Easter Camp & Hot Rod Show | Elmore VIC
Thursday: 17 April
Easter Camp Event – Elmore VIC
On Thursday morning, we carefully removed the vehicle from the trailer and positioned it onto the elevated platform in the Encounter pavilion. We utilised the trailer ramps to drive the vehicle onto the platform and then maneuvered it into the central display location. Several pavilion staff members assisted us in this process.
Later, we set up the display stand in the Village Square Café. Throughout the afternoon, team members took turns staffing the display or working on tasks in the caravan. For the evening meal, I prepared a lasagna using the electric fry pan, which provided a hot meal for our family members who arrived after dark from Ballarat. This allowed them to settle without the added effort of preparing food upon arrival.
Friday: 18 April
Easter Camp Event – Elmore VIC
Saturday: 19 April
Easter Camp Event – Elmore VIC
We appreciated the group gatherings during the Sabbath morning program in the Encounter pavilion. Pr Gary Kent and his wife Robyn joined our family for lunch.
In the afternoon, the program in the Encounter pavilion included a mission-focused segment and performances by various children’s groups. Pr Gary then provided a presentation about the Bubsie trip and its mission-oriented objectives.
Kevin and I were responsible for staffing the display table throughout the afternoon and again following the evening program.
Sunday: 20 April
Easter Camp Event – Elmore VIC
On Sunday, we spent the majority of the day away from the campground, attending an event in Bendigo. We returned in the afternoon and unloaded the vehicle from the trailer, driving it around the campground before positioning it on display next to our exhibit table in the Village Square Café.
Kevin was responsible for staffing the display table in the evening, while I used the time to catch up on reports and upload photographs.
Sunday: 20 April 8pm – 3:30pm
Hot Rod Show – Bendigo VIC
On Sunday morning, we departed early with our daughter and son-in-law as part of the team to drive to the Bendigo Showgrounds. Our goal was to arrive in time to set up a display for the 9:00 am event opening.
Upon arrival, we contacted the designated organizer and were directed to a large roller door on the Trade Hall pavilion. We unloaded the vehicle from the trailer and waited for further instructions. As other vehicles began arriving and filling the main outdoor arena, the door eventually opened, and we were shown the area where we were to position our display. We quickly set up the gazebo and placed the vehicle and resource table.
While Kevin and I remained at the display, our daughter and son-in-law went to attend an event scheduled in the nearby chapel. They reported back that they had enjoyed the message presented by the association’s chaplain and were able to share some of the informational materials we had brought.
Throughout the day, we had numerous conversations with attendees and distributed approximately 200 informational books, as well as leaflets, cards, and additional resources. As a national event, we were able to connect with people from various locations, which will help inform our future planning.
The indoor location provided shelter from the intermittent rain showers and protected us from the sun and wind. As the number of visitors began to decline around 3:00 pm, we packed up the display, repositioned the trailer, and returned to the campground, where Pr Gary and Robyn Kent had overseen our responsibilities in our absence.
In the evening, Kevin manned the display while I focused on administrative tasks related to the day’s activities.
