God’s gifts at Camp Kedron
I am in awe of God’s gifts at Camp Kedron. It is such a beautiful place. I have had the privilege of being the caretaker since January 2024.
From my first day planting succulents in the concrete structures in front of the dorm rooms until now, I am reminded daily as I walk through this amazing camp how fortunate I am to work here. Also how fortunate I am to work with such a wonderful committee. They have worked well to enable several upgrades to occur since 2024.
Chris Jericho and his team did a wonderful job installing an automated lawn watering system. The lawn has grown beautifully since and there are no longer any sandy patches to be seen. The prickles have been eliminated however, the gazanias continue to be a work in progress.
Ben Schober and volunteers installed the bench seats that are on the lawn and provide an excellent view of the beautiful Lake Bonney, surrounding trees and the magnificent sunsets. The seats were built by the Barmera Men’s Shed.
Reverse cycle air conditioners were installed in all the dorm rooms, the hall and kitchen. This occurred in 2025 and was made possible by the generosity and donations made by many Camp Kedron extended family, friends and Riverland church groups. The incredible relief that came with the installation, translates into no more hot days or bitterly cold nights. The generosity has also recently included a refrigerator for the Caretaker’s Cottage and a chainsaw that has become a godsend regarding all the fallen tree branches of late. It is difficult to find the correct words to capture the enormity of my gratitude. Please know I thank God for you all, every day.
The wonderful teams at Taubman’s and Bunnings donated over $1,750 worth of concrete paint last year so that the dorm room floors could be painted. An enormous thank you to all who assisted. There were many volunteers, the bunks were not an easy feat to remove. Kevin Schmidt spent many hours grinding the floors and the outcome was definitely worth the effort. Alongside the new curtains and rugs, the rooms have a lovely feel to them.
The committee is still working hard to improve Camp Kedron. New bathrooms and toilets have been on the wish list for several years. It is with great hope and prayer that I wish the local council will approve the building plans. Ben Schober has worked tirelessly to make this happen. There are many campers currently enjoying Camp Kedron however, many comment how much more wonderful the experience would be with newer facilities.
Most recently, fencing and gates were installed as well as security cameras. I am incredibly grateful to the volunteers who made Camp Kedron a safer and more secure space for everyone to enjoy.
The Camp Kedron Management Committee would like to express our sincere gratitude to the SA-NT District Church Council for its recent grant of almost $10,000 towards security upgrades at Camp Kedron. This generous support has enabled the installation of new fencing, gates and security systems, significantly enhancing the safety and security of all who visit and stay at the camp.
This investment demonstrates the Church’s commitment to providing safe, welcoming and well-maintained ministry spaces for young people, families and church groups. It also reflects our shared desire to ensure Camp Kedron remains a place where young and vulnerable people can gather safely, build meaningful relationships, and grow in their faith and knowledge of God.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank our Caretaker, Patty Fournaros-Carney, whose tireless dedication, passion and care for Camp Kedron are evident in every corner of the property. Patty’s faithful service has been instrumental in the many improvements made over recent years and in creating an environment that is both welcoming and nurturing for campers.
Finally, we extend our appreciation to the members of the Camp Kedron Management Committee and the many volunteers who generously contribute countless hours behind the scenes. Their ongoing commitment, hard work and stewardship continue to ensure Camp Kedron remains a place where people can experience Christian community, God’s creation and opportunities to draw closer to him.
Camp Kedron Management Committee
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