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.

Mrs Courtney Nissen PCG Teacher

Coochiemudlo - Camp 1 26 July, 2010