Volume 31 Issue 35 11 Nov 2022 17 Heshvan 5783

A Celebration of Community

Justine Hofman – Head of P&F

We waited all year for it – and it was beyond worth it. Over 240 of us gathered at Glenworth Valley for a family camping weekend that was all about community, nature and learning that the only thing kids need to be happy is a big pile of dirt.

With a big emphasis on bringing our families together, we joined in a communal Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah. In between we enjoyed damper and s’mores, shakshuka cook-offs, river play, dirt play, cricket and soccer games – there was even an offering of Goulash that fed half the campers on Saturday afternoon.

Thank you to our fabulous committee who really put thought into encouraging everyone to get out of their comfort zone and connect with new families. The result was an even stronger and warmer sense of community.

On behalf of everyone who attended, biggest thanks to Mary Glikin, (committee head), Ilan Bloom, Rupil Ismin and Anita Clarke. You guys are wonderful and very much appreciated.

For all of you keen beans, put in the diary Friday 17 March 2023 – Sunday 19 March 2023 for the next camping weekend.

 

We also wanted to share lovely a poem written by the Franks family on the car ride home:

Camping Glenworth Valley 2022

There were marshmallows, s’mores, damper and more
Over fires, in bellies and dropped on the floor
There were giant dirt hills, freezing river dips, horses and bikes
Conquered, wrestled on, and taken on hikes

Amongst tent poles and instructions, unpacking and pitching
There was bonding and satisfaction, sharing and switching

Shabbat was welcomed with sparks of fire and song
Singing and swaying, we pledged to get along!

Day two we recovered from a cold, chilly night
Waking to bird song and the warm morning light

We enjoyed talent shows and gym sessions, a Hungarian feast
Chess games, ball games, or some banter at the least!

Nature was calling: cliffs and stars in open skies
Eucalypts, wildlife and sometimes ponderings about life’s ‘whys’

Bird song, kids voices, laughter, that one barking dog
Snoring, ear plugs, and for some, sleep like a log

Some showered, while others chose to embrace their natural state
With dirt everywhere, a nice home shower could wait

After birthdays, pancakes, sugar highs and crashes
The time has arrived, to leave Glenworth Valley, and make our home dashes

Reminders and Dates for the Diary

  • End of Year Staff Gift Collection – closes on Monday 21 November 2022. (refer to the email sent on Wednesday 2 November 2022)
  • Fridays at 3.30 pm: Friday Chills
  • Monday 28 November 2022: P&F Term 4 general meeting at 7.00 pm (note date change)
  • Friday 17 March 2023 – Sunday 19 March 2023: Autumn family camping weekend