Class 8 and the fabulous outdoor education teachers and guardians Con, Ali and myself ventured up to the warmer climes, over the Murray into Barkaji country. We slept out under the stars, shining over us and the moon so bright on the first night. We walked along creek beds with water waiting for the intrepid to plunge into. We climbed ridges red and old, looking out into a rich and evocative landscape. Crisp and frosty mornings giving way to sunny blue skies and drawing in again to purple and pink clouded sunsets and songs round the campfire. We walked the land, were shown the glorious galleries and artworks, heard the stories and listened deeply and learned. Our guides welcomed us as family, parting with the saying, “Until next time”.

This camp is an extraordinary experience for the fourteen year olds where they deepen their relationships with the whole group, further their understanding of themselves and behold an ancient land that beckons them to explore. The students will experience many camps next year as the program steadily builds independence and an awakening into this unfolding of the individual and a strong sense of self.

Special thanks to Jess, Daniel, Jarrah, Anaya and Maree for creating such a thoughtful and wonderful experience for us all.

Until next time,

Karen Humpherys, Class 8 Guardian