We had a goat, a dog and guinea pigs which my sister and I spent hours on end teaching all sorts of tricks, mainly to follow us around the yard while we played.

After my schooling at a few different schools in the area, my interest of working with young people on camps took me to the Gippsland Lakes to work with year 6 & 10 students of Wesley College.  After one year at Wesley I ventured to Bendigo where I undertook a Bachelor Degree in Outdoor Education. During 2005 & 2006 I took a year out form University to travel to Europe.

I spent 7 months, mostly in the UK, working in various retail and pub jobs and then travelling north to Scotland where I spent 4 months on the tiny Island of Rasaay working at an Outdoor Recreation Centre. Amongst the work there was plenty of exploring to be done and excitment to be had.

After completing my degree back in Bendigo, I found myself working with a company in Melbourne for the next four years taking school groups on expedition programs all over Victoria. A great fours year providing great experience I later I found myself seeking further challenges. I now find myself in beautiful Halls Gap working along side a great team at Norval.

We recognise the importance of providing positive working conditions for staff and appropriate supervision, support, and feedback. Underpinning our approach to staff development is a professional development program which provides staff with opportunities to gain additional skills and knowledge. For example, UC Camping sponsors the International Camp Directors Course (ICDC) which provides formal training for campsite managers to assist and support professional development and awareness of current standards and procedures.

UC Camping Director, Andrew McGuckian, is one of five internationally accredited ICDC facilitators and during September 2011 Michael Hudson, Rob Turley, Justin Ballingall and Con Forbes attended the ICDC course in Sydney to further their camping knowledge.

All Take A Break camps are delivered free of charge. Families do not need to meet any selection criteria to participate – they only need to register their interest.

Since 2005, 32 Take A Break camps have been delivered. In that time, 1,576 people have enjoyed a family holiday, and 5,866 nights of free accommodation have been provided.

Take A Break camps are held several times a year in UC Camping’s sites across Victoria.  The program is funded purely by donations and this presentation provides further information for  agencies interested in  partnering with us to deliver a PACT camp.

To learn more about Take A Break, or register to attend a future camp, please contact:

The organisation, which delivers school camping experiences to hundreds of state and private schools from across Victoria, also manages the three temporary bushfire villages on behalf of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority.

UC Camping Director Andrew McGuckian said he was happy to work with anyone who promoted outdoor education for young people and the benefits it provided.

“There are so many people from all sides of politics that look back on their school camps as the highlight of their school lives.

“We have been part of this discussion through our representation on the board of the Australian Camps Association for about the last two years.

“We’re happy that the community is having this discussion and we hope that regardless of the election results we can move ahead with what will be a terrific opportunity for Victorian youth,” Mr McGuckian said.

School camping is not necessarily a “boot camp” experience. UC Camping works with schools to tailor programs to meet learning objectives.

“If a school is working on geography, for example, we gear the program to work on those learning objectives but really our work provides team development, communications skills and values education regardless of the activity.

“School camps are a great way to help young people open their eyes to new ways of behaviour,” he said.

UC camping has hosted more than 8900 students from more than 160 schools this year. Programs are conducted at seven locations throughout Victoria and include a wide range of activities designed to create opportunities.

The initial four years in the life of the Uniting Church Camping Unit has at times seemed consumed by property purchases, infrastructure improvements and systems implementation. However, amidst this period of enormous “physical and structural” change, I have a sense of significant attitudinal change and/or rediscovery around the purpose and meaning of the work we all share.

The conversations I/we have been engaged in recently highlight for me the growing depth in understanding of the missional value of camping and of what it means to be the Uniting Church within this context. I would like to briefly share with you some of the insights from some recent discussions.

UCC On The Way Together Planning Retreat:  This two day retreat brought together UCC staff, CFM Camping Committee members and others with an interest in camping. The depth of discussion at this event was exciting and provocative. Through a facilitated process (thanks to Adrian Pyle) we commenced by exploring “who” we provide camping for and what significant outcomes we enable. The resounding consensus was a re-affirmation that UCC provides opportunities for the church to connect with an enormously diverse range of community groups. There was a strong commitment to this “openness to all” principal as a true pathway to living one of the Synod themes “engaging diversity”.

Local Campsite Committees (LCC): In parallel with the above planning retreat, the Grampians and West Gippsland Local Campsite Committees have each engaged in a review of their mission plans. Prospective members of the proposed Merricks LCC have also met and discussed the role and purpose of such a group. Within each of these meetings the conversation has considered the nature of evangelism within UCC. Our ability and preparedness to share this sometimes “taboo” topic is testament to the respect and trust we have for each other. Asking the tricky questions or challenging the norm can only occur when people feel safe and respected. I think we should feel proud of our capacity for open, challenging conversations.

Australian Camps Association Conference: Together with Jay Henderson from Xavier College, I made a presentation to the ACA Conference. The presentation theme was “building resilience through relationships” and used the UCC/Xavier College relationship as a case study. This conversation with the broader camping community enabled me to share the UCA ethos that underpins all that we do. The themes we shared around relationship development, mutual benefit, partnership and trust, resonated loudly with a predominantly secular gathering. The message of our UCC/UCA ethos has significant relevance in confronting the challenges of business in 2009.

Bushfire Village Management: Not dissimilar to our campsites, within this context UCC is engaging in an enormous range of “conversations”. Meetings with government agencies, community groups, village residents, village management staff and many more take place on a weekly basis. I strongly believe that within these conversations the UCC team is bringing something special. Again anchored firmly in the UCA ethos, we are bringing our core values to bear on the outcomes being sought. In an environment often driven by seemingly “urgent” demands, the ability to keep consultation, trust, respect and inclusion on the agenda is at times difficult. Once again I am very proud of the efforts being made by UCC staff.

The four arenas of conversation detailed above are but a few examples. Think for a moment of the conversations you have had recently, think how you have represented UCC and the UCA ethos, and then multiply your contacts by the number of UCC staff and committee people doing the same. Yes the influence we may have can be significant.

I have also avoided citing the conclusions or outcomes from these conversations. This is not to suggest that the conclusions are not relevant, however I believe we need to remain committed to engaging in the conversations. Whether or not we achieve agreement, win someone over to our point of view or change an attitude is largely immeasurable and irrelevant. That we have engaged and brought a different perspective will be irrefutable.
I encourage us all to continue engaging in the conversations.

Andrew McGuckian

UCC Director

Given the great opportunity this project provides to assist fire affected families at the “coal face” it was agreed that a tender should be lodged. On Friday April 24th UCC was advised that the Uniting Church had been awarded the contract. This necessitated providing a manager on-site at Flowerdale Village on Monday April 27th. This position has been filled by Mr Tony McEwan, who usually works as a program coordinator at Halls Gap. Thanks to Tony for stepping in at such short notice.

Temporary communities have been established at Marysville, Flowerdale and Kinglake. The communities have been established to ensure bushfire impacted individuals and families have interim, safe and secure housing while rebuilding their homes and lives. It is anticipated that each community will eventually accommodate between 20 – 50 families or between 80 – 200 people.

I have been seconded from usual duties to the role of “Principal Officer” (.5 EFT) for the project. Initially the contract is for a period of six months, however it is anticipated to run for up to two years.

Two new staff members have now joined the UCC team to fill the positions of Village Managers. Mr Brian Aplin (previously a Manager at Lake Tyers Camp and Caravan Park) commenced at Marysville Village on Monday May 11th and Arwyn Taylor (a resident of Kinglake) commenced on June 2nd at Kinglake. Please feel free to touch base with our new team members: Their contact emails are marysville@uccamping.org.au and kinglake@uccamping.org.au

In the brief time we have been in the bushfire region we have shared many stories of peoples’ traumatic times. I am confident that with support from us all, the Village Managers will find their work rewarding and fruitful. They are bringing a UCC approach to the positions, having hospitality, service and the UCA ethos at the forefront of all they are doing.

Whether through just touching base so they don’t feel too isolated or, as Con Forbes did recently, visiting the Village to give a hand for a few days, please do what you can to help out.

Andrew McGuckian

UCC Director

I see two core issues that the recent busfire period has raised for UCC. These are cancellations and bushfire risk management practices. In this issue I will discuss cancellations.

However, first and foremost we must all reflect upon how fortunate we have been and keep those who have suffered tragic losses, both of property and life, uppermost in our thoughts and prayers.

As most of us are by now aware, the flow-on effects of the devastating events of “Black Saturday” and subsequent Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) directive regarding the cancellation of camps across Victoria in the week commencing 2/03/2009 have been significant. One of the next big challenges for UCC and the camping profession is how we respond/react.

The large number of cancellations before, during and after the DEECD directive has had a significant financial impact on camps across the state. This has resulted in many conversations regarding the need for “common” cancellation policies across campsites. Many stakeholders believe a tougher industry approach to late cancellations is required.

The current situation sees a broad range of approaches, from organisations like UCC that take only a nominal booking fee, to sites that require a significant payment months before the camp takes place. Others are indicating they will invoice cancelled groups around 75% of the total value of the camp.

It is understandable that initially there appears significant support for the “get tough on cancellations” approach. For many this equal and opposite reaction force seems justifiable given the serious financial and emotional consequence of a decision made from afar and often without consultation. The instinctive human response to threat or danger is “flight or fight”, hence many instinctively seek to achieve what they see as “justice” through fighting back. In this situation a response of “getting tougher”.

This challenges us to consider our definition of justice. If it is about “getting equal”, quid pro quo or protecting only what we see as our “rights”, I think we have missed the mark. True justice can only be achieved through dialogue, relationship building and reaching a position of respect and mutual understanding. I believe we must make a response that has compassion and understanding as the driving force. Compassion and understanding should be our primary reaction, not disregarding mutual obligation and responsibility or the reality of financial/business imperatives, but ensuring that we care for others before seeking to get what we think we deserve.

In practical terms this tougher approach thinking causes me serious concern. I believe taking this punitive approach against groups that cancel will do little to recover losses, since typically schools do not have the financial resources to meet such charges. Furthermore, I fear requiring a school or community group to make a contractual financial commitment for say 50% of the total value up front will create yet another barrier to participation.

At this time, caution, rather than reaction, is what is needed when considering such significant changes.

The most recent “ACA Survey of Prices and Occupancy” results indicate that from the 76 respondents during the 2007/08 year, 94% of sites experienced less than 5 cancellations that caused a significant impact on their business. Of these, only around 50% were within one month of the dates booked i.e. less than 3 groups per annum. In a “normal” year it seems cancellations, and particularly those at short notice, are not causing significant problems for the industry.

Our UCA underpinning principles and ethos call us to reach our decisions not based upon what may make us feel better at the time or what we think may protect us from similar situation in the future. Beneath all that we do in Uniting Church Camping is the principal of beginning, establishing and growing relationships. Our visitors are our guests not our customers or clients. The relational nature of our interactions can build deep mutual trust, respect and understanding. From my years in camping, operating from this perspective, groups/ camp coordinators do not make the telephone call to cancel without a strong sense of having disappointed a trusted friend i.e. the campsite.

Whilst the Commission for Mission Camping Committee is yet to consider this issue and personally I am still contemplating if any changes to our procedures are warranted, the principles around which we grow in our sites will remain the same. Fairness, equality, access, justice and building relationships are always central to how we do “business”. I believe as long as we are not naively being exploited or going broke, we should leave the hard nose business approach to others.

Andrew McGuckian

Director, Uniting Church Camping

I have had a great time in the camping movement – from a child when my parents were ‘camp parents’ at church camps at ‘Tallabudgera’ Camp on the Gold Coast. Have always been involved – was chair of former Congregational Camp at Seven Mile Beach in Tasmania and more recently of Portland and worked with Andrew having Norval manage Portland. Camping is part of me and clearly a passion.

My Mother and father always told me…. To look at the cup half full rather than half empty!

Cats or Dogs? Always part of our lives when we were younger – recently guess what? Daughters dog and cat ended up with us

My greatest fear is… Forgetting people’s names

My earliest memory is……  One of my earliest memories is my finger being jammed in the door of our house on a stinking hot day in SA when the door slammed in the hot wind and a bushfire was approaching – my dad was out fighting the fire! I was about 4.

If you were not a minister what do you think you would be….  Most of my life I have been in the retail marketing industry – I was with Myer and Coles Myer for 25 years before becoming a minister – can’t leave all of that experience behind in ministry!!!!!

If only I could…….  Sing sweetly

At school I…..  LOVED cricket, football, swimming, basketball, athletics, – pity about the study!

My happiest moment….  Recently visiting Italy with my wife Chris, my son and his wife

I often wonder……. What I would be like being a school teacher

Within our website and brochures, UCC makes the following statements about why UCC is something special: “Our venues and services are committed to an ethos of integrity, respect for others and the environment, openess and honesty. Applying this ethos to everything we do, UC Camping provides unique camping experiences.

Our ethos is reflected through:

1. An open welcome to groups from diverse backgrounds;
2. Ongoing implementation of sustainability measures;
3. A strong desire to cater for groups with special needs;
4. A programming method that mirrors this ethos;
5. Venues that provide sole use areas for small/medium size groups;
6. Commitment to campsite accreditation;
7. A range of outreach programs funded through UC Camping;
8. Spaces for “time out and reflection”

So how do we measure up?  The “holiday” period has highlighted for me the wonderful work we all do, particularly regarding items 1 & 3 above. Over the past six weeks around 1500 people from the following 24 groups have been hosted at UCC sites:

Disability/special needs groups

• Pinarc Support Services
• People Outdoors
• Exodus Community (Families with special needs)
• Take a Break Drought relief Camps x2
• Inspire Camps x2
• Vista (EW Tipping Foundation)
• Interchange Outer-East x2
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• TRY Youth

Culturally Diverse Groups:

• Chinese Community Church
• Korean Church of Melbourne x2
• Vietnamese Uniting Church
• Hanbit (Korean) Uniting Church
• Ping Lang Chinese family group
• Bin Jan Vietnamese community group
• Abdul Hag Chinese community group
• Polish Community Association
• St Judes Community Church (African refugees)
• Eritrean Community
• Anotolian Society (Turkish)

There are many different challenges working with groups with special needs or from diverse cultures including language barriers, difficulties establishing group sizes, self catering demands, cultural differences regarding expected behaviour, swimming ability and access needs.

Working proactively to overcome these challenges, UCC staff have provided support, care and an exemplary level of hospitality. Dealing with these challenges is a difficult task and at times we may wonder if it is all worth the extra effort? My answer is resoundingly YES!

I am aware many of these groups express their gratitude for the way they have been welcomed and hosted, not only by the campsite but by the Uniting Church. Whilst it is not stated overtly, the message this sends about the Uniting Church as an inclusive church of tolerance is indeed very powerful.

Thank you all, well done and keep up the great work.

Andrew

Norval conducted the first LINKS program from August to October this year and although the final assessment of the program is not completed the feedback has been very positive.

The 2008 program consisted of four preparatory sessions and a four day wilderness journey. A total of twelve young people participated in various parts of the program with six completing the whole program including the wilderness journey. Participants came from the Warracknabeal, Stawell, St. Arnaud and Ararat communities. Several community organisations contributed funding and significant practical support to the program including Horsham On Track Learning Risk it program, Warracknabeal Secondary College, BGT Youth Pathways, Yarriambiack Shire and Victoria Police. The following is an excerpt from the draft report:

The Uniting Church 2007 Lenten Appeal provided substantial funding to enable the program to be developed. This funding covered a significant part of the program costs and more LINKS programs will be conducted at UCC sites in the future.
Tony McEwan Christian Program Coordinator Norval