CRU Kickstart

Over 60 students from across Years 7-12 joined us for the School's first ever CRU Kickstart in January.

An inaugural weekend camp, CRU Kickstart aims at helping students make the most of the year ahead, build lasting connections, and imagine together what living out the Christian faith could look like in all of life at Barker. Whilst there were so many highlights, here are just a few fond memories the students have shared with us about their time away.

First, who could forget the Paint War? With our Year 7s coming from Sport Trials and arriving after lunch, we needed a good way to help them meet one another and acclimatise to the high energy of camp. So, after a few low-key games in four teams and time to choreograph a war-cry, students and staff swiftly engaged in the carnage of capture the flag, emerging later, soaked with water and covered in colour. Another highlight popular among our Middle School students was having time to get to know our Seniors. In the Barker journey, CRU is one activity which helps foster friendships between younger and older students. Whether that happened through the competition of Gaga-Ball, the way our band led us in worship, or the Saturday evening detective challenge created by our Year 12s, our Senior School students set an excellent example of service and love for others, no matter the age gap.

Last, but certainly not least, students shared how helpful and engaging Rev Tong’s bible talks were. Taking us through a day in the life of Jesus from Mark 4 and 5, we were challenged to see Jesus’ power over creation, his tenderness and care for individuals, and the faith in him that drives out all fear. We also enjoyed a special visit from Phillip Heath, who spurred us on to follow Jesus in faith with grace and courage.

Now that we are back into the swing of things, with CRU

Fridays spilling out of the CRU Room and CRU Small Groups growing in momentum every other lunch time, we can’t wait to see how our campers continue to serve one another and the wider School community. The CRU and Chaplaincy teams encourage all students to join us for CRU and strongly recommend that you sign-up for CRU Kickstart in 2024 (more information to come late in Term 3).

Mitch Derbyshire Christian Studies & English Teacher CRU Coordinator