Held under the theme MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD, the Eastern KwaZulu Natal Division held a Divisional Band Camp. From Monday, 28 September to Saturday, 3 October 2026, young people from across the division gathered at Sunbury Christian Camp near KwaDukuza for a week-long time of worship through band music. The camp provided a balance of spiritual activities, musical training, workshops and fellowship, concluding with a celebration at Mandeni Corps on Saturday, 3 October 2026.
The Band Camp sought to:
• Develop and strengthen the musical skills of band members.
• Improve teamwork, discipline and cooperation within the band.
• Provide opportunities for group workshops and sectional learning.
• Encourage spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Prepare band members for effective ministry and musical service at their respective Corps.
• Promote fellowship and unity among members from different Corps.
Each day began with Morning Dew, an opportunity for personal spiritual reflection and preparation for the day. This was followed by breakfast, before the delegates gathered for Breakfast with Jesus, a time of Bible study highlighting the BASICS of living as a band person in The Salvation Army:
• B – Bible reading and study
• A – Attending and fellowshipping together
• S – Stewardship of time, talents and treasure
• I – Intentionally sharing your faith
• C – Communicating with God
• S – Submission to God’s leading
The days then unfolded with opportunities to develop practical skills, improve the ability to work together as a unit, and strengthen the techniques required to become better instrumentalists. The electives allowed participants to develop particular areas of interest and musical ability, such as tonic sol-fa, sight-reading and general leadership.
The evenings included supper, evening worship and free time, ensuring that the camp was not focused solely on musical development, but also on the understanding that music ministry is an act of Christian service.
The Band Camp provided participants with opportunities to:
• Strengthen their musical abilities.
• Improve teamwork and ensemble playing.
• Develop greater discipline and commitment.
• Grow spiritually through daily worship and devotion.
• Build relationships with fellow band members.
• Prepare for the Divisional Band Festival.
• Gain knowledge through workshops and electives.
• Reflect on their role as musicians in Christian ministry.
The camp provided an important opportunity for band members to grow together, strengthen their musical abilities and prepare to serve God and the Church through music.
In a spirit of togetherness and regional interaction, we had the joy of welcoming eight delegates from the Mid-KZN Division to join us at the camp. We were grateful for the opportunity to share this experience together, and we give all the glory to God for the connections made and the new friendships formed.