On Boxing Day 2024, attendees rolled in from all around Australia, others hailing from far-away Europe, all excitedly joining in for the Made Whole 360° Conference.
The program was kick-started with an artisan sourdough workshop for those eager to learn this age-old skill. Outdoors, a wood-fired pizza oven project beckoned those who preferred to get their hands dirty in other ways. Before anyone could get bored, another workshop in the greenhouse invited those wishing to learn secrets of working with the soil. Dinner followed and the dining hall was full for the very first meal of the event.
Opening worship featured a moving testimony from Brother Szabi, who shared his personal story of growth into the health message. He strongly recommended that everyone read The China Study, by Dr T. Colin Campbell—a book that he has read through eight times. Following the conclusion of worship, everyone was encouraged to complete a health survey identifying various health habits and what they hoped to gain from the event. The young people then gathered for a session of trivia in the hall, featuring questions on geography, Bible, hymns and more.
Friday morning saw attendees meeting together in the dining hall for a hearty breakfast of polenta and various tasty toppings. Each morning there were also servings of zesty green smoothies for all those who wanted them, made by the amazing smoothie bar team. An inspiring worship followed with George Gurduiala sharing about the brain’s connection to our health.
After a brief interlude, the workshops of the day began with more options than any one person could attend. A short promo was given and attendees had to make a choice of which to attend: Healthy Iron Levels, Atomic Habits, Regaining Your Energy Levels—Gut Health, and Healthy Desserts. These were followed by three different fitness classes, one for the men, another for the ladies and then for those who wanted to do exercises but couldn’t get out of their chairs. The fitness sessions were thoroughly enjoyed and inspired those who attended.
A delicious lunch of quinoa kale salad, baked sweet potatoes with creamy peas satisfied everyone’s hunger after the activities of the morning. Teams of young people helped to keep the kitchen and surrounds a place of lively activity and in order. The lunchtime bustle was followed by a workshop on overcoming anxiety, a session each for the teenage boys and girls and a Men’s Connection session.
Once the sessions were over activity resumed all over camp as everyone got ready for the Sabbath. The kitchen was a constant hive of activity as the expert cooks, sisters Cati and Martha, worked tirelessly to prepare each lunch and dinner with their many helpers, while others shared their talents in preparing breakfasts.
Sabbath was ushered in with a worship with Bro Jared Chapman on the importance of true Sabbath rest. The powerful worship was followed by a candlelit praise meeting. The musicians led out as many special songs were sung. It was a beautiful time of fellowship and joy.
Sabbath morning dawned bright and happy. Everyone was encouraged to study the special health lesson of the day in their rooms as family units. A scrumptious breakfast was served followed by a song service, which lead into the Sabbath school time. Small classes, for every age and experience level, dotted the camp ground. The tent was full and overflowing for the divine service which brought out the gift of being made whole.
A lovely, nutritious lunch was served and before everyone knew, it was time for the afternoon praise and fellowship meeting, filled with many beautiful items.
Once the afternoon meeting was over there were some special Bible nature scavenger hunts for different age groups, thanks to Chantelle, Jared and Irina. These activities were thoroughly enjoyed.
A yummy dinner was shared, then followed by a worship by Sister Catherine Robles on the subject of Fear.
The evening was filled with fun, laughter and some casualties as the young people enjoyed a lively game of glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag.
Sunday morning saw people joining in line up the breakfast hall for another hearty breakfast, the highlight being the delectable green smoothies of course! Worship was held by Bro Harold Kraus on the spiritual aspect of conflict management. This was shortly followed by another stretching and exercise session.
During the Sunday morning sessions, everyone was overjoyed to have a visiting guest doctor lead out. The topics covered were how to prevent burn out and kidney health. This was followed by the conflict resolution workshop in the hay bale and bean bag tents. During these sessions attendees were served freshly made juices. These sessions were enjoyed so much it was hard to be done in time for lunch, which was yet another mouth-watering healthy meal.
The afternoon was filled with a cook off complete with the Brazilian judges and lots of young contestants. This was hardly finished before it was time to start the exciting pizza making, where all, young and old alike, got to make a pizza and try the new pizza oven.
Everyone was having fun making their pizzas when the sauna on a trailer turned up. The fire was soon going and the sauna was in use. The ice maker had been an amazing hit during the camp, helping keep people cool on the hot days, and providing a key ingredient for the slushies that were enjoyed. Then Sunday evening the ice made its way into the cold plunge pools.
The conference was closed with worship Sunday evening. Sister Danica spoke about how doing hard things helps grow our brains. The challenge was given that each person should take the next hard step in their health journey.
The evening brought lots of fun with the sauna and cold plunges and quickly turned into morning with more of the same.
A hearty meal of lentils on toast was enjoyed followed by a personal health experience shared by Sam Batger for worship.
The camp wrapped up with a unique Health Expo, featuring an alternative café, a lymphatic drainage class, relaxing massage sessions, and a natural skincare station with face masks and holistic self-care tips.
During the expo, people could enjoy a walnut cappuccino and other delicious iced teas, which were refreshing on the hot day. The bean bag tent was the special mask and facials center. Attendees relaxed on the bean bags as they tried out the different blends and enjoyed a little chat with Daniela, the beauty expert.
Much too soon the whole event was over and everyone went on their way, inspired for a year of better health ahead.
The Made Whole 360° Conference was an immersive and enriching experience, thoughtfully designed by the Health Department team to promote holistic well-being. They worked hard over many months to put together a varied and interesting program, with something for everyone.
It was widely remarked that this was a camp with a difference. Made Whole 360° was more than just a camp—it was an opportunity to embrace whole-person health, balance, and a closer walk with Jesus.
