Graeme Janes
Chief Executive Officer

My history with Christian venues & camping, before working for CVA: "I started as a volunteer at a holiday camp for disadvantaged kids in 1982. At this same camp, in 1984, I meet the person who was to become my wife. These early camp experiences eventually led me to start working at The Collaroy Centre as their Program Director in 1990. I held that position for the next 15 years. During that time, I also served on the NSW CVA Regional Committee for a number of years. After leaving The Collaroy Centre in 2005, I stayed connected with CVA by serving on the board of Kiah Ridge for several years, as well as a short period as Acting CEO for another CVA member in NSW. I returned to camping full time in 2016 in my current role."
What have I learned about Christian venues & camping, since joining CVA: "I have learned that Christian Camping people are some of the most committed, passionate and genuine people you can have the privilege of working alongside."
My favourite camp activity and why: "I used to love working on team activities, where, with time, the quiet, reserved kid becomes the hero, as they quietly work out the answer to the challenge faced. These days, few things beat a good campfire and a chat with friends."

Kylie Roberts
Operations Manager

My history with Christian venues & camping, before working for CVA: "I grew up attending Christian school holiday camps at Teen Ranch, Camp Toukley and Kiah Ridge. I become a Christian at one of these camps. I have done a summer camp in the USA at a United Methodist site in Iowa. I worked for Anglican Youthworks for 26 years in varied roles including outdoor education, hospitality, bookings, holiday camps, event planning (weddings & corporate groups), office management, compliance, human resources, and work health & safety. I then joined the CVA team."
What have I learned about Christian venues & camping, since joining CVA: “Joining CVA has reinforced my belief that Christian venues and camping provide important environments for the intersection of Christian faith and community building – where guests can connect with one another, build relationships and support each other.”
My favourite camp activity and why: "Canoeing was a favourite activity because it provided opportunities to be surrounded by God’s creation in a peaceful (hopefully) environment. It could take you places to explore, places to go with the flow and places to just relax."

Bonnie Tan
Member Engagement Manager

My history with Christian venues & camping, before working for CVA: “I attended many church camps throughout my teenage years and always felt that I had been significantly impacted during my time away. The opportunity to be away from my usual environment to focus on things that I didn’t usually have time for was so crucial! Spending time with friends, learning how to navigate challenges together and having space to listen to what God wanted to say to me are just some of my great memories from camping!"
What have I learned about Christian venues & camping, since joining CVA: “There are no people on earth quite like those who work in Christian camping! Their genuine enthusiasm and passion for what they do is inspiring, despite the significant challenges they face. I always find myself feeling enriched for spending time with them and am so grateful for all they do!"
My favourite camp activity and why: “I can’t go past the Giant Swing or beach volleyball, although playing pranks on neighbouring tents was always a favourite activity!"

Marsha Ginn
Bookkeeper

My history with Christian venues & camping, before working for CVA: “I have been privileged to attend several church and school camps at various locations throughout my childhood. I have also attended many conferences and run camps at a number of different Christian campsites. I have appreciated the space that these provide for unique connection with others and a deepening of faith through extended times for learning and connecting with God.”
What have I learned about Christian venues & camping, since joining CVA: “I have learned about some of the unique challenges that are faced by venues and the resilience and adaptability needed to continue to provide the unique space for ministry and connection that these places offer to the wider Christian community.”
My favourite camp activity and why: “I really enjoy people watching at camps - seeing people forming connections with one another and having fun together.”

Dan McPhee
Manager, OneBuy

My history with Christian venues & camping, before working for CVA: “Study camps and church retreats have both shaped me deeply. Study camps were the easiest invite to extend; they brought perspective and community in one of the most stressful times of youth. Church retreats gave space for faith to grow in leaps, with time away in creation and community focused on God.”
What have I learned about Christian venues & camping, since joining CVA: “I've seen how our venues create a kind of 'different world' where time slows, community deepens, and people encounter God in the beauty of creation. Add in the joy of all the activities, and it's hard to imagine a more powerful environment for transformation.”
My favourite camp activity and why: “Water has always been my favourite place to play and recharge. Whether it's kayaking, swimming or just splashing around, being on the water refreshes both body and soul.”