Bright Camp - 2

Ah, it had finally arrived… The Bright camp 2 journey was about to begin. Cakes had been stacked and deliciously packed away, bags were squished into the horse float, parents were cuddled and hugged and the tingling of excitement and anticipation was thick in the air. Relief, pure and sweet, was also in the air, as the Bright camp two-ers looked gratefully above them to see blue skies and feel the sun’s warmth on their faces. Bright camp 1 had not been so lucky. They had handled it like true heroes, but it was clear it had been challenging. For summer holidays don’t tend to feel as holiday-ish without that glorious sun. And so with this relief, a thank you was uttered silently to the weather gods and off we set.

The drive was smooth, the kids were giggling, and we made it to Bright in good time. We had a quick circle time, where the central message to all students was simply: be kind, be kinder than is necessary.

We then got stuck into setting up tents, which happened remarkably quickly considering the amount of tents and kids we had. The year sixes were incredibly generous with their own time, and helped the little ones get their sleeping bags and mats set up, and before we knew it, teddies were tucked into their beds and torches were hidden behind pillows. Then it was out to play, to explore, and not long after it was dinner time, which everyone was more than ready for. And then… bed.

The first night is always challenging for the little ones, but also a time of great excitement. Teeth are brushed (at times more of a 10 second job than two minute). Pj’s on, tucked in, sunlight fading and teachers perching outside tents reading stories, patting heads and even singing the odd lullaby. After a good few hours, with crickets chirping and water gurgling, and year sixes still chattering (how are they still awake?), sleep finally takes us into her arms.

Only to wake us at the crack of dawn as the little ones bounce into the morning, with voices that just don’t seem to have volume control! Coffee, or liquid gold as I like to call it, is poured and eggs and bacon sizzle in the pan. The kids drizzle into the kitchen slowly, hungry, rubbing eyes but excited for the day. Some are even in their bathers, shivering but ever so ready for skipping stones in the creek.

We eat, get dressed (some of us) and mosey into the day. Minutes bleed into hours and it’s time for the waterpark. We take with us the essentials; towels, hats, CAKE!! We follow the creek until we see the water fountains, and for the little ones, there are squeals of joy as they run straight into the spray. Hours later we head back, wet, happy, and tired. Snacks are handed out, carrots are munched, tables set up with chess, and drawing and even some crazy unicorn card game that I couldn’t quite get my head around.

Another night inevitably comes to greet us and for most, it’s time to settle down and have dinner. Except tonight, for a lucky few, another fate awaits us.

Katy Perry, pop star beloved by many of the students, has come to Bright to support those affected by the fires. It is a free concert for anyone involved in fire relief, including all locals to the area and the surrounding areas. This of course, does not include us, but we have decided that I will take a small group just to sit outside the park and listen to the concert. As far as we know, the gig is in a big field and anyone is welcome to sit outside and watch the big screen. So off the small group trots, excited to at least be close to something exciting.

And yet the gods of pop music must have been hovering above because as we lay out our rug by the gate, and sit ourselves down to enjoy Katy Perry vicariously through the screen, a man walks up to us, or should I say an angel, and asks me whether I might like to take this lovely group of kids inside the concert. Would I? I splutter… before quickly answering yes, that would be splendid, in my most charming voice. He leaves for a few minutes, whispers something to the lady at the gate, and suddenly we find ourselves lining up, fluorescent pink wrist bands are stuck on our wrists and we are walking across the green towards a crowd of 7000! Actually walking is an understatement, we pretty much skipped in.

And suddenly there we were, on the edge of a crowd thick with people. I tell the kids this is unbelievable luck, this never happens and how special is this? We make our way down to the front, but stay safely on the side. Losing kids in crowd of 7000 is not part of my plan so we stick together and find a patch of grass to dance on. And dance we do!! Katy plays all her hits, and we sing merrily along, dance like lunatics and laugh hysterically. We are having such a great time, that people around us are giggling just looking at us. I think to some degree they are simply surprised to see one grown up with so many kids, not to mention the grown up dancing more crazily than any of the kids. A few people even ask me if I am their teacher, to which I say yes, and they visibly widen their eyes! It is at this moment, that I feel really grateful to be a Candlebark teacher.

It is almost time for us to leave and Katy still hasn’t played our favourite song. I ask the kids to put out a small wish that she plays 'Roar' next, so we can dance and then head off. We all make a silent prayer for this last tune and lo and behold, she breaks into that very song. Our jubilation is clear and we dance like we’ve never danced before (in fact we dance like no one has ever danced before). We then head off, attempting to beat the crowd. We reach the tree, I count them all, and thankfully, we haven’t lost anyone at all! We laugh as we run towards the field, and just as we reach the grass, we hear the song Firework, booming out of the speakers. Without a word from me, the kids break into spontaneous running, cartwheeling and spinning. Lewis drops to the ground in an impromptu worm dance and joy spills out of us, filling us all. I drop the bag I am carrying and we all have one last, crazy boogie. The concert is over and we walk back to the campsite, talking in fast forward about how amazing our night was. Despite telling the kids to walk in quietly, they race in and can’t help telling anyone and everyone how wonderful our night was. Stories go from getting free tickets (true) to being in the front row (not true) to meeting Katy Perry (not remotely true). We head off to bed, and despite being woken at least 12 times that night, I am stoked to have had the opportunity to create a magical moment that I know none of us will ever forget.

The next day we wake to another day of sunshine, both in reality and in our hearts, as it’s finally the day the kids have been looking forward to all year, lolly day/op shop day!! We have brekkie, get our wallets ready and head off around 11am to see what treasures the op shop and lolly shop have for us today. Each group spends a good amount of time looking and all return happy and satisfied that they secured the most lucrative deal for their five dollars. Many of the kids buy treasures and treats for their siblings, their parents and their friends. It’s these little moments that our first thoughts of being kinder than is necessary, really come out to shine.

That afternoon sees us head to the waterslide and as the line snakes out to the gate, it’s clear that some of the kids are feeling a little nervous. Half an hour later, and with a few tandem goes with teachers, almost all of the kids have had a go on their own. Shivering bodies and enormous grins abound and many of the kids are filled with a newfound sense of bravery and pride. These are memories they will take with them.

The last afternoon is suddenly upon us and we get the kids to clean up their tents, get their bags packed and clothes ready for the following morning. Andy and Bliz do a tent inspection, taking pains to lift all mats looking for stray undies and looking suitably horrified when they find them. The kids while initially nervous about such an inspection, soon realise that they are being over dramatic, and are soon in fits of laughter as the very strict inspectors run out of tents holding their noses and frowning in dismay as they encounter unwanted socks and unruly lolly wrappers.

The night comes, and the kids go to bed remarkably quickly. This is often the way on the last night.

The teachers gather, have final chats, final laughs and head to bed themselves. The morning will be hectic, and all need their sleep.

The morning comes and due to the superb efforts of the day before, pack up goes like clockwork, or at least, the kind of clockwork where everyone is crazy busy but nothing goes terribly wrong! After a successful clean up, and a last delicious munching of cakes, it is time to say goodbye to Bright. We have our final circle, where we acknowledge those around us who have been particularly kind, the incredible bravery and tenacity of the Preps, and also the incredible efforts of the Feathertop kids.

We board the buses and cars, and wave goodbye to Bright. Until next time…

- Nat Haimon