Wow, what a day! The boys returned from solo in the morning, most of the boys enjoyed it much more than they thought they would. We all set off to Coomba Falls for abseiling and a swim. The abseiling was tough at first but with a little encouragement everyone gave it a go. The wall was 18 metres. Tomorrow is Binga Challenge which is going to be great and will be one of the highlights of the last week of Binga.
Christiaan, Jacob H and Tom S.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, 24 November
This morning the girls returned from their solo camp nice and early as the boys were preparing for theirs. The girls went on their first proper horse riding trail ride and also finalised the 9D Mt Binga T-shirts. We got to successfully complete our 9D compost bay. Miss Von Berky had to go out especially for two of the boys who had left their campout food behind.
Tanya, Kate and Genevieve
Tanya, Kate and Genevieve
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Version 2 Monday 23 November
Hello everyone back home, hope you're all having loads of fun back home without us.
Early this morning the girls set out for a lone adventure into the world of solos while us boys back at camp saddled up our horses and began our last horse riding session for the camp.
With our horses saddled up and ready to go, the boys set out on an adventure into the vast bush scrub that surrounds the camp. While some may have been intimidated by the large animal carrying them, we persevered and came out the other end, happy and proud with the achievement we just made.
After horse riding, the boys tore into their lunch, leaving nothing uneaten. Full and ready, we gathered in the quadrangle. Separated into groups and assigned to a job and a teacher to work with. Some students drove large block splitters into wood, others cleaned out the chook pen and the lucky ones got to work on the compost bay our class is building.
Overall it was a great day and the boys had a load of fun. There were some tough times throughout the day but we all prevailed.
Jacob, Nic and Andrew
Early this morning the girls set out for a lone adventure into the world of solos while us boys back at camp saddled up our horses and began our last horse riding session for the camp.
With our horses saddled up and ready to go, the boys set out on an adventure into the vast bush scrub that surrounds the camp. While some may have been intimidated by the large animal carrying them, we persevered and came out the other end, happy and proud with the achievement we just made.
After horse riding, the boys tore into their lunch, leaving nothing uneaten. Full and ready, we gathered in the quadrangle. Separated into groups and assigned to a job and a teacher to work with. Some students drove large block splitters into wood, others cleaned out the chook pen and the lucky ones got to work on the compost bay our class is building.
Overall it was a great day and the boys had a load of fun. There were some tough times throughout the day but we all prevailed.
Jacob, Nic and Andrew
Monday, 23 November
Greetings fellow earthlings, hope you're having fun in the normal world.
By the time all the girls had gone out on their solos the guys had already started their last horse riding session.
On the horse ride the guys went on through vicious fighting bush scrub and wild trees. After the amazing battle all the guys were forced to do some hard project work, cutting wood, cleaning the chook pen and making another compost bay to finish Faith's 2009 contribution to the vegie garden.
Jacob, Nic and Andrew
By the time all the girls had gone out on their solos the guys had already started their last horse riding session.
On the horse ride the guys went on through vicious fighting bush scrub and wild trees. After the amazing battle all the guys were forced to do some hard project work, cutting wood, cleaning the chook pen and making another compost bay to finish Faith's 2009 contribution to the vegie garden.
Jacob, Nic and Andrew
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, 22 November
Today was a very hot day, while people were finishing off their washing, the rest were enjoying their free time. As it was very hot and most of us were out in the sun, Mr Greiger treated us by bringing out the sprinkler. Most of us went to get wet. To make things more fun we brought a tarp out and made it really wet and started sliding down it. Today was a fun and exciting day.
Emily, Mikayla and Nic.
Emily, Mikayla and Nic.
Saturday, 21 November
Today we started off the day with a Saturday cleanup. The rest of the day was spent relaxing after a fun but challenging week. We also had time to write letters and wash clothes. Overall, it was a very relaxing day.
Jess, Rick and Michael
Jess, Rick and Michael
Friday, 20 November
Today the boys started off with saddling up their horses and getting ready to ride. In pairs they chose who was riding first and who was riding second. After a 15 minute break the first group of riders headed off while the second group of riders did wood chopping and gardening.
After morning tea the second group of riders went off while the first group did the same jobs. After riding around the circuit we finished off with a trail ride through the bush.
The girls started off the day getting introduced to the low ropes and then going around the circuit. After low ropes the girls had to face Adrian's wall but managed to get everyone over quickly.
Ashley, Taylor and Thomas
After morning tea the second group of riders went off while the first group did the same jobs. After riding around the circuit we finished off with a trail ride through the bush.
The girls started off the day getting introduced to the low ropes and then going around the circuit. After low ropes the girls had to face Adrian's wall but managed to get everyone over quickly.
Ashley, Taylor and Thomas
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, 19 November
Today the girls went on their trail ride while the boys did the low ropes course and project work. The trail ride was a new experience for most of the girls and they had a great time. The boys also had a great experience and although it was a challenge as some of us struggled, in the end we all worked together as a team.
Sean, Thomas and Letitia
Sean, Thomas and Letitia
Wednesday, 18 November
Today the girls went abseiling and rock climbing. A few fears were overcome and over all it was largely enjoyed by everyone. Also the boys went for a refreshing swim at Coomba Falls after returning home this morning from survival.
Kate, Tom S and Nic C
Kate, Tom S and Nic C
Tuesday, 17 November
Yesterday was survival for the girls. We all built rather stable shelters out of sticks and tarps. The fire to make our dinner was lit nice and early. Dinner was sausages and damper that was actually quite filling. A shower of rain fell over us so we all went into out communal area which was also made using a tarp. After the rain had passed we all went and had an early night.
Early the next morning we were told that survival for us was over due to the weather and that the boys were to come out for their survival. Mr H and Miss D took the girls to Coomba Falls and Bunya Mountains. We had a very good time and enjoyed the troopie ride. At the moment the boys are on their survival and have already been through heavy rain and hail.
Emily, Tanya and Mikayla
Early the next morning we were told that survival for us was over due to the weather and that the boys were to come out for their survival. Mr H and Miss D took the girls to Coomba Falls and Bunya Mountains. We had a very good time and enjoyed the troopie ride. At the moment the boys are on their survival and have already been through heavy rain and hail.
Emily, Tanya and Mikayla
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, 16 November
Today the boys started off on the abseiling activity. Most of us accomplished the goal of climbing and abseiling the 8 metre rock face. Everyone found it challenging but most of us felt nervous when we were about to clip the ropes onto our harnesses. Only a few people decided not to participate because they were feeling sick in the stomach.
Today the girls set off on their survival which will go for three days. It will be hard for them as the forecast for the weather is rain with a slight chance of a thunderstorm. The girls will have to show confidence and use a lot of teamwork.
Jacob H., Christiaan and Thomas
Today the girls set off on their survival which will go for three days. It will be hard for them as the forecast for the weather is rain with a slight chance of a thunderstorm. The girls will have to show confidence and use a lot of teamwork.
Jacob H., Christiaan and Thomas
Monday, November 16, 2009
Family Day
Today was Family Day. The day was filled with happiness, excitement, grief and mixed nerves as we all waited early for our families to arrive. Our worship commenced at 11am. The theme was perseverance as it has played a major role throughout the Binga experience. The worship ran smoothly with an interesting message from Mr Grieger. As the worship finished, everyone ran back to their parents (and the junk food) and everyone got their picnic blankets out under a nice shady tree. Everyone was sharing lollies, chips, chocolate, soft drink and you name it!
We didn't think it would ever end. With so many stories to tell and lots of catching up to do, time flew by. Cricket, Football, even Chess was played throughout the day, along with a tour of the Mt Binga campus. Many parents and siblings were interested to see what we had been doing over the past two weeks and some were also surprised to see the size of Otis and were interested in the other animals. All of a sudden it hit 4pm and it was time for families to leave. While this brought sadness to see everyone's families leave, it also brought excitement for what was to come over the next two weeks.
Mieka, Nick K. and Gen
We didn't think it would ever end. With so many stories to tell and lots of catching up to do, time flew by. Cricket, Football, even Chess was played throughout the day, along with a tour of the Mt Binga campus. Many parents and siblings were interested to see what we had been doing over the past two weeks and some were also surprised to see the size of Otis and were interested in the other animals. All of a sudden it hit 4pm and it was time for families to leave. While this brought sadness to see everyone's families leave, it also brought excitement for what was to come over the next two weeks.
Mieka, Nick K. and Gen
Preparation for Family Day
Today the class of 9D prepared worship for Family Day. After that the class split into two different groups. One did washing, played cards and sport and wrote letters while the other group went out and did wood chopping, mowing, project work and then made dirt roads.
Ashley, Rick and Michael
Ashley, Rick and Michael
Friday, 13 November
As usual we kicked off with a morning devotion, then moved onto the morning jobs. After a tasty breakfast, we began to prepare for Family Day on Sunday. We completed the day with washing clothes and project work, which included lawn mowing, wood chopping and filling holes in the dirt tracks.
Sean, Arron and Jess
Sean, Arron and Jess
Friday, November 13, 2009
3 Day Hike
Today we got back from our three day hike and all of us were exhausted. The boys started it off with a 7km walk to their first campsite. It was nice and sunny when they got there but after a couple of hours it started pouring down rain and they were all in their tents. After a bad night's sleep they were off again to their next campsite. It was only a 2.5km walk but it still took a long time as the navigators had no idea where they were going. When they got there Mr W and Mr H told them they were doing duo and that they were not allowed communication with any other pairs. After a very boring afternoon and a long sleep they were off again for a 5.5km walk back to Binga.
The girls started off to a great start until the boys caught up singing their chants. We parted from the boys and continued on with our hike. The first night was good apart from the toilet paper was left out during the night meaning we had none left. As we walked to our next campsite Kate fell over and split her stitches. The second day was duo and it was silence between all the groups. There wasn't much to do and we didn't have a group fire. With an early start to the morning, we packed up and left for Binga. With the many hills the girls were challenged but we all got there in the end feeling good.
Emily, Taylor and Nic
The girls started off to a great start until the boys caught up singing their chants. We parted from the boys and continued on with our hike. The first night was good apart from the toilet paper was left out during the night meaning we had none left. As we walked to our next campsite Kate fell over and split her stitches. The second day was duo and it was silence between all the groups. There wasn't much to do and we didn't have a group fire. With an early start to the morning, we packed up and left for Binga. With the many hills the girls were challenged but we all got there in the end feeling good.
Emily, Taylor and Nic
Rewards!
Today was our second horse riding lesson which was widely anticipated throughout the group. It was very enjoyable for everyone. The lawn mowers were also introduced as we had to prepare for Family Day.
We were congratulated with our long awaited Mars Bars because of our fantastic work with the horses.
Kate, Thomas and Jacob C
We were congratulated with our long awaited Mars Bars because of our fantastic work with the horses.
Kate, Thomas and Jacob C
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Today was just another day of rest after a busy week. We started the day at 7am except for Parker cabin who earnt not only a sleep in but a day free of jobs. Today was our last day to relax and prepare for our big 3 day hike leaving tomorrow. With a few of the instructors still out fighting the fire,they needed our full cooperation. Some students either finished any last minute washing, played card games or cricket on the oval while others just read books, wrote letters or simply relaxed.
Mieka, Letitia, Tanya, Tom S.
Mieka, Letitia, Tanya, Tom S.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Today was our first relaxing day where we had free time and got to do our washing for the week. We were happy to hear that we had an extra hour to sleep in. Everyone appreciated this time to finally lay back and write letters to family and friends. While a couple of staff members ran off to help put out a fire down the road, many games were played throughout the day including chess, uno, spades and poker. Overall everyone enjoyed the chance to relax.
Jess, Nick K and Tom R
Jess, Nick K and Tom R
Friday, 6 November 2009
We started the day off with a foggy assembly, moved onto the morning jobs and then had breakfast. Low ropes got cancelled due to heavy rain and a blackout last night so we did more initiative games.
After work we had a little bit of morning tea then back to the games. We had lunch and went off to the rotations for the afternoon. Activities included rope tying, sock hockey, baking and designing the Mt Binga t-shirt.
We had afternoon tea and got onto the afternoon jobs then had tacos for dinner. That was followed by dessert. After that we received our mail and played a game.
Sean, Emily and Arron
After work we had a little bit of morning tea then back to the games. We had lunch and went off to the rotations for the afternoon. Activities included rope tying, sock hockey, baking and designing the Mt Binga t-shirt.
We had afternoon tea and got onto the afternoon jobs then had tacos for dinner. That was followed by dessert. After that we received our mail and played a game.
Sean, Emily and Arron
Friday, November 6, 2009
Day 4
Students in 9D had a very exciting day at Mt Binga camp. We started off with horse riding, getting told how to ride and saddle up a horse. After the exciting horse experience, we moved onto project work which included things such as baking biscuits and making delicious bread. We all got in and got the job done.
Last night students received mail from their loved ones. Some of the 9D students were touched by their letters. Tomorrow morning 9D will start on low ropes which will probably be the highlight of the day.
Genevieve, Rick and Jacob H.
Last night students received mail from their loved ones. Some of the 9D students were touched by their letters. Tomorrow morning 9D will start on low ropes which will probably be the highlight of the day.
Genevieve, Rick and Jacob H.
Day 3
Yesterday we did navigational skills and initiative games. After that the girls and boys set off in separate groups into the bush for our first evening campout of our 2009 Mt Binga experience.
On the way out to campout the students were blindfolded, driven out by a couple of troopies and dumped in the middle of nowhere. We then had to sleep out there and hike back. Lucky it was only 3 kilometres.
Today after we arrived back at home base, we had an introductory class to the horses. We learnt a number of valuable things, including how to handle horses and how to communicate with them. The last activity was an orienteering competition where we had to find markers placed all around the Mt Binga campus. The competition was very challenging but we had a lot of fun.
Kate, Christiaan and Michael
On the way out to campout the students were blindfolded, driven out by a couple of troopies and dumped in the middle of nowhere. We then had to sleep out there and hike back. Lucky it was only 3 kilometres.
Today after we arrived back at home base, we had an introductory class to the horses. We learnt a number of valuable things, including how to handle horses and how to communicate with them. The last activity was an orienteering competition where we had to find markers placed all around the Mt Binga campus. The competition was very challenging but we had a lot of fun.
Kate, Christiaan and Michael
Day 1
Today we got on the bus and said goodbye to all our families just to get to the middle of nowhere. On the bus trip Taylor started blowing his nose and continued until Sean felt sick.
After we got off the bus everyone was grateful to get their feet back on ground. Soon we all were given jobs for the afternoon. Mikayla thought the chickens were going to eat her and Letitia said she was scared of wood and fire!
Letitia, Jacob and Taylor
After we got off the bus everyone was grateful to get their feet back on ground. Soon we all were given jobs for the afternoon. Mikayla thought the chickens were going to eat her and Letitia said she was scared of wood and fire!
Letitia, Jacob and Taylor
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
4 November 2009 - 9D Mt Binga
9D Trip to Mount Binga
After months of anticipation and seeing all their friends go off on their Mt Binga adventures, the moment for 9D to venture into the unknown had arrived. Arriving to school on a fine and sunny morning, the students packed their luggage on the bus, were joined by their parents in a motivating devotion led by Mr Pope, said their tearful goodbyes and jumped onto the bus to begin their trip west. Any feelings of anxiety were quickly taken away as the laughs began on the bus, assisted by the never-ending supply of lollies handed out by Mieka.
Following an hour and a half of boisterous travelling, we stopped off at the picturesque Wivenhoe Dam for a morning tea consisting of the last junk food that 9D would eat for two weeks. Students enjoyed kicking a footy, climbing on the playground and chilling out in the sun. Before we knew it, we were off again, excited about being on the final leg of our trip.
After many terrible songs, cries of ‘are we there yet’, and more lollies, we had finally arrived at Mt Binga. There to greet us were two cows, a huge bull and several horses. Students knew that their time as farmers had begun. All that was left to do was unpack the bus, be allocated to cabins and meet in the courtyard, where the students were met by the leaders. Following a short introduction, students were taught the Binga grace, where they received a mark of seven out of ten; an impressive grade for a first time. After this, students went off to make sandwiches for their lunches.
This is where Sarah Day and I left the gang, confident that they would be extremely successful as a group, and hoping that their adventures would be full of fun, self-empowerment and character building. I look forward to visiting them on Family Day on the 15th.
Mr Rosenblatt
After months of anticipation and seeing all their friends go off on their Mt Binga adventures, the moment for 9D to venture into the unknown had arrived. Arriving to school on a fine and sunny morning, the students packed their luggage on the bus, were joined by their parents in a motivating devotion led by Mr Pope, said their tearful goodbyes and jumped onto the bus to begin their trip west. Any feelings of anxiety were quickly taken away as the laughs began on the bus, assisted by the never-ending supply of lollies handed out by Mieka.
Following an hour and a half of boisterous travelling, we stopped off at the picturesque Wivenhoe Dam for a morning tea consisting of the last junk food that 9D would eat for two weeks. Students enjoyed kicking a footy, climbing on the playground and chilling out in the sun. Before we knew it, we were off again, excited about being on the final leg of our trip.
After many terrible songs, cries of ‘are we there yet’, and more lollies, we had finally arrived at Mt Binga. There to greet us were two cows, a huge bull and several horses. Students knew that their time as farmers had begun. All that was left to do was unpack the bus, be allocated to cabins and meet in the courtyard, where the students were met by the leaders. Following a short introduction, students were taught the Binga grace, where they received a mark of seven out of ten; an impressive grade for a first time. After this, students went off to make sandwiches for their lunches.
This is where Sarah Day and I left the gang, confident that they would be extremely successful as a group, and hoping that their adventures would be full of fun, self-empowerment and character building. I look forward to visiting them on Family Day on the 15th.
Mr Rosenblatt
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