With the Northern Territory Immersion unable to go ahead in 2021, our class had the opportunity to travel as a group to the Otways, Victoria. We stayed at Bimbi Park, Cape Otway and engaged in activities focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and perspectives while reflecting on the importance of faith and spirituality for ourselves and the world.

Basket weaving led by Sacred Heart College Alumni Jayanne Johnson (2020 Fire Carrier), our nature walk towards Station Beach, experiencing the wonders of Maits Rest Rainforest and sitting around the campfire together were some of the many highlights during our camp.

Throughout our camp experience we were able to:

SEE – Smiling faces, relaxed body language, people working with one another, nature in all its beauty, people gathered around the fire, people listening.

HEAR – Laughter, words of respect, the noisy koala’s, ocean waves crashing, prayer, acts of compassion, rain on the tent roof, trees rustling in the wind.

FEEL – Warmth as we sat around the fire, gentle drops of rain on our face, welcome, relaxed muscles, calm mind, connection to self, others and nature.

In light of our Term Two Visible Wellbeing focus - Emotional Management, we also reflected on the emotions we felt most during our camping experience. They were: happiness, gratitude, peace, appreciation, excitement, safe, relaxed, contentment, bliss, comfort, grounded, calm, serenity, joy, awe, accepted, connected, hope, love and interest.

We are so grateful for such an amazing camp experience and the opportunity to build our knowledge and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Not only did we connect to self and to the land but we also had the opportunity to form stronger bonds with our peers. The friendships, knowledge and memories we have gained from this camp will be treasured for many years to come.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way to allow us to have this wonderful experience – Miss. Kennedy, Kat and Frank at Bimbi Park, Lisa and Kelsey Couzens, Jayanne Johnson, Ms. Symons, Ms. Connell, Miss. Turner and Maddy Larkins.

Yanah Kanellos, Ally Sears and Charlotte Gervasoni