By Manuele Teofilo If you’re looking for an informative and insightful book on neurodiversity, then A Place Where I Belong by Staci McLean is for you. She is an author, a speaker and the mother of a neurodivergent child. McLean is also the founder and director of The Neurocollective NZ, creating places where we ALL […]
A Note From The Director: a reflection on National Camp & looking towards the future
November 28, 2023
Recently, I have been thinking about the significance of this season we are in as an organisation. We have an amazing opportunity to honour the rich history of Elevate and prepare for the next forty plus years. Celebrating forty years of Elevate National Camp at Totara Springs Christian Centre highlighted this again to me. Our […]
Elevate Literally Saved Me
November 28, 2023
I attended the 40th Elevate Christian Disability Trust National Camp. Since 40 years is such a significant milestone, I thought now would be a great time to share with everyone the impact this organisation has had on my life. I was first introduced to Christianity at 7 years old. My neighbours at the time took me […]
From A Mountain Climbing Accident to The Power of Vulnerability
November 28, 2023
I was born into the tribal culture of the indigenous Native American people. My parents taught me the indigenous plants, how to catch a wild horse, and the value of Creation Care. My grandparents immigrated 100 years ago from the Netherlands to the Navajo Reservation. They were beloved cross-cultural bridges to the Navajo and Zuni […]
Four Decades of National Camps!
July 25, 2023
There have been so many incredible stories and highlights from National Camps over the years. We only could fit a very few highlights and wonderful stories in this timeline. 1980’s Baptism is always a highlight of National Camp One reflected on the first camp at Matamata “I have many moving memories, but the one which […]
Auckland CFFD Camp – Building Friendships and Community
July 25, 2023
It’s been three years since the last National Camp was in Matamata and last year, we had to cancel Auckland CFFD Camp. So, with much anticipation as the committee began planning for the 2023 camp at Carey Park, there was also much prayer for it to go ahead. With all the work involved in preparing […]
CBM Kids Connect Camp
July 25, 2023
Being an Archaeologist for a Day Kids Connect camp looked a little different this year with a change of location and a change of format. After 13 years of using the local scout camp for a weekend, we found ourselves in the position of having to choose between no camp at all or a day […]
Elevate Family Camps
July 18, 2023
Elevate Family Camps are a Christ-centred weekend of family, fun and fellowship for families affected by disabilities. This year’s theme for both camps in Nelson and Auckland was “Running on Empty”. With the past few years that we’ve had, we could probably all relate to this year’s theme. But for families affected by disabilities, things can […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Kayla
July 18, 2023
My name is Kayla. I go to Connect Baptist in Auckland. I attend the youth group there and I am learning Te Reo with some other people from my church. I first heard about Elevate camps from my friend Julia, who asked me if I wanted to come to the first Elevate Family Camp. I’ve […]
My First Encounter with Jesus
July 26, 2022
I was about 10 years old when I went to National Camp. My reading teacher, Cherry at my school in Auckland offered to take students to camp. I leapt at the opportunity to go on a weekend trip. My best friend in primary school, Hudson, was one of the other students who went. That made […]