United in purpose: Institute camp solidifies shared vision 

A group of families in Queensland are learning how unity of vision can be a potent force for spiritual and social transformation. 

The families from Brisbane recently gathered together for their first family institute camp – a space devoted to the study of the Ruhi institute materials which focus on developing spiritual capacities to contribute to the advancement of one’s community. 

The idea for the camp arose as a natural next step for this group, which has been meeting weekly for the past two years for prayer and friendship. While some are already engaged in the institute process as well as children’s classes and junior youth groups, it was clear that a more intentional space would allow for the solidifying of the group’s shared vision – that is, to build a more vibrant and healthy community. 

The family camp was held at Brownsea Water Activities Centre in the northeast of Brisbane. While previous camps had been held in tents and featured morning devotions and fellowship, this long-anticipated gathering provided a more focused space for study, reflection, and consultation.  

As part of the planning process and out of a desire to give ownership to the junior youth aged between 12 and 15, the young people were tasked with proposing an agenda for the camp. Part of the schedule included a morning walk at 7am. The junior youths’ conversations for themselves delved into themes including the purpose of religion and life after death. They were encouraged to reflect deeply and contribute meaningfully to the discussions, and many rose to the occasion with thoughtful insights. 

At the heart of the camp was a collective study of the 19 March 2025 message of the Universal House of Justice about marriage and family life, which guided participants to deepen their understanding of the powerful relationship between the life of the family and its impact on the broader life of the community. Complementing this, and given the reality of the group, sections of Ruhi Book 12, Unit 2 were also studied, further exploring participants’ roles as parents and spiritual aunts and uncles. 

Throughout the camp, the spiritual education of the children was a primary focus rather than an afterthought. Devoted friends played a vital role in teaching and caring for the children, and their dedicated efforts ensured the success of the children’s program while enabling parents to fully engage in the study sessions. 

The camp also featured simple craft activities during periods of downtime, the ‘No Talent Talent Show’, collaborative cooking sessions, and plenty of time to converse and share the overarching purpose of the Faith to work towards an ever-advancing civilisation together. 

“Despite being the first of its kind, the camp was warmly received,” said one participant. “It was a beautiful step in the journey of learning about how families, united in vision and action, can be a potent force for spiritual and social transformation. It left all who attended with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger bonds of friendship, and a shared desire to continue walking this path together.”