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    • Da T.R.U.T.H. visits Alpha Park
    • Hardcore Bands Perform In St Marys
    • Plumpton High Social Justice Project
    • St Marys: Battle of the Bands
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Cootamundra Connections

A special relationship has developed between Hillsong Youth Services and the young people of Cootamundra Shire in rural NSW. Through a collaborative effort between HYS and Hillsong Aid and Development, several young people have had the opportunity to attend our Easter and Winter Camps in 2007.

Cootamundra is the sister 'rural' city to Baulkham Hills Shire Council and is located

In April 2007, five young people from Cootamundra attended Easter Camp in Newcastle, NSW. In order to recruit these young people, HYS communicated with staff at Cootamundra Council, local residents and even promoted the camp on rural radio stations. Without too much effort, the young people came forward and expressed their interest in attending the camp. For most of these young people, it was their first experience traveling to Sydney on a train without their parents.

Once on Easter Camp, the Cootamundra young people really enjoyed spending time with 150 young people from Sydney. They participated in activities such as Tribal Games, Small Group Discussions, Water Sports, Dance Parties, Beach and Skating. It was also a fantastic opportunity for Sydney-based young people meet rural young people and gain a small insight into rural life.

In July 2007, HYS hosted one young person from Cootamundra at a smaller event called Winter Camp. This camp was designed as more of a close-knit gathering where there were several opportunities for mentoring. The theme of the camp was 'adventure' and our Cootamundra guest was given responsibilities to maintain camp fires, organise sleeping/cooking arrangements and coordinate hiking expeditions. He loved the sense of responsibility and expresses a great deal of leadership qualities and potential.

Hillsong Youth Services has been enriched by the relationship it has built up with the rural city of Cootamundra. Staff members have visited the region on several occasions and each time they have been amazed by the hospitality of the people. From a stranger on the street to a council officer, there is a great sense of purpose and pride in Cootamundra.