Our journey since 1963
Serving New Zealand’s young people and groups for over 60 years
The beginning: a vision to reach young people
The story of CYC Waihola began with a vision to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children and young people through Christian camping.
In 1959, Don Agnew encountered the Christian camping ministry at Ngaruawahia and was inspired by the way camps provided opportunities for children to hear the Gospel and see Christian faith lived out. Alongside fellow Christians Brian Botting and Tim Ruthven, he began exploring the possibility of establishing a similar ministry in Otago and Southland.
Their vision became a reality in 1962, when the first camp was held at Pounawea. As more boys and girls attended, the ministry grew rapidly. Camps later moved to Camp Columba at Pukerau, but demand continued to increase, creating a need for a permanent home.
Finding a home in Waihola
In 1966, Brian Botting and Graham Lyman began looking for suitable land. They discovered an abandoned former Presbyterian manse at Waihola, surrounded by neglected land covered in gorse, broom and bracken. Despite its poor condition, they saw the potential for a permanent campsite and purchased the property for £1,900.
Transforming the property was no small task. The land needed clearing, fences needed repairing and buildings needed restoring. Through years of hard work, prayer, generosity and practical ingenuity, the property gradually became a place where Christian camps could flourish.
Graham Lyman and many others gave countless hours to clearing land, planting trees, building fences and developing essential infrastructure. Bridges, water storage, toilets and accommodation were established, while the old manse was adapted for camp use. Donated materials, volunteer labour and support from local businesses all played an important part in bringing the vision to life.
The progress was gradual, often difficult and dependent on the willingness of many people to give what they could. The founders understood that their work was an investment in the future, creating something that would benefit generations of campers long after their own years of service.
Growing a ministry
As the property developed, so did the ministry. New accommodation and facilities allowed CYC to expand its camps, while the old manse also provided a place for adult Bible teaching and Christian fellowship.
Behind this growth were people who gave their time, skills and resources to serve the Lord. Don Agnew helped establish the original vision, Brian Botting led camps through the formative years, Graham Lyman contributed extensively to the property's development, and Tim Ruthven and many other supporters helped turn the vision into reality. Don Wallace later took on the role of manager, contributing to the ongoing development of the site.
Their stories reflect a shared commitment to something greater than themselves. They faced setbacks, learnt through experience and continued working towards a common purpose: providing opportunities for young people to hear the Gospel and grow in their understanding of the Christian faith.
A legacy that continues
Today, CYC Waihola stands as a reminder of the faith, perseverance and generosity of those who came before us. The land, trees and buildings represent decades of service by people who believed that investing in the lives of young people was worth the effort.
But CYC's legacy has never been just about a property. From the beginning, its purpose has been to share the good news of Jesus Christ with children and teenagers, to demonstrate genuine Christian living and to encourage young people in their walk with God.
The founders worked towards a future they would not fully see. Their example challenges each new generation to care for what has been entrusted to them, to serve faithfully and to keep the original purpose at the heart of the ministry.
CYC Waihola is built on a legacy of faith, shaped by generations of service and committed to sharing the Gospel with the next generation. Get involved today.
Get in touch with us
Whether you have a general inquiry, you're interested in camps, accommodation, volunteering, partnering with us, or learning more about Christian Youth Camps Waihola, we look forward to hearing from you!