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This year\u2019s Purpose Camp led by Sydney Catholic Youth at Benedict XVI retreat centre in the school holidays gave students from years 9-12 the opportunity to step away from the usual busyness of school and focus on our relationship with God through a three night retreat. With many social activities, good food and most importantly, the opportunity to grow in our faith, Purpose Camp 2026 was one of the most fulfilling events in terms of growing in a relationship with God.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We started the retreat by getting to know each other through various icebreaker activities, one including an amazing race which helped us make connections with people in our team and others we competed against. We ended the day with all of us participating in a beautiful Mass. The next day we had the opportunity to hear from Madeleine and Simon Carrington who gave separate talks to the guys and girls. We discussed how to navigate Godly relationships, along with learning about self worth for the girls and boys about love so they would get different perspectives and insight on true love and how to respect women. These talks prepared us for an event called \u2018Honouring Night\u2019 later that evening, where the boys and girls would share a formal dinner and put these ideas of mutual respect into practice. On the last day, we spent two hours playing a sports round robin which was one of the best activities for friendly competition among other campers. Later that evening, we processed through the grounds and said the Rosary together as a final way of praying together, then had the opportunity for confession and all-night adoration which was my personal favourite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The purpose retreat was the highlight of my holidays and I would highly recommend it for anyone who is even slightly interested in going next year! I have left with newfound friendships and a much stronger faith and words cannot explain the joy and acceptance you will feel while at purpose camp, so why not experience it yourself?<\/span><\/p>\nAalia Elachi <\/b>
\n<\/b>Year 11<\/b><\/em><\/h5>\n
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