This year marked the eighth annual Holiday Club in Citrusdal — and it was unlike any before. Not only did we experience unforgettable moments of fun, worship, and Genetik Sessions, but we also witnessed something beautiful: former young people returning as leaders.
We sat down with four of them — Jorusha, Aiden, Roslyn, and Gretchen — to hear their reflections on growing up Youth Week Holiday Clubs and now giving back.
Meet Jorusha
How long have you been coming to holiday club?
“I’ve been coming to holiday club for the past 6 years now.”
What’s your favourite thing about holiday club?
“Definitely meeting new leaders and the Genetik sessions. But this year, it was being able to serve instead of being served.”
What have you learned through the holiday clubs?
“I’ve learned how to express myself fully, and most importantly, I’ve found my purpose here.”
What do you love about serving now?
“I know I’m not doing it for myself — I’m doing it for the kids. I want them to know that if God could do it for me, He can do it for them too. I love seeing their smiles and watching them learn about God in different ways.”
Highlight of the youth week 2025?
“Serving alongside people I’ve been idealising for half of my teenage years, and getting to see the Holiday Club from a whole new point of view. Oh, and definitely sports day!”
Meet Aiden
How long have you been coming to holiday club?
“I’ve been coming for 7 years.”
Favourite thing about holiday club?
“Definitely the Genetik Sessions and our iconic ‘No One’ dance!”
What do you love about serving?
“I love watching the kids learn about God.”
Highlight of youth week 2025?
“Wowww! The ‘No One’ dance, crafts, GS sessions, and the memory verse. Oh, and being part of the team was amazing. Also, sports day — especially when Tannie Lolo and I cheated (just a little!)”
Meet Roslyn
How long have you been coming to holiday club?
“Since 2016!”
Favourite thing about holiday club?
“Seeing the kids learning about God in such a fun and loving environment.”
What have you learned?
“I discovered I have gifts and talents I can use to serve God. I also learned how to work together as a team during crafts, games, and activities.”
What do you love about serving?
“I love seeing the joy and laughter from the games to the ‘Yahweh’ dance — it’s just such a positive and uplifting space. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Highlight of youth week 2025?
“Seeing my own growth in confidence and leadership. The energy during games and worship was amazing. But my biggest highlight? Something my aunt said Friday night: ‘It’s so inspiring to see how everyone came together as a community, to serve and share the word and work of God.’ That really stayed with me.”
Meet a Day-One Camper Turned Leader, Gretchen
How long have you been coming to holiday club?
“I’ve been coming to the Holiday Club since it started.”
What do you love about serving now?
“I loved that every kid had a different meaning to them — if that makes sense. And I also loved getting more insight on how everything worked behind the scenes.”
Highlight of youth week 2025?
“Definitely doing our ‘No One’ dance! It was so much fun seeing all the kids looking at us and copying our moves. It just proved that we are leaders to them — they look up to us.”
What began eight years ago as a holiday club for young people in Citrusdal is now bearing fruit — young leaders stepping into purpose, choosing service over comfort, and becoming the inspiration they once looked up to.
We can’t wait to see what God does in the next generation… and we’re so thankful to be a part of it.
