Growing Hearts: a camp of faith and fellowship

At Barberton High School, more than a decade of weekly faith-gatherings by the “Growing Hearts” group reached a joyful high point from October 3 to 5, when a camp for 20 learners took place at Mountain View Retreat under the guidance of school-counsellor and founder Janet Booysen and Joshua September.

Founded 19 years ago at the high school, Growing Hearts meets weekly every Wednesday during second break for a short message, prayer or special action. Recently, the group observed “Bring your Bible to School” day, a mini Bible-reading marathon and time of group prayer. Mrs Booysen emphasised the point: “Jesus is the answer!” She said the learners enjoyed the time and looked forward to their weekly ‘church’.

The camp itself offered a wholesome mix of spiritual growth, outdoor adventure and fun. From arrival, the learners, together with Mrs Booysen and Mr September, hiked to a cross on site, set aside their troubles and opened themselves to the “Word.” They swam, canoed and played games, all in an atmosphere of fellowship and fun.

Evening braais and marshmallow roasting around the fire while singing worship songs provided relaxed time to connect, reflect and dream about building their future. Camp helpers included Theuns Booysen (husband of Janet), Pastor John Evans and worship leader Jan Visser. The camp was sponsored by the local church His Light Church and the store “Mica”, and supported by Barberton High School.

Janet noted the key themes for the camp: fellowship, conversion, forgiveness and building your future. She said the journey over those few days was designed not just for fun, but for growth - spiritually, mentally and socially. The fact that the Wednesday-group continues to grow and that learners look forward to it is, in her view, proof of how much the movement has taken root at the school.

Barberton’s young people, gathered under this banner of faith and fun, experienced a weekend of connection, first to each other, as well as to nature and to purpose. The word “camp” may conjure games and sleeping bags, but for Growing Hearts it means stepping out of the classroom, engaging in meaningful reflection, forging friendships and returning home closer to God, closer to one another, and stronger in heart.

As the school term carries on, the weekly sessions remain a steady anchor: Wednesdays second break = Growing Hearts time, and after such a meaningful camp, the learners returned refreshed, challenged and ready for the next chapter.