Tuesday 30 August 2011
Wow, what a day! The three day hike was postponed for the second day in a row. A lot of the girls seemed quite relieved. We don’t think it’s going to happen tomorrow either because of all the rain heading our way. Today was a 6:30am start with morning jobs then pancakes for breakfast followed by an introduction to abseiling. After morning tea we had initiative games which were fun. We had sandwiches for lunch then we prepared for Family Day. Finally we had afternoon tea and then afternoon jobs were announced. A lot of people played UNO and then we prepared for a hike. Josh made fire so we could enjoy warm showers to finish the day.
Having lots of fun here even though we miss our families and friends. More stories soon.
By Emma, Josh and Emily
Monday 29 August 2011
Today we woke up to a chilly morning which was slightly disappointing for the girls whose 3 day hike had been postponed. As the day started to warm-up we all got started on project work. We baked, chopped wood, collected firewood and did many more exciting jobs. In the afternoon, Hannah hand fed her first horse, along with Toni, Eve, Claire, and Nick. During afternoon jobs, (Connor and Annie) while milking the cows, managed to get peed on by the cow (Leila). We had a great dinner of Spaghetti Bolognaise and are looking forward to mail night tonight.
By Claire Nick and Sam
Sunday 28 August 2011
On Sunday mornings all 3 cabins usually wake up at 7:00am, as for Schultz cabin, they got the privilege of staying in bed until 8:30am because they had the most points at the end of the week for having the cleanest cabins, dining and kitchen areas. After morning devotion which was run by Anne, Connor and Bryson, we had breakfast. The cooks didn’t have to make a fire for Sunday’s breakfast. Following Chapel Mr Greiger talked with us about teamwork and unit building. We have also begun planning our own worship for next Sunday, Family Day! The rest of the day we had free time to journal, write letters, do our washing, play music and read books. Some people finished their washing while others went out and patted horses and cows. For afternoon tea we had cookies which Miss McLennan cooked for us. The girls are doing a three day hike from tomorrow and the boys are going on Tuesday. We have had some wet weather throughout this week but we got a nice hot sunny day today.
Hannah, Anne, Cameron
Friday 26 August 2011
It has been another early morning, waking up to the bell at 6.15am! To start the day we did the usual morning devotion and then began morning jobs. When we heard that there were pancakes on offer for breakfast, spirits lifted high! Toni and Anne cooked the best pancakes with Nick coming in 2nd!
After breakfast it was time for our cabins to be inspected. When our cabins were tidy we did the morning activities which included low ropes and then the mighty wall of Adrian! It required loads of strength. We then had lunch and moved onto the afternoon activity, we could choose wood chopping, poop duty or games. No one chose games, half did poop duty and half chopped wood. Toni, Hannah, Eve and Claire picked up 2 barrows of poop. We then had half an hour of peaceful, quiet journaling time. Afternoon tea was followed by chilling with our new family until jobs.
Drico, Nick and Toni made an especially great fire. Binga has changed everyone in Coochie, we are more like a family.
Toni, Nick, Drico
Saturday 27 August 2011
We woke up this morning with our first 7am start. This was alright as our usual day starts at 6am. We then had some delicious bacon and eggs for breakfast. It was also our first ‘free day’ where we spent the whole day doing whatever we wanted. Our choices were limited because the forecast included only rain, rain and more rain. So the day was spent talking, reading and playing Uno. The relaxation was good though as everyone was still sore from Adrian’s Wall. We started washing our clothes today and despite all the work it was actually fun. Then again the rain wrecked our plans. When we went to hang up our clothes it started raining so our clothes are still not dry. Hopefully it dries up so we can continue horse riding and go on our three day hike.
Connor C, Anne and Bryson
Thursday 25 August 2011
Today we started with horses after breakfast and morning jobs. We all went to the horse yard to learn how to approach a horse and how to saddle a horse then we had morning tea.
After morning tea we went back to the horse yard to learn how to ride a horse correctly. Then we finally got to ride our horse.
We started our jobs in the afternoon with some of us excited about the jobs we got. Dom and Ben made a huge fire so people were able to have hot showers.
Dominic, Ben, Shelby
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Today we got back from our first overnight camp out. After being blindfolded and being taken down a rocky road, we arrived in a muddy and wet clearing and started setting tents up in the rain. That night we sat around cooking dinner, singing camp songs and making up nick-names for each other. When we went to bed we had a yelling war between 3 of the tents and some of the girls were singing as well. When we woke up at 5:30am we started up the fire again and sat around until it was time to pack up our tents and packs and set off again, expecting the track to be a stroll in the park. But it wasn’t, with steep hills and heavy bags we pulled through as a group. When we got back we were introduced to the horses. It was interesting and we learnt a lot and tomorrow we ride the horses for the first time.
Josh, Riley and Claire
Monday 22 August 2011
We started today with Mr Pope giving a farewell speech and a warming morning devotion. As we left the College keen for Mount Binga, but not the three hour drive, we all had no idea if we could really survive twenty eight days without any technology at all. At about halfway through the trip to Mount Binga we stopped off just before Esk and had a morning tea break which included a can of drink, chips, muesli bars, Tim Tams and lollies. It was great to stop for a little while and have a break before setting off again for another one and a half hours of driving. The rest of the way some of us talked, some had competitions on who could count the most amounts of cows and some tried to have a nap. When we arrived at Mount Binga we grabbed our bags and were assigned to our rooms where we settled in quickly and found everything quickly. After settling in we had lunch. When we had finally finished lunch we were briefed on the campuses expectations and regulations. We then had afternoon tea and were assigned to our duties.
Connor B-M, Eve, Emma
The morning started off cold and wet, but this didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of our students and parents. They were excited to have the opportunity to experience what would be an amazing time at the Mount Binga Outdoor Education Facility. The students said their goodbyes and after a few tears they got on the bus and started to sing songs and cheer with enthusiasm. Morning tea at Wivenhoe was pleasant, some enjoying the company of colourful parrots and just sitting in the warm sun. We eventually made it to the Binga camp and the students already were excited over the cows and horses. They were welcomed with the kind faces of the Mt Binga staff and they settled in with ease. All the students had smiles on their faces.
Mrs Courtney Nissen
Pastoral Care Teacher
Thursday 18 August 2011
Today we woke up to the sound of the Binga Bell, as usual. We got up at 7 o’clock, so we got to sleep in by 45 minutes. Today was the Binga challenge and it was amazing. We participated in many different challenges. There were ups, downs and everything in between. Finally after we battled it out, it came time to decide the winner of the day. On 26 points, Shultz came second and on 28, Greasly came out on top!
We then broke for afternoon tea, and then afternoon jobs. We are all exhausted from today’s efforts and are ready for a sleep. Mount Binga is coming to an end and we wish it didn’t but we are still excited to see our families. Mount Binga has taught us so much, and Russell has grown to be a really awesome group. Our time here will stay in our memories forever and it wouldn’t be the same without the awesome staff.
Binga Blog for Russell signing off,
Lucas, Josh and Jack
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Today is the end of a fun 2 days, with Russell doing the solo camp on Tuesday and today abseiling at Coomba Falls. Most people liked the solo because it was a time of self-reflection, and a time of spiritual growth. We were asked to read the gospel of Mark which most enjoyed. Coomba Falls was peaceful but also a great test for some. But being Russell we all strongly climbed down the 18m wall. Some went beyond brave and went upside down.
We ended the day with a warm fire and Nachos. We can honestly say everyone will sleep well in their own beds tonight. Binga has grown to be so much like a home for some. It is going to be sad to leave.
From Connor, Hannah and Ella.
Binga Blog 