ABIDE YOUTH CAMP 2026: REMAINING IN JESUS AND GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION
NGĀRUAWĀHIA – From July 3–5, 2026, 36 participants gathered at CYC Hamilton, 148 Waingaro Road, Ngāruawāhia, for ABIDE Youth Camp 2026.
Open to young people aged 13 and above, the three-day camp was held to help participants return to Jesus, remain in Him, and make abiding in Christ an integral part of their daily lives.
The camp was founded on John 15:4–5:
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Returning to and Remaining in Jesus
Throughout the camp, participants were reminded that spiritual fruitfulness cannot be separated from a life that remains connected to Jesus.
The sessions and activities created space for young people to receive fresh revelation, renew their relationship with God, and respond personally to His work in their lives. The camp also became a time of reconciliation, as participants restored relationships with family members and friends.
Strong engagement could already be seen from the first session. Participants responded enthusiastically in praise from the beginning, showing a level of involvement that had not been seen at previous camps.
A Growing Culture of Testimony and Prayer
One of the significant developments during ABIDE Youth Camp was the increase in spontaneous testimonies.
Several participants openly shared their personal stories, including some who had never spoken publicly about their testimonies before. Participants also began praying for one another freely without waiting for instructions from the committee.
These moments reflected a growing openness among the young people to encourage, support, and minister to one another.
The Next Generation Serving the Next Generation
ABIDE Youth Camp 2026 also provided meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in leadership and ministry.
Almost 70 percent of the committee consisted of young adults who were university students, while the remaining 30 percent were youth who were still in high school.
Their involvement allowed the next generation not only to attend the camp but also to take responsibility, serve others, and develop their leadership through practical ministry experience.
Six Participants Publicly Declare Their Faith
A significant moment took place when six participants publicly declared their faith through water baptism.
This number marked a threefold increase compared to LOUD 2025, when two participants were baptized.
Through ABIDE Youth Camp 2026, young people were invited not only to experience God during a three-day camp, but also to continue remaining in Jesus in their everyday lives trusting that lasting fruit can only grow through a life connected to Him.
IFGF Global
