The Pebblebrook experience

Press, 19 November 1982, Page 29

The Pebblebrook experience

The flag of the Republic of Pebblebrook will be raised again next week-end, from December 3 to 5.

Hundreds of people, mainly teen-agers, will descend on the chosen spot in Christchurch, pitch tents and set up their villages. It is all part of Pebblebrook 3, a camping week-end in which sharing and learning are the main aims. Developed from two previous camps in the North Island, Pebblebrook 3 is sponsored by the CanterburyWestland Baptist Youth Ministries.

About three years ago, a group of people from the Auckland Baptist churches were asked to run an Easter camp for teen-agers. With access to several hectares of church land near Auckland, the Rev. Mark Pierson expanded on the camping idea to create an independent community. The idea was that youth

Cfrom various church inations would set up their own village within the Republic of Pebblebrook. Each village was responsible for cooking breakfast and tea over an open fire and during the long week-end there were lots of activities in which to take part. The first camp was an outstanding success, attracting more than 600 people and it encouraged Mark Pierson to organise a second camp at Tauranga. This camp generated so much interest that instead of the 500 people expected to attend, 1200 arrived. With this record of achievement, and the fact that Mark has moved to Christchurch, a third gathering is planned. The basic concept has been retained and youth groups will set up their own villages complete with banners. The group is responsible for the supervision and discipline of its own members. On arrival, visitors receive a “passport” at the Immigration 'Department and then enter the Republic, where radios, televisions . and cassette players are banned. To complete the transistion there is even a time shift. Brookers is the only currency acceptable (a brooker is worth about nine cents).

Another great aid to help meet other campers is the Pebblebrook postal system. The postmaster clears the mail every hour and delivers letters throughout the camp.

After lunch, there will be no structured programme, but the bazaar will be open and Radio Sunshine will play music and provide information.

On a wider scale, the entire Republic meets twice a day in the marquee for singing, worship and to listen to the resident communicator (speaker) the Rev. Dave Kendall.

Dave Kendall is a youth

worker and minister from Sydney and he will be speaking on the theme — “Cold feet in a lukewarm world."

The theme has been chosen to show young people how the teachings of the Gospel fit into their lifestyle.