05 January - 10 January
Hope Unveiled
Immerse yourself in the promises, teaching and encouragement of God’s word.
You will hear captivating, real-life stories from our missionaries. You will learn from passionate Bible teachers. You will be challenged and inspired. You will join in one heart to see the gospel reach the world.
Find out more about the event:
Rest and Recreation
Children and Youth
Accommodation
FAQs
When
Friday January 5 – Wednesday January 10, 2024
Where
Mt Tamborine Convention Centre | 237 Beacon Rd, North Tamborine, Queensland
Program
Download our provisional program.
Our Program
We have an exciting program that will prepare you uniquely for mission, whether at home or in another culture altogether.
What does that look like? We’re glad you asked…
- Electives designed to help you grow in your understanding of global mission
- Bible teaching sharing God’s passion for his world
- A fun and interactive children & youth program (including a waterslide!)
- Time to connect with God and other like-minded Christians in the stunning hinterland surrounds
- Opportunities to worship God
- A waterslide for the kids and an Ultimate Tree Climb for the adrenaline seekers
Register
Register here for the children & youth program, on-site accommodation and meals ahead of Summer School. You can also register for the day ahead of time as well!
You will still be able to register via the website or in person for day pass to the main program during Summer School. Morning sessions start at 9 am and evening sessions at 7pm
Speakers
Andrew Shead
Bible Speaker
Andrew Shead is the Head of Old Testament and Hebrew at Moore Theological College in Sydney. He divides his time between teaching, preaching, and writing about the Old Testament. He sits on the NIV committee for Bible Translation and partners with theological educators across the world. Some of his research interests include the Book of Jeremiah, Psalms and Hebrew poetry.
James Wong
Bible Speaker
James Wong is the Anglican Archbishop and Primate of the Indian Ocean, and Bishop of Seychelles. He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1983, and afterwards held positions as Archdeacon of Mauritius and Rector of St Thomas’ Beau Bassin. He was elected the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of the Seychelles in 2009. In 2017 he was elected Archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean at the provincial synod held at St Andrews Church, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius. He lives in Victoria, Seychelles.
Missionaries
Gordon and Ruth Russell
Serving in Nepal
Gordon and Ruth are completing their final home assignment after serving for 11 years as CMS missionaries. Ruth led INF’s Palliative Care services and Gordon advised on various building projects. They were also both involved in the ministries of their local Nepali church. We are looking forward to hearing them share as they reflect on their service.
Keith and Marion Birchley
Serving in Papua New Guinea
Keith and Marion Birchley are involved in student ministry and leadership training at the university of PNG. They run and attend Bible studies where they connect with and help grow the student Christian network there. We are eager to hear from them about a new generation of leaders they have trained there.
Peter and Sarah Sholl
Peter and Sarah Sholl are former CMS missionaries who served in Mexico for 12 years, along with their three daughters. Peter oversaw the work of MOCLAM, a Bible course developed in Australia and translated for use in the Spanish-speaking world while Sarah encouraged and trained women as she read the Bible with them. Before becoming the International Director of CMS in 2023, Peter was a Regional Mission Director from 2021.
Ruth Sutcliffe
CMS short-term worker in Cambodia
Ruth Sutcliffe is a CMS short term worker who teaches at the Phnom Penh Bible School in Cambodia. She uses her theology training and tertiary theology experience to equip Christian leaders and ministry workers.
Daniel
Mentac Trainee
Daniel is currently participating in CMS’s Mentoring Across Cultures (Mentac) program. With one year left in his training, we are looking forward to hearing Daniel’s experience in working across cultures in Sydney. Find out more about Mentac here.
Rest and Recreation
Summer School has activities for everyone!
Waterslide
What do you get when you combine a hill, plastic sheets, detergent shampoo, and water? An epic waterslide! Bring your swimmers, sunscreen and towel and join the young and young-at-heart on Saturday afternoon.
Ultimate tree climb
Children aged 9+ can take the challenge of the Vertec Adventure Ultimate Tree Climb on Monday afternoon. If racing against a friend up a 28-metre tree using a knotted rope sounds like fun, then register your interest when you book.
Afternoon exploration and electives
You will have the opportunity to explore the local sights with friends and family, or sit in on an elective.
Annual Summer School Volleyball Championship
It’s on again! Start your training and pull a team together for this fun event for the whole family on Monday afternoon.
Bookshop
Books and resources about mission, Christian living, ministry and more. Purchase something to read in the sunshine in your free time.
Children & Youth
Children aged from Creche to Grade 12 should come to Summer School!
WHY?
Age-specific programs are designed to ignite interest in mission and encourage interaction with the Bible, all while having fun with new and old friends. Young people will enjoy food, games, friends, learning, chill time, staying up late (sorry parents!) a giant plastic-sheet waterslide, and an option to take on a ‘thrill’ challenge (for higher grades). Add to this a focus on following Jesus and understanding world mission, and you will find the program builds beautifully on the Biblical teaching you are doing at home.
All children aged 3+ will meet missionaries, hear about their unique lives and have the opportunity to interact with them and understand how all Christians can be active in world mission.
Mornings
Age-appropriate Bible teaching, small group discussions and games.
Afternoons
Free time to spend with family, exploring local attractions, playing with new friends or attending electives with parents.
Evenings
Indoor and outdoor activities aimed for maximum fun and friendship.
Many leaders have grown up attending Summer School and can’t wait to share their passion for Jesus and missions. All leaders have Working with Children checks and have completed safe ministry training.
Age/Grade groups, based on their 2024 school year:
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- 0-2 year-olds creche (no night program)
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- 3-4 year-olds (no night program)
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- Prep (kindergarten in NSW) – Grade 1 (no night program)
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- Grades 2-3 (night program available only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights)
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- Grades 4-6
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- Grades 7-9
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- Grades 10-12
Registrations for our Children & Youth program are now closed.
Accommodation, Food & Costs
Registrations for meals and accomodations are now closed. We’d love you to come along as a day visitor. Visit our registration page for more information.
FAQs
Can I register for CMS Summer School the day the conference starts?
Registration will remain open up to and during the conference, January 5-10, 2024. However, registration for accommodation, meals and the children & youth program will close after December 4, 2023. The children & youth program may close earlier, if maximum numbers are reached.
When does check-in open?
Check-in for day visitors is from 8:30am daily. If you have booked accommodation or camping, the check in and check out times are on the Information Sheet.
How do I get to Summer School?
Most people drive to the venue, as there is no public transport. The nearest train stations are either Beenleigh (followed by a 40-minute taxi/Uber) or Helensvale (followed by a 30-minute taxi/Uber). People who do not drive should arrange their own transport with friends, family, or other attendees.
What does a typical day at Summer School look like?
We will aim to get the finalised program out as early as we can, however this is a typical day:
8:30am – Day visitors need to register and check-in
9:00am – Bible talk (children & youth program)
10:30am – Morning Session starts (children & youth program)
11:00am – International speaker or mission session (children & youth program)
12:30pm – Lunch
2:30pm – Electives, activities and free time. Explore the beautiful surrounds, catch up with friends or just have a rest.
5:30pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Evening program (children & youth program)
8:30pm – Fellowship and book look.
What should I bring?
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- Pillow and pillow case, sheets and blankets/sleeping bags (bottom sheet still required) — linen can be hired through the booking system.
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- Mattress topper (single bed) if you like the added comfort!
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- Bible, notebook, pen/pencils and your CMS Prayer Diary
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- Hand sanitiser and face masks (just in case!)
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- Casual clothes and wet weather gear (weather on the mountain is changeable and the red, volcanic soil has a special attraction to children’s clothing!)
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- Hat, closed-toe shoes and water bottle for the children’s program (named)
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- Sunscreen (parents please apply to children before sign-in each session)
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- Insect repellent
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- Towel and toiletries
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- Swimmers for the waterslide or local public pool
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- Keep cup/reusable mug and water bottle
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- Torch
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- Cooking equipment for campers as there is none on site
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- Please note: no alcohol, smoking or candles permitted.
Has the cost of coming to Summer School increased?
The increase in cost was a difficult but necessary decision for CMS to make due to the increase in costs from suppliers across the board. CMS has tried its best to minimise the on charge of price increase to our supporters.
If you want to come to Summer School and are experiencing financial difficulties, please indicate that on the registration (we have a section about Receiving help) or please reach out to CMS by phone on 07 3171 3020 or email qnnsw@cms.org.au. We would love to see how we can help.
Is there mobile reception?
Mobile reception is patchy. Any urgent emails for guests may be sent to qnnsw@cms.org.au
This will be checked intermittently during the day. However, we cannot guarantee we are able to pass on any messages.
Can I bring a pet?
Pets are not allowed. Only assistance dogs are allowed. Please indicate you are bringing an assistance dog to Summer School on the registration. We require a copy of the current handler identification card showing the details of the handler and the dog.
I have food allergies, how will they be catered for?
As part of the booking process, you will be asked about the allergies you have. There is a range of different diet options. If your allergy requires that you carry an Epi-pen, you will be asked to email CMS QNNSW a copy of your ASCIA plan. For people staying at WEC and CMS there is a ‘No nuts’ policy.
What happens if I am unwell at Summer School? Covid symptoms in the lead-up to Summer School?
If you become unwell at Summer School and could be contagious, please consider not attending the main Summer School program and wear a mask.
For More Information
Share
We invite you to help us tell the rest of the community about Summer School so that no one misses out!
Download resources to share at your church, youth group, study group, school or across social media:
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05 January - 10 January
06:00 pm - 12:00 am
QNNSW