For Charlotte McLaren, growing up in a Christian family in Newcastle meant she always knew about God. But it wasn’t until a pivotal moment in Year 6 that Charlotte made the decision to follow Jesus for herself.
That moment came at her first PYNSW camp.
“It was my first Christian event away from my parents,” Charlotte recalls. “It hit me that what I choose to believe in was a decision I would have to make for myself.”
From then on, PYNSW events became a fixture in her life: Winter Camp, Summer Camp, and eventually, the Lead for Life internship too.
Charlotte, now finishing a degree in Occupational Therapy and preparing to work with children, reflects warmly on how PYNSW has helped her take ownership of her faith.
“I didn’t want to just go to church on Sundays and live the rest of my life without thinking about Jesus,” she says. “I wanted him to be at the centre. PYNSW helped me to learn that I could have that.”
Joy in Jesus
What stood out to Charlotte most at that first camp was the joy.
“There was such joy in being surrounded by people who love Jesus. Everyone was so welcoming and inclusive. I could really see how following Jesus changed people.”
That joy became an anchor during the turbulence of high school.
“From Year 10 to Year 12, I really struggled,” Charlotte shares. “The pressure of the HSC, friendship drama, and the influence of non-Christian friends. It was a lot. But knowing there was a PYNSW camp to look forward to, helped me get through. I’d literally count down the days. It gave me something to look forward to, a place to reset, and I always came home feeling on fire for God again.”
Christian leadership for life
In 2019, Charlotte took part in the Lead for Life internship. “I was hesitant at first,” she admits. “I didn’t see myself as a leader, and I didn’t feel confident. But people from church encouraged me, and I’m so glad I did it.”
Though COVID delayed her first year of leading at camp, Charlotte has now served on four Summer Camps, usually in the kids’ program. “I love working with children, and being able to teach them about Jesus in a fun and engaging way has been so rewarding,” she says. “There’s a role for everyone at camp, even if you’re not confident up front.”
The impact of PYNSW
So, what makes PYNSW so impactful?
Charlotte says, “It’s such a special ministry because it reaches kids and youth at challenging stages in life. School can be hard. Friendships can be hard. But PYNSW ministries create safe, joyful spaces where young people can hear about Jesus’ love and experience real Christian community.”
For Charlotte, PYNSW has meant lifelong friendships, deepened Bible knowledge, and a growing love for Jesus. “Every camp has helped me understand more about the Bible and what Jesus’ love really means for me and for the world. Each time I leave wanting to read the Bible more, pray more, and live for him more.”
And the reach of PYNSW goes far beyond one church or one town. Charlotte says, “It’s amazing to meet people from all over the state, and even from other parts of Australia sometimes, who all love Jesus,” she says. “It reminds you that God is working everywhere, not just in your little corner.”
Charlotte says, “I don’t know where I’d be without PYNSW. Those camps were such a constant for me through school. They helped me hold on to Jesus, and now I get to help others do the same.”
To any young person considering going to camp, or leading on one, Charlotte offers simple advice: “Get involved. It will grow your faith, give you lifelong friends, and remind you of the joy of following Jesus.”