This July, Milly Ferrett boarded an international flight on her own, bound for the United States. Her destination? Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, for SPECTACULAR—the annual youth camp sponsored by Community of Christ. SPECTACULAR (SPEC) is the largest annual gathering of youth in the church, with a mission to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young people to discover God, recognize their inherent worth, and cultivate and share their giftedness.
Last July, Milly attended SPEC as part of the Australian Pilgrimage trip. The Pilgrimage experience saw a delegation of Australian young people visit the Temple, Independence and surrounds before enjoying a week at Spectacular. The meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, and enlightenment from that trip inspired Milly to return just a year later.
In the following interview, Milly reflects on her solo adventure to SPECTACULAR 2025, reconnecting with friends, deepening her faith, and discovering a true sense of belonging.
Q: What made you decide to go to SPECTACULAR on your own this year, and how was it different to last year when you travelled with the group from Australia?
A: Last year, at the end of SPEC when I had to say goodbye to all of my American friends, we were crying and hugging, so upset that we would have to leave and didn't know how long it would be until we saw each other again. That’s when I was told there was a way I could come back the next year with a different delegation. When I talked to all my friends from the Central Mission delegation and told them I was coming back next year with their delegation, they were all so happy, and it made me feel so loved.
It was definitely a big difference having to fly alone to a different country. I was so so nervous, but when I got to Kansas and saw my friends Drew and Reese, I felt so much love, and I was so excited for the week ahead. Also, just not having anyone with my accent was very different and very funny. I found we say a lot of things differently like serviette instead of napkin and chips instead of fries. It was so fun to laugh about it with everyone.
Q: How did you find it reconnecting with friends you’d met before at SPECTACULAR? Did you make new and meaningful connections this year?
A: Reconnecting with my old friends from last year was absolutely amazing! Because of the time difference, it was hard to chat online during the year, but being able to be with all of them together and talk face to face was so fun. I made so many new connections as well that I hold so dearly in my heart.
Q: What were some of your favourite worship experiences at SPECTACULAR?
A: My favourite worship experiences were definitely the morning worships where everyone was together, and we were able to be with one another for the start of the day. It made me feel so connected with everyone, and I had so much fun looking at the video of the day before and hearing the songs in the morning.
The music at SPEC was just absolutely incredible, and it just gave me a sort of euphoric feeling when I heard it. There was a girl named Asia, and she sang this song called Plowshare Prayer by Spencer LaJoyne. It went on for around 4 minutes, and the entire time I felt like it was just me in the world.
Q: What was your favourite part of the camp outside of worship?
A: I had such an amazing time with all my sports and teammates. Getting to play and make new friendships was one of the highlights of SPEC for me. Most importantly, I loved hanging out with all my friends whom I love so so much.
I also enjoyed being able to do some fun classes in the morning including empoweHER which made me feel so valued. In the empoweHER class, one thing that really spoke to me was a conversation on the word “sorry.” Believe it or not, we say sorry more than we need to. We discussed different situations where you would normally say sorry and changed it to a different phrase. Say you walk in late to a room, you don’t have to say sorry, just say, “Thank you for being patient.” The whole conversation really gave me a different perspective.
Q: Did you try something new at SPECTACULAR this year that you hadn’t before?
A: Yes I did! A few girls in my delegation started a Bible study club at night, and I had never done that before. I felt so much love and connection while participating that when I got back to Australia, I bought a Bible. I have started my own bible study, and I am having such an amazing time learning things that I didn’t know about before.
Q: What’s a memory from the week that you think you’ll always carry with you?
A: When my friends and I were all sitting at the campfire singing songs, I just looked around and saw everyone singing along and laughing and having the time of their lives. I just felt like this is where I belong, and that I would never forget this moment.
Q: How has this experience shaped your faith or perspective?
A: It definitely has given me more of a connection with God, especially being around other teenagers who love God how I love God. It gave me such a feeling of belonging in this community.
Q: What advice would you give to another young person from Australia who might want to go to SPECTACULAR—especially if they’re thinking of going alone?
A: Just have fun. You may feel scared as you may be alone, but everyone is so kind and inclusive. You will make so many friendships and connections that you will absolutely love. And the youth that are there are just like you. Children of God. And you will have the most SPECTACULAR time ever!
