Student Leadership

Philosophy Fiesta at Narmbool: A 3-Day Brainy Bash!

G'day Edenhope College Families!

Hold onto your thinking caps because we've just wrapped up an absolutely epic adventure at the Philosophy Camp hosted at Narmbool! Picture this: three days of deep thoughts, feathered friends, bush hikes, and mind-bending discussions—all under the big Aussie sky. It was like a philosophical rollercoaster, and let me tell you, it was a ride to remember!

First things first, massive shoutout to the Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools (VAPS) for orchestrating this brainy bonanza, and a huge high-five to the Department of Education for making it all happen without putting a dent in anyone's piggy bank. That's right, the whole shebang was 100% free for our amazing students!

Now, let me paint you a picture of the magic that unfolded at Narmbool:

Mixing It Up with 6 Schools:

Imagine cabins filled with laughter, activities groups that were an absolute riot, and philosophical discussions buzzing with excitement. We teamed up with five other schools, creating a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and, of course, a heap of new friendships. Mix-school everything? Heck yes!

Philosophy, Owls, and a Bit of Culture:

Our days were jam-packed with activities that were as thought-provoking as they were flat-out fun. From getting up close and personal with some feathered friends in the "Meet the Beaks" session full of owls and birds of prey to diving deep into traditional Aboriginal practices, our brains were firing on all cylinders.

Did I mention the 6km hike to a bush cabin? It was like a philosophical pilgrimage, with each step sparking new ideas and discussions. And trust me, nothing says "brain workout" like Aquatic Sampling, where our students turned into mini-scientists, collecting specimens from the dam and nerding out in the science lab.

Philosophical Thinking:

But hold onto your pondering hats, folks, because the real magic happened in our philosophical discussions led by the cool cats from VAPS. Picture this: collaborative dialogue about what philosophy really is, pondering the existence of owl experiences (yep, you read that right), grappling with cultural preservation and reconciliation, diving into the deep end with discussions about life and death, and wrapping it all up with a philosophical love letter to biodiversity and the beauty of nature.

Fun, Friends, and Fresh Perspectives:

As the sun set on Narmbool, our students walked away not just with a head full of new ideas but also with hearts full of joy and connections that'll last a lifetime. It was a whirlwind of fun, learning, and deep thoughts, and we couldn't be prouder of our students for diving headfirst into this philosophical fiesta.

So here's to the incredible experience, the fantastic friendships forged, and the joyous journey of exploration and enlightenment. Until next time, keep those minds curious and those hearts open!

Cheers to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and a touch of philosophical pondering!

Warm regards,

Ben Kilby