Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, 9 August 2010
Hey everyone back at home. Today was a bit of a jumbled up day here at Binga as the activities and survival had to be changed around because of the forecasted rain for the next few days. The girls were meant to be venturing out on their survival camp out and the boys were meant to abseil but instead everyone did horseriding, wood chopping and some gardening in rotations throughout the day. We are not sure on tomorrow's activities as the weather is going to change everything.
So other than that today was everyone's third horseriding session and by the end of the session most people had ventured out of the horse yards on a short trail ride through parts of Binga's land.
Yesterday was Family Day here at Binga and everyone had a great time with their families. Everyone was so keen and excited to show their families around Binga and tell them some of the things we've done over the past two weeks away from home.
Between 6 and 7pm everyone had time to eat their left over food their families left with them. After about half an hour everyone had almost given up on eating and we were trying to give away the food we just couldn't eat to anyone, staff, friends or just someone walking past you. I've never seen so many people reject lollies and chocolate before!
By Jamal, Darcie-Jane and Rachel
So other than that today was everyone's third horseriding session and by the end of the session most people had ventured out of the horse yards on a short trail ride through parts of Binga's land.
Yesterday was Family Day here at Binga and everyone had a great time with their families. Everyone was so keen and excited to show their families around Binga and tell them some of the things we've done over the past two weeks away from home.
Between 6 and 7pm everyone had time to eat their left over food their families left with them. After about half an hour everyone had almost given up on eating and we were trying to give away the food we just couldn't eat to anyone, staff, friends or just someone walking past you. I've never seen so many people reject lollies and chocolate before!
By Jamal, Darcie-Jane and Rachel
August 8
Staff member Elizabeth Jones visited Mt Binga on Family Day on Sunday August 8. Her reflection on the day follows.
At 6.30am most Sunday mornings I am still asleep, but the 8th of August saw me drinking heaps of coffee and filling up my car with petrol to head up to Mt Binga for the day.
After a VERY long drive, which is actually quite fun for a determined city girl to see the countryside, and a bit more coffee, I arrived at Mt Binga. For the first time ever, I did not get lost!!!
It was an absolute joy to see the Year 9 Coochie kids again. They looked well, sounded so enthused and welcomed me with open arms. To capture a record of the day, I took heaps of photos and would like to thank the parents and the kids for allowing me to act like the local paparazzi!!
After hanging out with the kids and the parents and learning heaps about the psychology of a horse, it was time for worship. The kids all joined together to present a worship about teamwork that was both entertaining and meaningful. My favourite part was the “skit” where Jamal and Bluey were leading a blindfolded Jenni around using only their voices and non-verbal cues.
Another highlight for me was drinking some of the milk that had come from the cows. Sara was very enthusiastic about having me drink some of this milk. Actually, I’m not a big milk drinker and only had it because Sara was so excited about sharing it with me.
As I left everyone was settling down to have lunch and a catch up with their families. The Jones family were very kind, took me under their wings and fed me sushi.
It was such a positive experience to visit the Year 9 Coochie kids and to see the way that they are relaxing into this excellent opportunity. I can’t wait for them to come home in just under 2 weeks.
Speaking of coming home, the drive back was seemingly uneventful apart from almost falling down a hill at the dam and having absolutely no petrol when I got back!
Elizabeth Jones
Head of House Middle School Coochiemudlo
At 6.30am most Sunday mornings I am still asleep, but the 8th of August saw me drinking heaps of coffee and filling up my car with petrol to head up to Mt Binga for the day.
After a VERY long drive, which is actually quite fun for a determined city girl to see the countryside, and a bit more coffee, I arrived at Mt Binga. For the first time ever, I did not get lost!!!
It was an absolute joy to see the Year 9 Coochie kids again. They looked well, sounded so enthused and welcomed me with open arms. To capture a record of the day, I took heaps of photos and would like to thank the parents and the kids for allowing me to act like the local paparazzi!!
After hanging out with the kids and the parents and learning heaps about the psychology of a horse, it was time for worship. The kids all joined together to present a worship about teamwork that was both entertaining and meaningful. My favourite part was the “skit” where Jamal and Bluey were leading a blindfolded Jenni around using only their voices and non-verbal cues.
Another highlight for me was drinking some of the milk that had come from the cows. Sara was very enthusiastic about having me drink some of this milk. Actually, I’m not a big milk drinker and only had it because Sara was so excited about sharing it with me.
As I left everyone was settling down to have lunch and a catch up with their families. The Jones family were very kind, took me under their wings and fed me sushi.
It was such a positive experience to visit the Year 9 Coochie kids and to see the way that they are relaxing into this excellent opportunity. I can’t wait for them to come home in just under 2 weeks.
Speaking of coming home, the drive back was seemingly uneventful apart from almost falling down a hill at the dam and having absolutely no petrol when I got back!
Elizabeth Jones
Head of House Middle School Coochiemudlo
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Another episode in the life of Binga. Today at Binga we finally had our weekend sleep in until 7 and the day ended up being pretty quiet. We got to wash our clothes and did some jobs like woodchopping and gardening. We also did some work for Family Day which everyone is looking forward to.
The boys are going abseiling on Monday while the girls are going on a 3 day survival which the boys will tackle on Tuesday. Everyone seems pretty excited for those events and hopefully everyone has a great time and learns more about camping and the people around them.
Also during our time here at Binga 2 calves have been born, one to Ozzy and one to Lily but they haven't been named yet.
From Bea, Joel and Mollie
The boys are going abseiling on Monday while the girls are going on a 3 day survival which the boys will tackle on Tuesday. Everyone seems pretty excited for those events and hopefully everyone has a great time and learns more about camping and the people around them.
Also during our time here at Binga 2 calves have been born, one to Ozzy and one to Lily but they haven't been named yet.
From Bea, Joel and Mollie
Friday, 6 August 2010
Today the Coochie kids chilled around the campsite. We split into two groups. One did some much needed washing and the other did various jobs such as weeding, wood chopping and collecting wood from the forest.
The second half of the day was dedicated to preparing the worship service for Family Day. Everyone did well in contributing ideas. Now only two days away, the Coochie kids are very excited about Family Day. Many are crossing their fingers and toes for the treats to come. Some of the treats wanted are chocoate, chips, lollies and soft drink. Although the treats are wanted many (actually all) people are just excited to see mum and dad.
Tomorrow we will be doing the same as today with the groups swapping. We will also have a sleep in. Yay! Other than that the final preparations for Family Day will be made.
See you soon and God bless!
Max, Andy and Maddie
The second half of the day was dedicated to preparing the worship service for Family Day. Everyone did well in contributing ideas. Now only two days away, the Coochie kids are very excited about Family Day. Many are crossing their fingers and toes for the treats to come. Some of the treats wanted are chocoate, chips, lollies and soft drink. Although the treats are wanted many (actually all) people are just excited to see mum and dad.
Tomorrow we will be doing the same as today with the groups swapping. We will also have a sleep in. Yay! Other than that the final preparations for Family Day will be made.
See you soon and God bless!
Max, Andy and Maddie
Friday, August 6, 2010
6 August 2010
Today was a massive day. The boys finished off the daunting three day hike with Jamal and Jake tying in to be the first of the group to complete the hike. Meanwhile the girls had their second crack at horseriding which is by far one of the popular activities.
The three day hike was one of the harder challenges. It requires the allocated groups to cross 15kms of hills, creeks and bushland relying on their own navigational abilities to traverse the neighbouring terrain with only a little assistance from staff.
We believe all people who have been to Mt Binga or are experiencing it now agree that horseriding is extremely popular. Each student is allocated a horse for a session and you find that you bond with the animal. In the next weeks we will all be participating in a trail ride to show off our newly acquired skills in horsemanship.
Everybody is in high spirits at Mt Binga enjoying all aspects of what it has to offer.
By Aaron and Jake
The three day hike was one of the harder challenges. It requires the allocated groups to cross 15kms of hills, creeks and bushland relying on their own navigational abilities to traverse the neighbouring terrain with only a little assistance from staff.
We believe all people who have been to Mt Binga or are experiencing it now agree that horseriding is extremely popular. Each student is allocated a horse for a session and you find that you bond with the animal. In the next weeks we will all be participating in a trail ride to show off our newly acquired skills in horsemanship.
Everybody is in high spirits at Mt Binga enjoying all aspects of what it has to offer.
By Aaron and Jake
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 8 2 August 2010
This morning everyone was woken up nice and early, walked out the front for the raising of the flags and morning devotion and then everyone started morning jobs. Everyone was very happy that we got some Milo and cordial. Today all the guys rode the horses while the girls hiked out for the start of their three day hike.
Everyone enjoyed the horseriding although the Rugby boys had to catch up on all the things they missed out on as they were away on the first lesson of horseriding. The others continued on from what they already learnt.
Mitch, Joel and Luke
Everyone enjoyed the horseriding although the Rugby boys had to catch up on all the things they missed out on as they were away on the first lesson of horseriding. The others continued on from what they already learnt.
Mitch, Joel and Luke
Girls Three Day Hike
Hi, just the girls here.
The last three days have been so much fun because we did the three day hike. There were so many fun times but there were also the moments where you got to experience time to yourself which was good. There were a few trips and falls but everyone was so determined that they just got back up and kept on going.
Many new friendships were formed on the hike and we all learned how to get along with each other. Camping was great and everyone enjoyed it but once we got back to Mt Binga everyone was just so glad that we all started running to the cabin.
All up the hike was fun and everyone enjoyed it. All the girls were grateful for the time they got to spend with their friends but at the end of the day we all liked that little bit of time to ourselves.
By Sara, Amy B and Tessa
The last three days have been so much fun because we did the three day hike. There were so many fun times but there were also the moments where you got to experience time to yourself which was good. There were a few trips and falls but everyone was so determined that they just got back up and kept on going.
Many new friendships were formed on the hike and we all learned how to get along with each other. Camping was great and everyone enjoyed it but once we got back to Mt Binga everyone was just so glad that we all started running to the cabin.
All up the hike was fun and everyone enjoyed it. All the girls were grateful for the time they got to spend with their friends but at the end of the day we all liked that little bit of time to ourselves.
By Sara, Amy B and Tessa
Monday, August 2, 2010
1 August 2010
Hello to everyone back in Brisbane.
Today at Mt Binga was a pretty chilled day.
Since it was the weekend, we had plenty of spare time and could relax for most of the day.
We pretty much had free time for the whole day, except in the afternoon, which is when we got the opportunity to do our washing....which was rather interesting.
We also did some preparation for Family Day devotion. We are working on our group work skills.
Another day at Mt Binga.
Brendan
Josh
Devonn
30 July 2010
Today was a pretty cruisy day at Mt Binga. We woke up at 6.15 and got started on our jobs. Then the cooks, with a few struggles, made us pancakes. We are still getting the hang of lighting the fires to cook on!
After the hard, yet successful breaky of pancakes, we were told that we would be doing our first lesson of horse riding.
We all learnt about the horses and were split into our groups.
Next, we were assigned our horses, groomed them, saddled them and put the reigns on them.
After a lot of preparing, we shared the riding so that everyone had a turn.
Once we had finished our riding and packed the gear away, we did our afternoon jobs.
We had taco's for dinner.
Most of us had a great day today.
Bye for now.
Darcie
Luke
Jonesia
29 July 2010
Following a late breakfast and some excited preparation for horse riding, we were dissapointed to find out, that for safety reasons, there had been a change to plans becuase of the amount of rain we had received at Mt Binga.
Instead of riding, we were split into groups and assigned some activities such as; initiative games, low ropes and chopping wood for the fire.
After an opportunity to do some journal writing, we were pumped because we knew that we would have hot showers in the afternoon after we had done our jobs.
A big shout out to Mrs Nissen. Happy Birthday, we all miss you.
:)
Belinda
Max
Jaiden
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
26 July 2010
We left Faith after packing the bus full of everyone's oversized luggage!
After a long bus trip the bus came to a stop, but we were not at Mt Binga, we were only half way at Wivenhoe Dam.
We all forgot how long the trip was when the Tim-Tams, Coke and chips were brought out.
After morning tea, we hopped back on the bus and started the even longer journey to Mt Binga.
We eventually started up a dirt road and arrived at Mt Binga.
We quickly settled in to our rooms and assembled in the ....Assembly area, for an introduction and an explanation of the rules.
After a while, we got free time and also had some afternoon tea.
Everyone is now doing chores, which includes our duty to attend to the fire, raising the flag and devotion amongst other things.
Our thoughts on Mt Binga so far.....
Mollie - "I'll live!"
Mitchell - "The fire is awesome! It is pretty sweet."
Rosie - "This is SO MUCH FUN ALREADY! I am so happy we are here.
Mrs Courtney Nissen accompanied our Coochie students to Mt Binga on Monday and has written a reflection on her experience on the day.
Coochie students arrived to school today with mixed emotions as their Mt Binga experience was about to begin. Before we departed the students and their families shared a devotion together followed by an emotional farewell. The bus trip was an exciting one with the students on the edge of their seats, constantly asking how much longer it would take to get there. The energy on the bus indicated that the students could hardly wait to see their new home for the next 4 weeks.
We stopped halfway at the Wivenhoe Dam to share a morning tea that consisted of coke, chips and tim tams. Each student savoured every last crumb as it would be their last for at least 2 weeks. After the sugar hit we attempted to get a lovely group photo but the excitement was too much and they just couldn't sit still. I think the photos say it all.
As we got closer the noise in the bus lowered as the students peered outside their windows to see their accommodation. There were many horses and cows, and a lot of red dirt that would surely ruin their white shoes. They got off the bus and were welcomed immediately with friendly, smiling faces who told them where their cabins were so they could settle in. The rooms were small but had heaps of character with lounges on their verandahs, and a fireplace in the middle of their camp site. Challenges were certainly going to be had in the kitchen.....even I couldn't work out how to operate the oven!
I felt confident and proud of the students as I said goodbye, however they didn't seem too fazed about my departure, as lunch was about to be served.
We stopped halfway at the Wivenhoe Dam to share a morning tea that consisted of coke, chips and tim tams. Each student savoured every last crumb as it would be their last for at least 2 weeks. After the sugar hit we attempted to get a lovely group photo but the excitement was too much and they just couldn't sit still. I think the photos say it all.
As we got closer the noise in the bus lowered as the students peered outside their windows to see their accommodation. There were many horses and cows, and a lot of red dirt that would surely ruin their white shoes. They got off the bus and were welcomed immediately with friendly, smiling faces who told them where their cabins were so they could settle in. The rooms were small but had heaps of character with lounges on their verandahs, and a fireplace in the middle of their camp site. Challenges were certainly going to be had in the kitchen.....even I couldn't work out how to operate the oven!
I felt confident and proud of the students as I said goodbye, however they didn't seem too fazed about my departure, as lunch was about to be served.
Mrs Courtney Nissen PCG Teacher
Monday, July 26, 2010
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