What a blessing!

We began the trip with Mr MacCallum encouraging us to be a blessing to each other on this trip, but this is the day we get to focus on being a blessing to the community at Poatina. Each year this eventuates in different forms. So this year we all got to be part of a ‘Becoming Australian’ workshop run by Steve and Hannah Cooper from Poatina. We got to be the inaugural (trial) participants, creating and learning about Aboriginal custodianship of the Australian landscape. We interactively became ‘tall, old trees’, ‘saplings’ and ‘fire sticks’ as we played out the process of bush regeneration. After morning tea in the bush, groups were established to creatively represent aspects of the environment through words, music and movement.

Hannah and Steve Cooper….'RockSalt Arts'

Don't you see it?…..A crowded bushland!

Cam ….the 'Tall old tree'

Thomas…. the 'I'm not sure what'

Must be contemplating 'movement'…..??

Mr Gilmour added his ‘take’ on the program by enticing some gullible souls to join him in some ‘bush tucker’ aboriginal style ….aka witchetty grubs….interesting!

Searching for grub…..witchetty that is!

Not sure that Nic will fall for that one again!

Can you feel the 'Movement'…..?

aahh….there it is!

And the words will flow…...

Returning to the village for lunch of ‘hot dogggs’…..complete with mustard [for Mr Leon, or was that Mr Gilmour?]….. gave us a chance to check out the community shops and play in the park, before heading back down the bush track. This time it was to put our bodies on the line and ‘interact’ with the pine saplings growing where they were not wanted. So satisfying to see the growing pile of pine branches…..

Go team!

Success!

It was a satisfied group that welcomed the arrival of more ‘bush tucker’, this time ‘white man’ style ...aka scones with jam and cream. So satisfying to see this pile dimish….

Which one first?

We got back into the morning’s workshop after our gardening efforts, to showcase our creative efforts, and create video footage to be made into a DVD as part of the ‘Becoming Australian’ workshop. Then back to 'The Chalet' to prepare for tomorrow's worship service or just enjoy playing cards in front of the open fire.

The evening devotions are based on the book of Hosea, looking at 'Shame' and how this impacts us, our relationships with each other and with God. The time spent 'teasing apart' this story is impacting our guys significantly, drawing them into deep discussion and sharing. This is the 'stuff' of memorable camp experiences that will last a lifetime, and hopefully significantly strengthen peer relationships. 

But of course, you can't go to bed on the 'back' of all that emotion….. you will have trouble getting to sleep! So, what better way to finish off the day than a 'Food Challenge' ….according to Mr Leon. Boy's turn tonight….girls tomorrow!

Wait for the rules…..wait for the rules…..wait for the rules…….