Australian Young Friends Camp Epistle
Posted February 2nd, 2009 by EmilyStewart
Australian Young Friends Camp
December 28th 2008-January 2nd 2009
Werona, New South Wales
To dear Friends everywhere,
In the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, in south-eastern Australia, 24 Young Friends gathered in the spirit of friendship. We met at the collectively owned property, Werona, and while not all of us had been there before, its familiarity was welcoming and relaxing for all.
Nestled on the Shoalhaven River, the beauty of the *insert number here* property that is Werona, was a delight for us. We were blessed by the presence of many of our co-habitants of the ‘more-than-human world’ and delighted in the visits from Goannas, Echidna, Kangaroos and even the ticks and leeches. Time spent quietly watching these creatures, allowed them to relax and then continue to go about their business, as we become part of the bush. It allowed us a chance to really be present and to witness the extra-ordinary-ness of the world we live in.
Working together is always a key element of our gatherings, and this was no exception here. We came together many times throughout the day, and whether it was to prepare food, wash dishes, construct steps to the river or sweep the top hut, we appreciate the opportunity these times present to continue the conversations, sharing and deepening of friendships that we have with each other.
Our time together as Young Friends is always precious, and even more so as we draw closer to the Backhouse Lecture, which Young Friends will be presenting at Yearly Meeting in 2010. We see the BHL as an opportunity to reflect on ourselves as individuals and as a group. We recognise that many elements make us who we are and that we can learn and grow by reflecting on and sharing about these.
We work to balance our time and make space for all the things we want to do. It is clear that our play time is as important as our work time, so time spent jumping off the rope swing, sharing meals, in workshops, playing games, gazing at the stars and in discussion groups, are all equally important in our preparation for the lecture.
We ask that you hold us in the light especially, over the next 12 months, as we enter our Backhouse year and the joys and challenges this will present us. We hope to see many of you in Adelaide in 2010.
With much love,
Australian Young Friends
December 28th 2008-January 2nd 2009
Werona, New South Wales
To dear Friends everywhere,
In the beautiful Kangaroo Valley, in south-eastern Australia, 24 Young Friends gathered in the spirit of friendship. We met at the collectively owned property, Werona, and while not all of us had been there before, its familiarity was welcoming and relaxing for all.
Nestled on the Shoalhaven River, the beauty of the *insert number here* property that is Werona, was a delight for us. We were blessed by the presence of many of our co-habitants of the ‘more-than-human world’ and delighted in the visits from Goannas, Echidna, Kangaroos and even the ticks and leeches. Time spent quietly watching these creatures, allowed them to relax and then continue to go about their business, as we become part of the bush. It allowed us a chance to really be present and to witness the extra-ordinary-ness of the world we live in.
Working together is always a key element of our gatherings, and this was no exception here. We came together many times throughout the day, and whether it was to prepare food, wash dishes, construct steps to the river or sweep the top hut, we appreciate the opportunity these times present to continue the conversations, sharing and deepening of friendships that we have with each other.
Our time together as Young Friends is always precious, and even more so as we draw closer to the Backhouse Lecture, which Young Friends will be presenting at Yearly Meeting in 2010. We see the BHL as an opportunity to reflect on ourselves as individuals and as a group. We recognise that many elements make us who we are and that we can learn and grow by reflecting on and sharing about these.
We work to balance our time and make space for all the things we want to do. It is clear that our play time is as important as our work time, so time spent jumping off the rope swing, sharing meals, in workshops, playing games, gazing at the stars and in discussion groups, are all equally important in our preparation for the lecture.
We ask that you hold us in the light especially, over the next 12 months, as we enter our Backhouse year and the joys and challenges this will present us. We hope to see many of you in Adelaide in 2010.
With much love,
Australian Young Friends
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