PY Summer Camp is an experience that transforms both campers and leaders alike. For Gavin Hays, leading at PY Summer Camp is not just about leading activities or studies, but about doing life with young people and showing them the heart of Christ in every interaction.
Life together
“I think what stands out most about the camp experience for me is that it’s not just about ‘getting them in and out’, it’s about being with them,” Gavin says. “You’re living life with them, exploring what Jesus means in their lives and how that plays out in everyday moments. The impact isn’t just from one talk or one game; it’s the whole thing… The environment, the relationships, the long-term growth.”
Gavin has now led at PY Summer Camp for the last two years, and has seen firsthand the power of shared experiences. Even though the group is made up mostly of Christians, a significant number of non-Christians are invited to camp too.
“The vibe at camp is incredible. You can see the effect Jesus has on everyone and how the message of Christ is worked out in real-time,” Gavin shares. “My favourite part is the evangelistic talk about halfway through the week. It’s not a high-pressure moment with no follow-up. It’s the start of something. From that point on, there’s so much time and space to sit with the youth, ask questions like ‘why did you respond?’ and ‘what are you going to do about it?’ We walk with them through the implications of following Jesus. It’s a completely different model to the typical camp where the big gospel moment comes right at the end and the young people go home the next day sometimes confused, challenged, and alone. Here, they wrestle with those big decisions in community, and we can help them process what it really means to give their lives to Christ.”
A morning run
One standout moment for Gavin at camp in 2024 came when a group of older boys expressed interest in going for an early morning run. “It was one of those moments where we were able to make space for something a little out of the ordinary,” Gavin says. “It wasn’t just about the run; it was about creating a space where these boys could experience something new, something that mattered.”
The boys had special permission from the camp to leave their cabins and join the run, felt empowered and valued by the leaders. Gavin recalls one of the boys, who attended his youth group, sharing how the group couldn’t stop talking about the experience afterward. Gavin says, “I just wanted to encourage them. That’s the power of being present with them, even in small ways, doing life together, showing them Jesus, and helping them see that faith is about more than just beliefs. It’s about how we live.”
These moments of connection, along with deep, meaningful conversations, were a huge source of encouragement for Gavin. “The joy comes from seeing the campers come alive in their faith, asking tough questions, and wrestling with what it means to follow Jesus, especially in a world that can often oppose that decision.”
Learning and leading
For Gavin, serving at camp isn’t just about teaching, it’s about growing alongside the campers and leaders together. “I’ve learned so much from the leaders around me, from the talks, and from seeing the heart of people on camp,” he said. “You get to see Jesus in action, not just in the talks but in the way people live out their faith on the ground.”
Serving at camp has deepened Gavin’s own faith, particularly through the teaching moments that he himself experiences. This year, it was the book of Daniel that struck him most. “I’ve been shocked by just how clear Jesus is in a book of apocalyptic literature written long before he arrives,” Gavin reflects. “Realising his traits of both weakness and firmness has made me reflect on what humble fearlessness actually looks like in the created world. These traits, when lived out, really stand out at camp and back home because the world just doesn’t have them.”
“It’s not just about following Jesus when it’s easy,” he adds. “It’s about doing it when opposition arises, and how we live through that. That’s where faith becomes real.”
Why are camps like this so important? According to Gavin, it’s because of the time and space they provide for uninterrupted focus on Christ and community. “When you’re on a camp like this, it’s not about your phone or other distractions. You’re away from the usual, and you have the time to focus on what really matters: your relationship with God and with others.”
Growth that lasts
PY Summer Camp provides opportunities for the campers to learn from each other. Gavin noticed a marked change in one of the campers this year who had come to camp a bit more reserved, but just as competitive in a camp favourite game, Gaga ball. The year before, he had been focused on winning games and making himself look good in front of others. But this year, Gavin saw a different attitude.
“This year, it was like he understood who Christ is,” Gavin says. “He was still committed to having fun and a good competitive challenge in the games, but you could tell his motivation had shifted. He wasn’t just focused on winning every game. He was focused on making sure others had a good time, too.” That change in attitude is a testament to the lasting impact of PY Summer Camp, not just through talks and activities, but through the relationships and the example set by leaders like Gavin.
Being part of a PY Summer Camp is also about personal growth. “The talks at camp are great for everyone, not just the campers,” Gavin says. “Even though they’re designed for younger people, the messages apply to us as leaders too. The talks challenge you to think more deeply about who Jesus is and how to live for him, whether life is mundane or really difficult.”
Seeing the gospel take root
For anyone considering serving at a PY Summer Camp, Gavin’s advice is simple: “Give it a go. You’ll come away with so much joy from being able to care for others and share the gospel with them.”
While camp can be challenging, especially with the busy schedule and the time of year, it’s a unique opportunity to build community, deepen faith, and invest in the lives of young people. “Once you get through the initial barrier of committing, you’ll see why others give up their time to serve. It’s well worth it.”
Leading at a PY Camp, for Gavin, isn’t just a way to serve, it’s a chance to see the gospel take root in the lives of young people. And for Gavin, that’s the most rewarding part of all.