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WVA Leadership Camp is an experience unlike any other for Australian high schoolers.
Students are taught by inspired teachers, challenged by creative activities, moved by meaningful worship, and welcomed into a community of life-long friends. Students join groups of the same age and gender for discussion of the big ideas. They are led by university-aged small group leaders from across WA who have dynamic personal relationships with Jesus Christ, and the life skills and spiritual maturity to lead students in discussions throughout the week. The six days are filled with laughter, tough questions, biblical answers, and a deepening hunger for Christ, and fulfilment in Him. |
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'I have been on 50 Camps in my 17 years of life, and this has to be one of the best.
It taught me how to properly read and understand the Bible, and gave me the tools and experience to share what I have learnt with others.'
- Pippa
The worldview camp I attended was, in a word, phenomenal! The lectures absorbing, the staff approachable, professional and humble, the music uplifting, the activities fun and challenging, the friendships solid, the conversations inspiring, the scriptures upheld.
- Jenni
Who is behind this?
History
In the USA, Summit Ministries runs worldview formation retreats for college students. During the 1990's a handful of graduates gained permission to do something similar for high schoolers, and so began Worldview Academy. In July 2019, Geoff Westlake, Jenni DeVries, Justin DeVries (16) and Pippa Westlake (17) attended a Worldview Academy Leadership Camp in Cedarville Ohio, and were inspired to bring the experience to Australia. The first Worldview Australia camp ran in January 2021.
In the USA, Summit Ministries runs worldview formation retreats for college students. During the 1990's a handful of graduates gained permission to do something similar for high schoolers, and so began Worldview Academy. In July 2019, Geoff Westlake, Jenni DeVries, Justin DeVries (16) and Pippa Westlake (17) attended a Worldview Academy Leadership Camp in Cedarville Ohio, and were inspired to bring the experience to Australia. The first Worldview Australia camp ran in January 2021.
Our Leadership Team
All are Christians committed to a Biblical worldview as per our Statement of Faith. All hold Working With Children Checks, have been interviewed, and have completed the Childsafe training. The whole directing team has many years experience in leading young people, in youth groups, christian camping environments, teaching religion in schools, and education, with some homeschooling, and some on school boards, etc.
All are Christians committed to a Biblical worldview as per our Statement of Faith. All hold Working With Children Checks, have been interviewed, and have completed the Childsafe training. The whole directing team has many years experience in leading young people, in youth groups, christian camping environments, teaching religion in schools, and education, with some homeschooling, and some on school boards, etc.
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Directors
Geoff Westlake Coordinator - content, curriculum, lecturers; MC The State Director of OAC Ministries in WA, he has over 30 years experience speaking to teenagers on camps, schools and church settings. He is one of our camp speakers on WVA. Sally Westlake Admin & Liaison 25 years experience leading and directing camps with Scripture Union WA, and working in faith based community development in the government, private and voluntary sector. Holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Leisure Science and Business. Jenni de Vries Coordinator - music, drama, prayer team Continues to utilise her early years training and experience as a missionary with OM, serving God with creative arts. She's a member of Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, and actively involved in missions, Boys Brigade, music team, carols, aged care and prison ministry. Mother to 4 homeschooled young men. Nic de Vries Coordinator - tech, sound & safety An Electrician, running his own business and holds the contract to manage Geraldton's solar farm. An active member of Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, leads Boys Brigade, and has a sharp eye for safety and technology. Father to 4 quality young men. Josie Birch Team Admin, MC & Clearances Has many years experience in leading young people in small groups, camps, leading and speaking at her church, etc. Currently works for a contracting company, she is a gifted communicator and leads with enthusiasm. |
Tim Dugmore Team admin, MC Completed a cert III in Education Support, and Studied a Diploma of Ministry, now an apprentice Electrician. A leader on Scripture Union camps, and runs his local youth group. You will see his smiling face instructing activities regularly on camp. Pippa Westlake Design, promotional material, team admin, Safety Started running a youth group at 15 years old, and at the age of 18 she has been on over 50 camps including Scripture Union camps, Worldview Academy USA, etc. Her experience as a WVA camper in America has aided the team in developing the Australian Worldview Camp. Completed a Diploma of Ministry, developing a shirt business, and currently studying and working in School Aged Care. She is a casual designer, and has been working on the promotional material, administrative processes, and safety requirements for camp. Darren Birch MC, Handy Man Currently a school chaplain in 2 schools in Perth Northern Suburbs. He has over 30 years experience in youth ministry, chaplaincy, counselling, parenting training, and mentoring young people. Father to 7 homeschooled kids, who are all serving God in various ways. Kathryn Birch Head Chef A trained primary school teacher and gifted communicator. A mum of 7 homeschooled kids. She teaches multiple parenting classes, and helps to run Cheers Neighbours Network - alongside Geoff and Sally. As a family they have been involved in beach missions for many years, and outreach in remote communities in the Kimberley. Peter Abetz ACL State Director - ACL are working in partnership with WVA to develop and promote the camp as prior learning to GPS and the Lachlan Macquarie Internship for young adults. Peter is also a speaker on camp. Further information below. |
Camp Speakers (2022)(2023 TBC)
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Geoff Westlake - OAC Ministries
B. Theology (Hons) An ordained minister with the Baptist Churches of WA, serving as an evangelist with OAC Ministries for more than 20 years, Geoff engages teenagers as adults. With his family he leads Cheers Neighbours’ Network in his neighbourhood, which works together to bless and benefit Banksia Grove and beyond. Peter Abetz - Australian Christian Lobby B.Agric.Sci.(Hons); B.D Peter Abetz grew up in Tasmania, working in the agricultural sector for six years before studying theology in Geelong and serving as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia for 25 years in Victoria and WA. In 2008 he won a seat in the WA parliament and served till 2017. He was a strong advocate for Christian values in the parliament. Later he headed the WA NO campaign in the same-sex plebiscite. He currently serves as Deputy Mayor of the City of Gosnells and is the WA State Director of the Australian Christian Lobby. He and his wife Jenny have five married adult children and 11 grandchildren. Kevin Vigus Was a youth pastor for 15 years in Qld & WA … and then went to Israel! Now I serve full time building bridges in the Jewish community and also teaching in churches of the culture of Israel - which is the context of the Bible! I have gone to Israel 5 times so far (mostly taking volunteers to serve alongside Jewish people), love learning Hebrew and spend a lot of time playing & performing Israeli music on flutes. John Tilinger On the Parish Council of Geraldton Anglican Cathedral, Teacher of Online Learning at Strathalbyn Christian College, married to Esther. Raised in a non-Christian home he accepted Christ as Lord as a teenager and is confident in the transformative power of the gospel to change lives. He enjoys hiking, reading and “tinkering” projects. Guest Speakers: James Parker British-born James Parker lives in Western Australia. As an abuse survivor and former gay rights activist, he is passionate about the godly restoration of men and women. He now facilitates True Identity, an informal network that supports those struggling with sexuality & gender identity issues. James is the visiting speaker for Gender & Worldviews. John Bond Has 45 years of ministry experience in Apostolic ministry with a focus on mentoring Church Planting Movement leaders. Currently, he is the minister at Lifestreams Christian Church, the founding member of Sonlife Ministries Inc. and member of Compassion Australia’s board of Directors. |
Sample Camp Program
