29/10/2025
UCSA Jeffreys Bay hosts “Anchored in Jesus” holiday camp full of faith, adventure, and inspiration
UCSA Jeffreys Bay recently hosted an unforgettable holiday camp for high school learners. It was a faith journey with the theme “Anchored in Jesus,” based on Hebrews 6:19: “Jesus is the anchor of my soul.” Excited learners from as far as Ugie, Graaff-Reinet, Aliwal North, Queenstown, Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth, Kareedouw, and Humansdorp boarded the “holiday ship” UCSA Anchored Cruises. The campsite was creatively transformed into a passenger ship – a unique experience symbolizing the journey with Jesus.
Faith-filled activities with purpose
Each day was packed with meaningful activities focused on the theme of faith and identity in Christ. Topics such as “Know who you are” and “What does God say about you?” encouraged every young person to discover their identity in Christ.
One of the highlights was the “Wavewalker” activity, inspired by the Bible story of Peter walking on water. Learners, blindfolded and linked arm in arm like an anchor chain, had to follow their leader. This was a powerful image of faith, trust, and unity in the body of Christ.
Fun, teamwork, and depth
The popular potjiekos (stew) competition brought not only delicious aromas but also teamwork and creativity. Groups had to earn their ingredients by completing tasks in the “kitchen” and on the “deck,” or by entertaining others.
During faith sessions, learners were reminded that the storms of life are inevitable, but preparation through prayer, Bible reading, worship, and living according to Romans 12 will carry them through. They were encouraged to lay down their “heavy baggage” — pain, worries, guilt, and sin at the feet of Jesus.
Life-changing moments
For many, this was a camp of healing, new insight, and spiritual growth. A hunger for more of Jesus visibly grew among the group. Learners were also treated to breakfast at a local seaside restaurant, followed by a “Local Challenge” in Jeffreys Bay. In groups, they had to complete tasks such as:
Buy a cup of coffee and encourage someone with a Bible verse.
Visit a skateboard venue, learn a new skill, and pray for someone there.
Meet the owner of Be Original Clothing, hear his testimony, and design a TikTok ad for his shop.
Sing and dance in public to raise money to buy a treat for local lifeguards and municipal workers.
Write meaningful Bible verses on the UCSA wall with chalk to bless the public with God’s Word.
Work shifts at a local restaurant while receiving a message based on Isaiah 60:22.
Solve a riddle and earn lunch at a local pizza place.
Guests who inspired us
One of the most moving moments of the camp came when Oluthando Nkosinkulu (Olu), a Grade R learner from Hankey, was invited as a guest speaker to share his story. Olu first caught attention at a sports day where he played in a full rugby team with only one leg and even scored a few tries! Videos of his determination quickly went viral on social media, making him a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Doreen Pieters, a well-known motivational speaker, shared how her path crossed with this courageous young boy. She is the driving force behind the “Back a Buddy” project, which raises funds for Olu’s prosthetic leg as he grows. Doreen’s own story is equally inspiring. A former foster child who overcame great challenges, she now uses her voice to uplift and support foster children and families in the Kouga region. With the help of the community, she works alongside social workers and local businesses to provide care, guidance, and hope which is a living testimony that your past does not have to define your future.
Another highlight was when Riaan Miles, Managing Director and Strategic Consultant at IT Design, shared his personal testimony. Riaan lost his leg at a young age during a rugby match, yet through the storms of pain and loss, he remained anchored in Jesus. Today he is not only a successful entrepreneur and life coach, but also a national para table tennis champion, having won gold in the TT8 division at the 2023 championships.
Riaan’s story deeply touched little Olu. In true camp spirit, the young boy immediately showed his courage. He took off his prosthetic leg and demonstrated how he could play rugby and soccer without it. His actions reminded every learner and adult present that where there’s a will, there’s a way and, above all, that we should be grateful if we still have two legs to walk on.
A camp with eternal impact
The “passengers” (learners) received an invitation to a special dinner with the Captain (Jesus), where they had the privilege of sharing in Holy Communion and learning its importance in their lives. The evening ended with worship, where learners experienced deep encounters with Jesus. They began to pray for one another and speak life into each other’s situations.
There was also a special moment where hands were anointed and feet washed that symbolizing their readiness to return to school to serve others and share the message and experiences of Jesus, giving Him all the glory!
This camp not only forged new friendships but also changed lives. Young people went home with hearts full of faith, firmly anchored in Jesus, the one true anchor of the soul.
