Our Year 9s return from their three-week camp ‘Out West’ on Monday — a unique experience of spending an extended time together in nature, away from technology and all the comforts of home, with many opportunities for these adolescents’ developing independence, resilience and empathy. A report from the road from Guardians Paris McKey and Siobhan Hunderford-Gerth:

We have arrived in Milparinka after spending an incredible week in Mutawintji National Park. We carved nulla nullas and clap sticks with Keanu and Michael (our Barkinji guides), ate bush tucker, hiked spectacular gorges and swam in seven degree waters!

We are now in Milparinka which is flat and rocky, and has a population of seven, all of whom we met at dinner last night! This morning we woke up to ice on our swags and huddled around the fire and drank hot cups of tea.

Our days have been spent playing games, talking about life and becoming one large family group. It has been wonderful to see the class come together and offer help whenever and wherever they can.

Siobhan Hungerford-Gerth and Paris McKey
Year 9 Guardians