Jumpstart is a program that offers five fun-filled days of intensive Bible teaching for homeschoolers. The program’s motto, “God’s Word + Mandatory Fun” perfectly captures the balance between learning and recreation that Dale has perfected.
It is impressive to see how willing and eager the kids are to listen to in-depth Bible teaching. They are not only engaging, but they also ask inquiring and insightful questions that are indicative of their hunger to learn the Word. This is a testament to the amazing job their parents are doing with their homeschooling.
As someone who was part of Jumpstart in November 2023, I can attest to the program’s effectiveness in developing an ever-increasing love for God’s Word in young people. The kids’ interaction with each other was a joy to observe. They have something in common that binds them together: not only are they all homeschooled, but they are also followers of Messiah Jesus. These commonalities must be nurtured and developed, and this is exactly what Jumpstart does.
The leadership team equally impressed me. Dale has put together a bunch of amazing young people who gave 100% all the time to make this experience the best.
Ariel Ministries New Zealand is all about disciple-making through intensive Bible teaching, and therefore we highly endorse Jumpstart.
Johan Jansen van Vuuren
Director, Ariel Ministries New Zealand
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R.A. (Australia)
My son travelled with other Christian friends from Hobart to NSW for the last Australian Jumpstart camp - he'd definitely be attending this one if it didn't clash with the start of his VET course next year.
He says it was streets ahead of any other camp he's attended, even though he was sick in bed for part of it! This is the type of camp where I trust the boundaries and teaching put in place will match or exceed my own.
Todd Roughton
It can be difficult for seriously-minded Christian home schooling students to find friends of their own age with whom they are able to easily relate, which often causes them to seek the more mature company of adults. However, the consistent feedback we have had from HSZN students attending Jumpstart camps is how much they have appreciated not just the first class worldview teaching, but also the opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with quality young people of their own age. This is a worthwhile programme which we highly recommend.
Todd Roughton,
Director of HSNZ
Misc
Dear Scott and Dale
I just wanted to say thank you and give you feedback on the recent camp. Our son attended the camp, and what a delight. He has attended other camps, and the spirit that he came back with was totally different this time. He came back as our boy, the son we love, and I tribute this directly to your values and the spirit that was there at the camp.
We as parents have learnt a lot from him in the few hours that he has been back and awake (it’s been a full-on camp by the sounds of it).
So thank you again, we as parents truly appreciate what you invest in our children. We are very keen for him to attend another camp in the future.
Is there a Jumpstart 2.0 for parents, or at least can we have a glimpse at the material that was presented?,… it sounds amazing.
Shalom and Shalom
Michael Thomas
After years of hearing about JumpStart through close associates, I finally had the opportunity of meeting Dale Epp and participating in JumpStart as a speaker. It was such an exceptional time of great fellowship and connecting with the heart of God PLUS "mandatory fun!". It was great to see kids excited about their relationship with God and taking a serious look at the scriptures. I also loved the natural tendency of all the leaders and campers to include everyone in! The content, context and community of the whole camp were excellent!
Sincerely, Michael Thomas
Celebrate Messiah New Zealand
P. S.
I’d like to thank you for all that you’ve done in running Jumpstart. God used the Jumpstarts that I went on to really change my life. Before then, I was at a point when I was beginning in some ways to backslide. Finally when I came to the end of myself I cried out to God to conform me to the image of Christ. Around a month later I went to Jumpstart. I was really challenged then to seriously study the Bible and I began a regular quiet time each day of studying the Bible that I haven’t abandoned since. The subsequent two Jumpstarts continued to help to build my faith. Now I’m studying at Bible College and loving it! I look back over the Jumpstarts that I went to and thank God for using them in my life to bring me closer to Him. All glory be to God!
L. P. (NZ)
This is an incredible camp. I recommend hugely. My daughter has been 2 times, and my son is going this year for his first time. It's quickly become one of our notnegotiable has to happen part of our school year.
R. D.
Thank you for jumpstart. It's a blessing to my family, and I pray it continues a long time into the future.
D. S.
My daughter had an absolutely fabulous time. She made some wonderful friends whom she hopes to keep in contact with. She really enjoyed the way in which the camp was run - it wasn’t too stressful like others she had been on, and she was really encouraged in her faith. She also says it was worth taking the week off school for, as she was reluctant to do so initially. It’s a shame you couldn’t run two a year or something similar.
S. H. (Australia)
Highly recommend this camp! Definitely worthwhile sending your kids to. It's a small intentional camp that helps the kids connect with their faith.
S.S
Hi Mr. Epp,
Thank you so much for running Jumpstart again this year. I had such a wonderful week. I really loved all the classes and found them fascinating. In your session ‘The Devotional Life’ I was really interested in the plan you had for reading your Bible every day as I had recently been losing my enjoyment of reading the Bible and so I tried your idea and I find it is really working for me. Thank you so much.
I don’t have any recommendations for you, as I loved every minute of it and I am looking forward to Jumpstart 2016!!!!
Thanks for a great week and may God bless you as you continue doing His work.
S.H.
Jumpstart has been the most impactful and most meaningful camp my 2 eldest sons have been to. While they have attended other Christian camps, both of my boys have said Jumpstart has hands down been the one camp that has both challenged and deepened their faith. Resulting in them walking stronger and differently with the Lord. The intentionality and care of the leaders, the small group discussions, and friendships they have fostered have been a blessing to my children. If you send your teen to any camp - make it Jumpstart.
D. B.
I found jumpstart to be very helpful in bringing the word of God alive. And the way Dale and Kris and Doug taught us also helped me understand what they were talking about. I realised that I did not read the word as often as I should to have a proper friendship with Christ. Jumpstart is awesome and I think it is worth the time.
M.P.
Jumpstart was an awesome way to study God's word with some very knowledgeable adults that shed a light on it that one's parents don't.
Peter Thomas
JumpStart gives an opportunity for young people to ground their faith in the Word of God and at the same time be taught how to live it out in a confused and sometimes hostile world. It focuses on the sufficiency of Christ for all that life will bring now as well as the wonderful assurance of life with God for eternity. I would highly recommend JumpStart to any young person who wants to take their faith seriously. The camp is well led, provides sound, faithful teaching in a fun environment.
Peter Thomas
Capernwray Australia
A. J.B. (Australia)
This camp is such a blessing for homeschoolers. If you want your teens to connect with other Christian teens, look no further. We will definitely be sending our kids again, maybe even to one in another state.
T.G
The Crossing is a great place to learn and have fun. The talent show and night games were very fun. I enjoyed the deep understanding of God that the teachers and small group leaders had which was ever present. I am definitely keen to go again.
N.T.
Thanks so much for what you guys do - it was honestly such a wonderful experience for Max and seeing him come back a different kid was great. What he showed me he learnt warmed my heart so much - tackling the big topics and sharing truth. It was such an absolute blessing.
So many friends asked if you ran a weekend one for school kids - desperate to see their children taught solid biblical concepts that aren’t watered down!!!
Will definitely be praying for you guys in all aspects but for widening the area of influence.
Thanks for all you and the team do - it’s appreciated more than you guys can realise.
L. B. (NZ)
Parents - this is such a great camp! My teens had a blast last year, developing a deeper hunger for God's word and making friendships for life.
Highly recommend going if you're able.
Thank you Dale and all the JumpStart team.
N. T. (Australia)
If you're on the edge thinking about this can HIGHLY recommend it.
My son went to the NSW one and it was truly a huge blessing - he came back a different kid. Made some wonderful friendships. But mostly his desire to learn and get closer to God was so great to watch.
So definitely work checking out and signing your kids up for. Awesome bunch of leaders.
S.K.
My son and I had a wonderful car ride home together this afternoon, where he told me all about the amazing Jumpstart camp! We are so thankful to God for your faithful service to Him in putting together this camp, and for the leaders who were such great models of young men and women who love Jesus. He said his highlights were the new friends he made, and the talks and discussion groups, which he said were really thought provoking.