Schoolies is for those who need to chill out after a heavy year of work and study. This Schoolies doesn't involve alcohol or drugs or violence but it will involve camping/ hanging out on the beach and making new friends. You could make a road trip of it, traveling along the Great Ocean Road, past the 12 Apostles to get there. More info on this web page closer to the event, but lock these dates in now!

ESA Schoolies 2004 Instead of joining the hordes of "Schoolies" in Queensland and other beaches around Australia, a bunch of Year 11 & 12s descended on Sandy Point (near Wilson's Prom) for five days of sun, sand and Christian community. Each morning kicked off with a talk from Lisa Pike, a Youth Worker from Carlton. We explored Jesus' teaching through the book of Mark, tackling issues of faith, trust and the costs of following Him. Our small group time allowed the space and time to reflect further, and to think about their personal application.
With amazing weather, we spent the afternoons at the beach or hanging out playing soccer, cricket, singing and chatting together. A day trip to Wilson's Prom saw a few of us take on Mt Bishop, some extreme photo poses on rocky outcrops and time relaxing in the tea-tree stained and warm shallows at Tidal River.
With campers and leaders from such diverse places as Hamilton and Brunswick, Pakenham and Pinnaroo, there were some city-country cross-cultural encounters to get used to. But over the course of time, some great conversations and new friendships emerged. The very relaxed and chilled vibe of the camp, and the chance to hang out with a variety of different people - both leaders and campers, > proved a great way to wind up the year, but also think through ideas and values to shape the future ahead.
Huge thanks to Pete and Wendy Geldart for their organisation, care and oversight; to Lisa for her preparation and teaching; and to Adrian our awesome cook!
Katherine Preston

Schoolies 2003 was a camp run at Anglsea from the 28th November – 3rd December aimed at having a relaxing time away on the beach away putting aside the pressures of the past year and building a closer relationship with God and others at the camp. For those who missed out it was a real adventure in more ways than anticipated.

For those who decided not to come here are some of the things you missed out on. No study, hot weather, the beach, surfing, swimming, sand sculptures, beach soccer, studying Ephesians, quiet times, praying, discussion times, singing, sharing, spending time together, drop toilets (that didn’t drop much), tenting, bush fires. Thunder, and a tent being flooded.

So I think that most of us could say it was a really mixed camp. You name it we had it. Ariel Kurilowicz who is a youth worker with St Jude's Anglican ran some studies based on Ephesians which brought about some good discussions and who we are in Christ. Each study was accompanied by an activity based on the passage which ranged from plays, stories and board games…..yay for God

Surfing was another big highlight in which most campers and leaders had the opportunity to test their skills on the waves (Not that there were many). For some it was their first time and it was an experience for them just to ride one wave in. For others riding in 8 waves was just too much fun, not mentioning names!!!

I thought it would be to here from a camper

I loved the atmosphere, where it was such a relaxed camp, and there was such support for us-and having such a mix of ages and uni students. It really helped me choose my direction for 2004. Just the thing for those burnt out students. Truly a rewarding and fantastic camp, which all Young Adults should consider

Some memorable events should be mentioned!!!
• Susannah’s camp to beach commentary, starring interviews from all the campers “This is what the director had to say when interviewed” It was a classic.
Camper S: “So Bruce, as camp director, we thought we better ask you this question. Who do you call in case of an emergency?”
Director B: “Not me. Anyone but me!!”
• Catch phrase for the camp: “YAY FOR GOD!!”
• Jodie’s tent being flooded

It was really a camp in which God taught a lot of people different things and he was able to use many things that happened (both good and bad) to his glory, and bring many of his children closer to himself

Thanks Susannah for your thoughts and I look forward to seeing more people at Schoolies next year. YAY FOR GOD

Bruce Ronalds