Student Voices

Emily McAra - Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) Leader

Over the May long weekend, seven Clayfield students participated in the Inter-School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) Day Camp held at Somerville House. This camp brought together students from Somerville House, Brisbane Boys' College, and Clayfield College for two days of community, faith, and fun. 

 

"It was a wonderful opportunity for students from different schools to come together and explore faith in a supportive environment."

 

The theme of the weekend was 'Opening the Heart.' We were privileged to hear from four inspiring speakers, former students and teachers from each participating school. Their stories were powerful, honest, and deeply personal. 

 

"They challenged us to reflect on how we relate to others, how we connect with God, and how we can soften our hearts even in the face of hardship."

 

I was invited to share my faith journey as part of the worship time on the first day. I spoke of the hardships and challenges, as well as the positive experiences that I have had in my life. Students from Brisbane Boys' College and Somerville House also bravely shared their personal testimonies at different times over the weekend, highlighting how their faith had transformed over time and how their hearts had been changed through experiences of both joy and struggle.

 

Sunday was packed with energy and fun. Brisbane Boys' College, Clayfield College and Somerville House students enjoyed various indoor activities designed to help us bond as a group. We had options such as Ten Pin Bowling in the city, time to relax at South Bank, board games, or study time for those who needed a moment to recharge or do some assessment or exam prep.  It was a great mix of rest and excitement!

 

Monday kicked off with a time of worship, featuring uplifting songs and a reflective message. Later, Brisbane Boys' College hosted an exciting lineup of outdoor games, including sock hockey, ultimate frisbee, badminton, and an unexpectedly competitive word game. These activities were not only fun but also fostered teamwork and helped students form new friendships.

 

Some challenges on the camp included stepping out of our comfort zones, meeting new people, and opening up by sharing our questions and discussing our spiritual journey in small groups. However, these challenges helped us grow and become more confident in our faith and ourselves.

 

A notable milestone for Clayfield College this year was having our first-ever boy attend the ISCF camp! His participation marked an exciting step forward in making ISCF an inclusive space for all students in our community. 

 

"The camp was a meaningful experience that allowed us to grow spiritually, connect with others, and return with a deeper sense of faith and community."

 

We’re already looking forward to the next combined event in Term 3!