“A Godly woman is truly beautiful” is the theme bringing together Methodist women from across the Pacific and beyond for a four-day church camp in Samoa.

Hosted by the Mulivai-o-Aele church in Faleula, the camp aims to provide a safe and supportive space for young women to connect through faith, culture and fellowship.

Participants include women members of Methodist churches from Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa, and Savaii, who gathered on the church grounds on Thursday for Day 1 of the first-ever Au-uso Tamaitai Camp 2026.

Au Uso Fealofani (Methodist Women’s Council) president Fialelei Faulalo Leti said the camp is an opportunity for women to build relationships and strengthen their faith. She also highlighted the importance of raising awareness around the " Say No to Drugs " campaign and teen pregnancy.

“This is a chance for young women to fellowship with others from around the world and grow spiritually together,” she said.

The event marks the first time the church has hosted an international camp of this kind, following earlier discussions and a seminar this year that sparked interest among church leaders. The camp opened with a parade at the Mulivai-o-Aele church, followed by singing and an official church service. Throughout the four days, participants will take part in prayers, performances, cultural activities such as siva Samoa, and games, before concluding on Sunday.

As part of the program, the women also supported the global “Thursdays in Black” campaign, wearing black dresses to advocate for a violence-free world. The initiative aligns with efforts by the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women to promote a life free from violence. Leti said the response to the camp exceeded expectations, with high demand for accommodation.

“We did not have enough houses because of the number of women attending,” she said. Twelve host families on the church grounds are accommodating overseas participants, while local church members of the women's council are assisting behind the scenes.

Women staying on the compound have been placed with different families, reinforcing the sense of community central to the camp.

Leti added that the gathering is open to women across Samoa and reflects the church’s commitment to nurturing faith, unity and empowerment among women.