A combined Pacific Youth Camp attracted 600 participants to Nuku'alofa during the Easter weekend.

This annual gathering of Methodist Church youth from various island countries was hosted for the first time in Nuku'alofa by the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.

A combined Pacific Youth Group under the banner of The Christian Endeavours, included evangelists from Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. Tonga was represented at the camp by youth from the district of Kolomotu'a, and from 14 sub districts youth groups.

A member of the FWC Kolomotu'a Youth said today that the Methodist Church Pacific Easter camp is held annually in different island countries around the Pacific Islands but this Easter was the first time for Tonga.

The theme of the youth camp "Because He Loved Us" was celebrated with various church programs, which included a march through part of Longolongo and Kolomotu'a on the afternoon of Easter Sunday, March 23.

Other programs included the performance of skits, national items from various island groups, and singing and prayer sessions. The camp, which began on Friday, March 21, was concluded yesterday at the Longlongo Hall.

The group of Christian Endeavours will depart Tonga later this week.

There were also Youth Easter camps of other denominations, including the Catholic, Anglican and the Free Church of Tonga, over the Easter holiday.