
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But it went absolutely off!
Twenty-six local boys jumped at it and the consensus was “fantastic!”. One defiant young lad asserted: “I’m not waiting a year for more of this!”
What made it so good? Camp director Janelle Tongue said among the attractions were:
The excellent location – Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School with its quality sporting grounds and clubhouse was the perfect venue for footy, food and fellowship.
The iconic team – A Christian rugby league camp is sure to bring some significant characters out of the churches. And they came. Youthworkers, dads and even pastors out of the whole spectrum of Tamworth churches and the result was a beautifully eclectic mix of role models, heading up a high energy, adventure of bullet-proof fun.
You would have to say that the name of Alan Tongue was a big drawcard. Loomberah-born and Farrer-bred, Alan’s football career is the stuff of a young boy’s dreams.
He started playing professional football and went on to play for the Canberra Raiders and eventually became their captain.
These days, Alan travels Australia as a motivational speaker, with a mentoring program, building hope, fitness and self-esteem in schools, clubs and even prisons, inspiring young people to reach their potential and find a fruitful path in life. Last year he was named ACT Australian of the Year.
He is delighted to be returning to his roots to co-direct the rugby camp and share his faith and footy at Farrer.
This is a camp for boys in Years 5-8 from April 16-18. The cost is $125, but sponsorship is available in cases of need. Information and application is at www.sunsw.org.au/rugbyleaguecamp or talk to Janelle Tongue on 0428 421 206. Best to book by April 6.
Such is the enthusiasm that Tamworth parents have put on a bus that will do a tour of the north-west, bringing in boys who need transport.
Driver Peter Smith says: “Wherever there is a boy to pick up, I’ll drive there.”
And if rugby league is not your sport, there’s a boys’ ag camp, a girls’ ag camp, a primary ag camp. The list keeps getting longer every year. Not to be outdone, July will see the birth of a rugby union camp.
An interesting one is the Creation Care Camp at Dungowan April 18-21, where campers learn permaculture, honey harvesting and how to live off the land. All SU camps are accessible through the website www.sunsw.org.au/camps