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Carmichael House headed to the mountains and into the wild for House Camp 2020. Thunderbird Park at Mount Tamborine was the destination to be at for all things Carmichael. After a short bus ride up through the hinterland, we arrived among the wilderness and wildlife (including a giant Pterodactyl guarding its Thunder Eggs). Students bunked in wooden cabins with old friends and new, making the space their own within minutes – clothes and gear scattered everywhere, combined with that distinct teenager aroma. Unfortunately only select staff enjoyed air-conditioned bungalows and luxury bush lodges to contend with for the three days.
Students and staff alike enjoyed a range of outdoor activities run by the awesome staff at Thunderbird Park and Tree Tops, including the high ropes Tree Top Challenge course, the down and dirty Mud Challenge Course, Raft and Catapult Building and Laser Skirmish battles. These activities were prime opportunities for Carmichael students and staff to bond together, to be challenged and have fun. The Thunderbird Park staff were blow away by the great behaviour and positive attitudes of our students, claiming them to be some of the best students groups they have ever had the privileged of hosting. The secret creek waterhole also proved to be a excellent little discovery for cooling off in, especially for Mr Baddeley and the senior boys – at all hours of the day and night. A special treat for all was the late night campfire with this obligatory marshmallow roasting, in which someone thought we might need to use a fire extinguisher to put out. All of which happened under the watchful eyes of the kookaburras, goannas and a million mozzies.
We enjoyed great meals and catering fit for a wedding, with table cloths and matching cutlery, with a ‘bridal table’ for the teachers at the front of the Sapphire Room, and newly-purchased water coolers to help hydrate and beat the heat. Our fearless Year 12 leaders ran and lead some awesome events such as the highly competitive Trivia Night, impromptu rave party, and our quintessential War Cry Battle!
Carmichael House also spent time exploring the bible, having worship and sharing together. Nic, Paris and Jaden shared some outstanding devotions with the group and Life Group leaders encouraged and inspired Life Group for the year ahead. Looking at the theme of the Armour of God in Ephesians 6, and unpacking the values we wish to exhibit through the lens of the Hillcrest Shield, was the focus of our life sessions. The theme and idea of a Shield Wall for Carmichael House – that is, we all stand together, shoulder to shoulder, increasing our collective strength and having a common Faith, was explored. We even got our Tik Tok groove on and learned the ‘Armour of God’ dance – good times!
A huge thanks to House Captains Eva and Mackie, all the Year 12 leaders and wonderful Carmichael staff for making House Camp 2020 such a legendary event for all of our highly-valued students. Carmichael House Camp was an awesome start to our school year and in the words of Amy Carmichael, of which we are her namesake: It is better to burn out, than to rust out!
Carmichael – Raise the Shield Wall, hold the front line! We hold this wall together, our hearts will never sink!
Damien Taylor
Head of Carmichael House