NNSW Big Camp pioneers tent for neurodivergent children
Stuarts Point, New South Wales, Australia
Neurodivergent children had a special place to go to at this year’s North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Big Camp. For the first time in an Australian Big Camp, the NNSW Children’s Ministry introduced a dedicated program tent for children with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions.
The Hyperactive Faith tent was designed to teach children aged 6–16 about Jesus while meeting their needs. It provided a calming corner with a sensory swing; various breathing strategies; and calming instrumental music to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve focus and engagement in activities.
With the main theme based on Creation, the tent featured several sensory activities with rice, play dough, puzzles, Legos, drawing and coloring, fidget toys, and more.
NNSW family and children’s ministries director Colleen Savage explained the importance of initiatives catering to this group. “Parents tell me the children, the families, are lonely. They don’t feel they can go to a Sabbath School or Pathfinders or Adventurers or church camps because they feel judged because of the children’s behavior.”
The tent was run by Pastor Peau Fua and his wife, Julianne, with the help of trained volunteers. The couple, who have a son on the autism spectrum, wanted to do something for parents and children facing similar challenges.
Running activities for most days throughout camp, the tent reached its capacity of 15 registered children.
According to Savage, the initiative made a difference. “I had one parent come to me in tears saying that this is the first time her child’s been able to make friends at Big Camp because he found someone that’s similar to him.” [Juliana Muniz, Adventist Record].
Montemorelos University Enactus team wins first place
Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Members of the Enactus team from Montemorelos University screamed and jumped for joy when they heard their project had won first place during this year’s Enactus national competition held in Mexico City, Mexico. This is the first time that the Montemorelos Enactus team has grabbed the top spot in the Next-Gen Leaders category, which rewards community improvement projects and initiatives that have less than a year of development. The team’s project, they called NAMOCA, focused on improving oral health and helped women learn to make organic, sustainable products and reduce plastic pollution from dental hygiene products.
“This triumph stands out not only for the talent and dedication of the students but also for the profound social and environmental impact of their innovative project,” said Isaac Flores, academic adviser for the Montemorelos team.
Enactus is a global nonprofit organization that spans six continents and promotes the development of sustainable business models that address the world’s economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Dariana Treviño, captain of Montemorelos University’s Enactus Team and international business major, said the team wanted to respond to the pressing oral health problem in the country by establishing educational sessions and creating sustainable products that not only improve oral health but also combat plastic pollution.
NAMOCA’s success is due to its scalability and its ability to generate a significant impact, Flores explained. “Using organic ingredients, NAMOCA products, such as waterless oral hygiene tablets, offer an innovative and sustainable solution to critical health and environmental problems,” he said. Additionally, the project encourages the integration of women in the production chain, empowering them and generating economic opportunities.
“Their dedication and creativity have been key to the development and success of NAMOCA, demonstrating that young entrepreneurs can transform their communities in a significant and scalable way,” Flores said. [Laura Marrero, Brenda Cerón, and Inter-American Division News]
Creation Illustrated Ministries brings hope to prisoners
Columbia, Maryland, United States
Creation Illustrated Ministries produced, printed, and distributed over 10,000 copies of Creation Illustrated magazine to prisoners, with the potential to touch more than 50,000 lives, including those of inmates’ families, through the help of Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) funding.
The initiative has seen a warm reception from the prison community. “Creation Illustrated contains colorful nature photos and powerful character-building lessons found in nature, which was Christ’s method of reaching the masses with eternal truths. This publication is cherished, passed around to other inmates, and even given to family members!” Tom Ish, publisher of Creation Illustrated, explained.
One inmate shared, “Your magazine has given me hope and inspiration in the darkest of times.”
Creation Illustrated Ministries underscores the importance of nature in healing the mind, body, and soul, especially for those confined by cement and steel.
“We count it a privilege to work with ASI and its generous supporters to be able to supply this unique material that inspires prisoners to embrace the first angel’s message to worship the Creator of heaven and earth in these last days!” Ish said.
Creation Illustrated Ministries invites everyone to subscribe to Creation Illustrated magazine and share subscriptions with friends and family. By doing so, you help spread the inspiring and healing messages found in nature, touching countless lives in a positive way. [ASI]
