About Rejuvenate
Rejuvenate began with the dream for a camp where Christian young people from different backgrounds could come together to encourage one another in knowing Christ. The first camp was run in 2016 and the retreat has continued annually ever since (except for 2021, we don’t talk about 2021, ahem cough cough covid!). Every year, we are amazed at the way that God works in the lives of everyone who comes along.
Our Directors Team
The Rejuvenate directors head up our leadership team, dreaming and planning throughout the year to facilitate both the spiritual and practical aspects of the camp.
Isaiah and Sarah Smith
Part of Community Baptist Church – Porirua
Isaiah and Sarah are a dynamic couple who desire to serve others and point them to Jesus. They have a deep desire to talk with young people about what it looks like and means to walk with Jesus in the real world, drawing from the hardships and experiences God has brought in their lives.
Sarah is a Melburnian who is now gracing NZ with her amazing creativity and flair. In addition to having a deep passion for Christ, she is a talented musician, business woman, and IT specialist. She loves to introduce people to elements of culture from her Asian heritage, which includes her amazing hand-made crispy wontons!
Isaiah is first and foremost a follower of Jesus, rugby fanatic and avid coffee lover (though if challenged, he can last a month without coffee). An automotive mechanic by trade, he has a love-hate relationship with all types of vehicles but remains a car enthusiast. Isaiah has been serving on the preaching team at Community Baptist Church and is training to be a pastor. He is also a volunteer firefighter of more than 10 years, helping people in the raw stuff of life and death situations. His favourite verse is from Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Josh and Hannah Mills
Part of Fenton Park Bible Church – Rotorua
Josh and Hannah are devout Christians with a real love for the word of God and for seeing young people grow in their faith. They are devoted to knowing the truth and making the truth known. They have been happily married since 2021 and are taking up the challenge of raising their son Nixon in the ways of the Lord. Josh is a builder by trade and his interests include rugby, squash, running, cycling, the outdoors, art, and music. Hannah is a big horse fan and enjoys all things artistic, including creating an awesome wooden cutout of the Rejuvenate logo!
Ricky and Jessamae Hampson
Part of Hukanui Bible Church – Chartwell, Hamilton
Ricky and Jessamae are first and foremost, a young couple who love Jesus and desire to raise a family that loves and honors the Lord. Their lives are dedicated to honoring Christ in all they do, with a strong focus on discipleship and family.
Fun fact about Ricky and Jessamae, they are Rejuvenate Sweethearts! Their journey together has seen them transition from campers to leaders and now to directors, all while getting to know each other, getting married and starting their own family.
Ricky, a builder by trade, is passionate about building up young men in the Lord. His gifts of compassion, a strong desire for justice, and a heart to serve God through serving his local community has seen him recently pursue work in the police force.
Jessamae, who hails from a background in administration and law, is a powerful force in getting things done. She is now supporting Ricky in his work through homemaking and caring for their son Oliver.
Together, they enjoy hunting, watching and analyzing rugby (as well as having an occasional backyard game of it), and going on crazy adventures.
Founders
Jason and Louise Crowsen
Part of Church at Cedarwood – Waikanae
In 2018 Jason and Louise spent six months living in Thailand as Serve Asia workers with OMF. Now, they are preparing to return to Thailand as long-term church planters. They have two daughters, Faith and Tivvy, who keep their parents’ lives busy but full of joy. When there is time, Louise enjoys reading, crafting and shopping; Jason likes creating music, using computers, cycling, and making coffee. Together, they aim to know Christ, seek his kingdom first, and glorify the Father in all that they do (Philippians 3:7-8, Matthew 6:33, and 1 Peter 3:8).
In 2024 they stepped back from being in an active directors role in order to focus on their missions and other ministry roles. However, they remain connected with Rejuvenate and offer support and resources to the directors when needed.
Our Amazing Leaders
Each year, we have a team of amazing leaders who come together to make Rejuvenate possible! This includes team leaders, senior leaders, and our amazing house parents. These guys are so passionate about their role that they come to camp for a whole weekend beforehand to prepare for the week, get things ready, and put time into leadership development.
