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Mittagundi Letter from the Chair Dear friend/ colleague/ acquaintance/ stranger yet to meet, When I was a 16 year old student at high school (some 20 years ago now...), I had the opportunity to go on a Mittagundi course. I was a little intrigued and a little suspicious, a little excited. I had heard from many other young people who had gone away on a Friday, met a bunch of people in Albury and come back ten days later with big smiles and great stories. New friendships, the rafting, the absiel, the walk in, the walk out, sleeping in log cabins, eating porridge, the staff !! Everyone talked about the staff and the great conversations that they had with these leaders. Chats about life, meaning, the bush, the future, work, play, growing up, making a difference, being yourself. And receiving a hand written letter afterwards from one of the staff - kids at school talked about that heaps. So, I went along, and it happened for me. I came back with the smiles and the stories, a greater sense of self, an experience of being part of a community and making a difference. I chopped wood to light the stove to cook the food. I felt valued and appreciated when the veggie garden crew came in for morning tea and were so appreciative of the scones we lumped together. I rafted and bobbed down the Mitta Mitta river. I hiked through the High Plains and slept in a tent and had amazing conversations around the campfire with friends new and old. I felt the support of a group as I edged my way to the top of the abseil and backed down the rock face with knees shaking and heart in my mouth.
Mittagundi courses are staying true to the original vision of offering young people a chance to live and learn in a values based way. The place hasn't changed. I believe that the simple lifestyle, the connectedness to people and place, the simple cause and effect experiences are as relevant today as ever. The stories and the connections with people and place continue. So, for your teenager, or someone else you know who is 14 - 17 and prepared to give it a go, the 2013 program dates have just been released. Grab a mate and give it a go.
Cheers,
Suzanna Christison - Council Chair
Suz
Mittagundi Festival & Pioneer Skills Friday -13th Sunday 15th Jan 2013 Bushdance (Friday night), Pioneer skills demonstrations, cross cut saw comp, sheaf toss, tractor pull and roast, Mittagundi merchandise, open ‘mic’ trailer stage, camping and river swims.
This was such a coming of age adventure.
Come along for a stella weekend of festivities, great music, dancing and demonstrations - Everyone Welcome Check the website for 2013 Dates
www.mittagundi.org.au