Teacher Eunice Weeks may look like she is at work, but this is actually her idea of a holiday " and her text-book is one you won't find in your average school.

Ms Weeks is one of close to 30 Christian teachers from across New South Wales who have taken on the role of tutor at eleven Youthworks' HSC Study conferences.

"The role involves helping students with their HSC preparation, supervising study sessions and leading the daily Bible study groups," says Holiday Ministries Co-ordinator Mark Boyd.

And Mr Boyd says the notion that "time off' can be "time for God' is gaining ground in teaching circles.

"Those outside the teaching profession are often quick to comment on the amount of holidays that teachers have," he says.

"But our HSC conference organisers are seeing a trend where many Christian teachers are recognising the ministry opportunities available to them in school holidays." 

The continual modernisation of the leaving certificate by state governments and the decreasing number of students leaving prior to Year 12 has turned the HSC into a burgeoning area for ministry.

"There is huge growth in demand for study camps in recent years," says HSC Study Conference director and Northern Beaches Christian School Science teacher Paul James.

Students attending HSC Study Conferences organised by Anglican Youthworks have swelled from 350 to 440 in the last year with an expected 500 students to attend this year.

"And we're seeing many students joining us on conference each year who aren't Christians," Mr James says.

"We are greatly encouraged by the generosity of many teachers and workers who recognise that they can do more with their holidays."
However the almost 30 Christian teachers who served the 2005 conferences are likely to prove all too few for 2006.

Teachers interested in volunteering as tutors are encouraged to email Mark Boyd at Anglican Youthorks.