Camps

Dear all,

Happy Fall to you all.  It is very funny to see references to Memorial Day and the Indy 500 and have colored leaves blowing across the yard.

The Fall here has been nothing short of spectacular.  The weather continues to be beautiful with crisp mornings and warm sunny days.  There are a handful of trees with yellow and red leaves.  Those are the rogue European / American trees versus the gum trees that are evergreens.  

The hills around us appeared to have changed color as the Fall sun makes them a darker blue, versus the reddish green of the summer months.  It is all very beautiful.

This Fall season is the season of Australian Rules Football (Footy) and Camps.  As I have discovered Australians really do like shortening words.  For example, it is not "mathematics" here, it is "maths."  And it is not a "camping trip", it is "camps."

Lincoln just returned from a week long horseback riding camps.  It was an amazing experience.  I have not had a child who has ever come back from a camping experience and have been so taken by it.  Lincoln has been teaching us campfire songs, telling jokes (some of which are in good taste), and sharing his amazing experiences.  One of the highlights was riding the horse with no hands and closing his eyes - the result of much confidence gained throughout the week.

Skyler is currently out on her third camp.  This one is over a week long and involves a long canoe trip and a long hike.  It will be a wonderful way for Skyler to see Australia and gain a real appreciation for its outdoors.  

Phineas is about to embark on a two week trip to the center of Australia that will involve both a study of native culture and a community service element.  It should be quite a trip.  I am not sure if I personally could be with a large group of 10th and 11th graders for 14 days but I am sure they will all learn a lot.

Kipling has not yet started camps but did take a trip to the local mall to get some new shoes.  Some "Pumas" which are very fast and allowed him to make the bike trip to school in record time today.

We have also been entertained by a lot of music recently.  Skyler played with the RAah Project a couple weeks ago.  It was very fun - a real listening adventure (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et6M1WUoxuw).  This weekend Lincoln and his class is going to play music for a bush dance at the local community hall.

Margaret has been enjoying classes and last week she spent the week touring businesses and meeting people who were inspired by Waldorf Education - ranging from farmers to architects to health clinics.  Some very interesting discussions.

Be well,

Nord