JumpStart South Island 
November 22nd - 27th 2026

What is JumpStart?
Jumpstart-Web_LOGO

An Awesome 5 Day Teaching Camp

God’s Word + mandatory fun!

JUMPSTART is a 5 day dynamic and directional teaching camp aimed at Christian home-educated teens between 15-17 years.

This camp is uniquely designed to provide solid foundational Bible teaching, contemporary apologetics, and to address some key life issues that Christian youth may be facing today. Jumpstart also offers a variety of planned recreational activities, meaningful worship, and the opportunity to develop wholesome and lasting friendships with peers who love Jesus.

Spiritual foundations will be reinforced, friendships will be strengthened, and most importantly, one’s relationship with Jesus Christ ‘as our LIFE’ will be taught, nurtured and encouraged.

Jumpstart is not only about equipping the next generation in the Word and ways of God, but even more importantly to help them discover who Jesus Christ really is, and all He wants to be and do in their life!

“See to it that NO ONE takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to CHRIST” (Colossians 2:8)

Camp Theme 2026

THE PROGRESS OF REDEMPTION
From Genesis to Revelation

Jumpstart SI@4x

Have you ever read (or tried to read) the Bible and wondered if it makes any sense? Often, when we read about God’s plan for the world in the Bible, we are confused and uncertain about what He is actually doing. We read the books (or parts of them) that we find in the Bible, attempt to piece together the different names and events, and often do so without clarity of understanding, or any concept of the historical situation and/or Bible characters. We look at all the oblique parts of the Bible and cannot grasp the big picture or the grand storyline that is ultimately unfolding before our very eyes.

The Old Testament narrative of the Bible recounts the grand story of God calling a people to be His own. God chooses, saves, and spares that nation as He builds them into a channel of redemption in order to spread His glory over all the earth. Ultimately, through this nation God sends His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world. What appears to be a defeat in the death of God’s Son becomes a victory, as Christ accomplishes redemption and conquers death in His resurrection!

In the New Testament we come to understand that God is still surely at work in His world through His new channel – the Church. These ‘born again’ followers spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s work on the cross and His powerful resurrection, beginning from Jerusalem, to the surrounding areas, and ultimately to the “ends of the earth.”  They explain that Jesus died FOR YOU, so that He would live IN YOU, so that He could live THROUGH YOU as a member of the new channel to spread His glory over all the earth, and that it takes Jesus IN us to live the life that God requires OF us.  They also announce the imminent return of Jesus Christ to earth a second time, and who alone will judge the world and bring redemption to completion.

This year at Jumpstart we will go on a journey through the entire Bible and trace the unifying theme of redemption as it progresses from Genesis to Revelation. We will see how the grand story of God’s redemptive plan begins, unfolds, and finishes!  There is hope, and Jesus Christ is alive and involved in our world of need!

Speakers

DaleEpp Profile

Dale Epp

JumpStart Director

Originally from Canada where he worked in construction by day and played in a ‘heavy metal’ band by night, Dale has been with the Capernwray ministry (formally Torchbearers International) for nearly 30 years. He and his wife Patti first spent several years on staff at His Hill before moving to NZ in 2003 to pioneer and lead the Bible school there for 11 years.

Dale is a regular guest teacher at several of the Torchbearer Bible Schools, and is also a self-employed builder in NZ.  He is the Founder and Director for Jumpstart - a growing camp ministry in NZ (and soon to Australia!!) aimed at home-educated teens.  Dale and his wife have 2 adult children.

Dave Firth (2020)

Dave Firth

Lead Pastor of Kaipaki Bible Church

Originally from the UK, Dave is the Lead Pastor of Kaipaki Bible Church - a rural fellowship just outside Cambridge in the heart of Waikato.

Prior to pastoring, Dave was the CEO of Authentic Christian Trust and founder of Authentic Men’s Magazine. Previously he spent 11 years at Capernwray New Zealand where he held the position of Communications Manager and directed the 10 week BML (Business, Ministry, Leadership) course. Dave also worked with Torchbearers International as Communications & Development Manager for 8 years, as well as working with the international office to oversee all Torchbearers promotional activity. See Torchbearers.org

Dave has a deep conviction to teach Biblical truth in a bright and refreshing way. “The Bible is an incredible book, but more importantly, it’s all about Jesus, from Genesis to Revelation. What else can we do with our time that is as valuable as learning from Him and His word? Not much!”

"Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” - Colossians 1:28

Location & Times

Curious Cove,
Marlborough Sounds.

November 22nd - November 27th, 2026

 

FERRY INFORMATION
Boat Departs Picton at 3:30pm, Boat Returns to Picton at 1pm.

Pricing

The price represents incredible value for money and includes all accommodation, meals, teaching sessions and activities.

All prices are in NZD.

$460.00 / person (Includes $40 ferry fee)

$440.00 - For each additional member of the same family (if more
than 1 attending)

*Please note, the actual costs for these camps are nearly double the stated costs. These camps could not be possible without the generous donations of individuals, Christian businesses, and Churches. Not only this, but the youth leaders are also taking valuable time off school or work in order to volunteer for each week of camp - a real sacrifice on their part. THANK YOU for supporting this unique ministry and investing in the gospel to and for the next generation!

Testimonials

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  • Campers
  • Featured
  • Parents

M. P.

I got say that jumpstart was a fundamental part of my Christian walk as a teen and I'm so glad it's still being run.

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.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.

K.R.

My daughter has been gushing up with great reports of how camp & staff & campers were.  At Jumpstart her perspective about Bible Reading has changed from a duty to a desire.

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.

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.

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

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!

Contact

If you require any further information or have any questions or queries please call
Dale on 027 398 7099 or email register@jumpstart.nz

JumpStart South Island Registration

JumpStart 2026 - Register Now!

JumpStart South Island - Camp Registration Form