S. P.

All the parents I know who sent their children previously have been so impressed with the venue, teaching, atmosphere and value for money and have booked them in for next year. They seem to have the right balance of clean loopy fun and deep thought-provoking, faith-stretching teaching and discussion. I am hoping that all my children will be able to go at least twice to deepen their faith, make great friends, both with other homeschoolers and also the wonderful students and teachers at The Crossing, and to experience the fun and great teaching that is Jumpstart. My 2 older children are both keen to go again and again.

My daughter attended this camp earlier this year. It has given her a great boost to her own personal walk with Jesus and has also allowed her to connect with other teens, who are now supporting each other daily and building friendships.

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.

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.

Jumpstart is fantastic because it is so God focused. In every aspect of the week you have at Jumpstart, God is evident

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.

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

If you are the Christian parent of young adults in their teens, you are well aware of the superficiality of many youth ministries and programs in recent years.  It is increasingly difficult to find events that will challenge our children spiritually while providing fun and meaningful fellowship.

As a dad who has home educated seven children over a period of 30 years, and as a pastor/missionary of 33 years, I've been privileged to participate in scores of youth events and camps.   In recent years I have also served at several Jumpstart camps and I am delighted to tell you that I've never experienced a youth ministry that comes closer to a perfect bullseye every time!

You may have noticed that youth camps tend to excel at either recreation or education, but Dale and his team have somehow managed to master both. Jumpstart is a remarkable blend of fun, wholesome activities with meaningful, bibliocentric training.  The leadership team works tirelessly to make every minute count, whether on the field in a sport activity or in the classroom learning life lessons from God's Word.

Best of all (speaking as a homeschool dad), Jumpstart provides a rare opportunity for our students to be affirmed and encouraged as members of the homeschool community.  Sadly, our kids often feel that they are the oddballs in groups of peers who attend public schools.  But there is none of that at Jumpstart.  Everybody "gets it" so there is no need to hide or build walls, which only adds to the "free to be me" spirit that pervades the camp.

May I encourage you to do more than just send your child to Jumpstart for a week of fun, fellowship and foundation-building?  Please consider investing financially above and beyond the low cost of registration.  By giving generously you will provide scholarships for families who cannot afford to send their children to a life-changing event.  And your donations will help ensure the continuance of a ministry that is truly strengthening families in New Zealand.

Scott Brown
Director, Celebrate Messiah NZ

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.

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.

Thank you so much for organising this camp! My sister and I had an amazing time! There was a perfect balance of fellowship and learning. The only thing that could be improved about it would be if it was longer!

Thank you Dale you have put into making the Jumpstart weeks so successful. It’s a fantastic opportunity for HS teens to have an intensive week of bible study, discussion, reflection as well as just good fun being teenagers together. It must be a huge feat to organise all the aspects of it and a big commitment for you outside of your regular work and family. The Paterson family have certainly benefited greatly from these weeks, over the years, and with 4 teens now having all been,  and I am very appreciative.

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.

Highly recommend this camp! Definitely worthwhile sending your kids to. It's a small intentional camp that helps the kids connect with their faith.

I attended Jumpstart at the beginning of this year (2021). It was such an inspiring camp! Because of the teaching and encouragement, I have started reading the Bible pretty much every day, which I have been struggling with as long as I can remember. Because of you and Mr Brown my understanding of many spiritual concepts has grown a lot.

I just thought I should send a big belated THANKS for providing teaching that is really applicable and has actually made a difference in my walk with God through his help. 

Thanks! 

My daughter attended Jumpstart 2011 alongside other homeschooled teenagers and I cannot express how wonderful it was for her. She had the best and most valued time she has ever experienced away from home. Take all these testimonials above, multiply it and believe it. Their feedback has had to be edited for the sheer size of their positive testimonies to the value and impact of Jumpstart and its teachers. I highly recommend you give your Christian teenagers the gift of attending jumpstart. Jessica is definitely going again in 2012!

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.

Next week my son Jake will attend his third Jumpstart in Hamilton.  He loves these camps because they don’t simply have activities and a speaker, but they get you involved in Bible study too.  It’s Fun, inspiring, and challenging!!!

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.

I can't really write in words how Jumpstart impacted me. It was really a combination of everything. The amazing teachings, the people there, The Crossing itself and the absolute fun with games and activities we had. It made me see that there ARE other people out there who have a desire to learn more about our Creator but also to have a lot fun doing it! Everyone was kind, enthusiastic, funny and open. It was wonderful to see that all had a real desire to learn. The games were a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves and had an absolute blast. The Staff gave their absolute all! The only thing I didn't like about it was that it was only 5 days!