Limitless Blog

Week 6 – We’re Coming Home

Back to Homestead, More Birthdays and Final Celebrations

Our Limitless Birthdays

This week, we celebrated the final two birthdays for the Limitless 2025, Krishnam and Jonah. Their activity groups marked the occasion with cards and cake.

Finishing the 10 Day Expedition

Our Limitless students have completed their 10-day expedition, spending 9 nights camping in outback Queensland. Together, they hiked 325.6 km, canoed 110.5 km, crossed streams, climbed numerous peaks, waded through mud and encountered wildlife such as kangaroos and snakes. During the trip, each student undertook a “Solo,” spending 8 hours alone in the wilderness. Some chose to read, write, or build temporary shelters during this time. Throughout the journey, spirits remained high in every group. When asked about their highlights, many students named the Solo as their favourite part. We are extremely proud of all our students—this expedition is a remarkable achievement that showcases their resilience.

Bonyi’s dry feet before 3km swamp

Nguruin wading through streams

Gulla still strong on day 9

Warbu’s final sunrise on expedition

Mari after their ‘Solo’

Wongai still smiling after a 13km hike

Welcome Back to Homestead

On Tuesday, we welcomed our intrepid adventurers back to the homestead after their epic wilderness journey. As they entered the gates for the final time as an activity group, we celebrated this milestone by dropping them off to walk, run or holds hands down the driveway and reunite after 10 days in separate activity groups. Their remarkable achievement was honoured with music and cold drinks as they chatted, shared memories, stories and reconnected with friends after their time apart.

The Talent Show

The celebrations continued into the evening with the Limitless Talent Show, showcasing incredible performances from Kai, Ryan, Leo, Raffi, Davian, the entire Nguruin activity group, Isabella and Eva, The Bonyi Girls, Callia, Olivia, and Anna. It was a wonderful display of creativity and talent, made even more special by the enthusiastic support from the audience.

School Groups

On our second-to-last day, we started reflecting on our upcoming return to everyday life and everything that comes with it. As part of this, we gathered in our school groups to take a photo to send back to our school community, letting them know they’re in our thoughts. We’re really excited to see you all.

Discovery College

Island School

KGV

Renaissance College

Sha Tin College

South Island School

West Island School

The Big Celebration Dinner

On our final evening, the staff at Higher Ground hosted a special celebration dinner to honour the remarkable growth the Limitless students have achieved over the past six weeks. We were delighted to find the usual plastic plates and cups replaced with real crockery and glasses, complemented by fairy lights, tablecloths and table decorations that created a warm, festive atmosphere.

For this memorable night, the students took a well-deserved break from their usual dinner duties and were served by the staff instead. The evening was filled with singing and the signing of shirts, adding to the sense of camaraderie and celebration. Each activity group then performed a short presentation, sharing a creative glimpse into their unique journeys and experiences during the expeditions. It was a joyful and meaningful way to reflect on all they had accomplished together.

Well Done Limitless from all Instructors, Higher Ground Staff and Teachers.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who took part in the Limitless programme. It takes a truly remarkable individual to embrace the challenges and opportunities of this journey and to thrive throughout the experience. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you!

Week 5 and they’re off…

Lots More Birthday Celebrations at Limitless

We had a record breaking four birthdays this week with our most recent celebration out in the wilderness.

Community Contributions and Expedition Prep

After a great “physical health” session, the week kicked off with a truly meaningful “community service” initiative, where our students dedicated their energy to supporting the local Queensland community. They dove into various activities, including the vital work of invasive species removal, helping to protect the delicate native ecosystem. They also experienced the unique local tradition of gold panning, sifting through riverbeds with excitement, connecting with the area’s rich history. To leave a lasting legacy for future visitors, students creatively collaborated on the creation of local wildlife bingo cards, designed to enhance the experience of those staying at the campsites.

Following their hard work, students enjoyed a much-needed and well-earned rest day. They relaxed by playing lively games of football and engaging in strategic card games, enjoying the simple pleasures of downtime together. Most importantly, this day was crucial for meticulously prepping for their final and longest expedition yet! It was a huge, complex task, demanding careful planning, packing, and coordination. Yet, they all skillfully utilised the planning, organisational, and teamwork abilities they’ve learned and honed throughout their adventure. Their readiness and excitement for this ultimate challenge is a true testament to their growth!

Warbu

What an extraordinary start for Team Warbu! By Day 3 of their expedition, they had already conquered over 30km of challenging terrain, navigating their way both up and down some incredibly steep inclines. Their efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved lunch boasting breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Allan, a truly memorable moment. Demonstrating remarkable skill and careful navigation, they successfully crossed multiple rivers, with only one intrepid member experiencing the minor misfortune of a wet foot – a testament to their growing expertise!

After a challenging day, the team found respite and a deeper connection with nature at Bolomba Creek Campground. Here, all members of Warbu have not only embraced but mastered the quintessential outdoor art of rock skimming, enjoying the simple pleasures of the wild. The nights have been serenely spent sleeping next to the soothing sounds of the flowing river, a perfect soundtrack to their adventure.

Fully immersing themselves in the spirit of communal living, Team Warbu has commendably abolished the traditional cooking rota. Instead, they’ve chosen to work together as a unified team in the camp kitchen, fostering incredible collaboration. Their efforts have already produced a fan-favourite meal: a delicious carbonara, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to be sacrificed in the bush! Evenings are dedicated to reflection and planning, spent around a crackling campfire, sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows, while thoughtfully discussing smart goals for the next day. These discussions focus on fostering positive mindsets and ensuring regular check-ins with every group member, reinforcing their supportive team dynamic.

Throughout their journey, a diverse range of flora and fauna has accompanied the group, adding to the richness of their Australian experience. They’ve had delightful encounters with wallabies hopping by and the cheerful calls of kookaburras. They’ve also learned valuable lessons about the wild, respectfully observing a red-bellied black snake and, more cautionary, becoming intimately aware of the notorious Gympie-Gympie tree, known for its stinging touch that leaves an itch for months!

Team Warbu’s progress is a true showcase of resilience, camaraderie, and an impressive embrace of the wild.

 

Bonyi

Team Bonyi  have been truly immersed in the raw beauty and rugged challenges of the Queensland landscape. They’ve traversed rolling hills, navigated through diverse terrain that shifted from solid ground to tricky, squishy swamps, and trekked alongside gorgeous rivers. Even after three days without the luxury of a shower, their spirits remain incredibly high, largely thanks to their intense food-oriented focus! Finding the perfect spot for well-earned snacks and delicious meals has become a treasured highlight, offering not just sustenance but a moment of shared joy and camaraderie amidst their many adventures.

 

Mari

What an epic start to their expedition! Team Mari has truly embarked on an unforgettable journey, canoeing their way around the gorgeous, shimmering sites of Noosa. They skillfully paddled through the pristine waters, taking in the breathtaking natural beauty. Their adventure saw them camping first at Boreen Point, a tranquil lakeside spot, before continuing their paddle to “Habitat,” immersing themselves deeper into the Queensland wilderness.

Throughout this watery adventure, the team has shown incredible camaraderie, supporting each other through every stroke and portage. Beyond their paddling prowess, they’re swiftly becoming experts in camp cooking, transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals under the open sky. It’s a testament to their growing teamwork and adaptability!

Nguruin

Team Nguruin has truly tasted the world of elevation for the first time! They tackled some beautiful, challenging hikes, pushing their limits as they ascended and descended, experiencing the landscape from exhilarating new perspectives. Back on flatter ground, their competitive spirit shone as they enjoyed a unique game of touch rugby using a water drum, a fun and energetic way to build teamwork and laugh off the day’s exertions. Most notably, in a true embrace of expedition life, the team has finally allowed the ‘poo tube’ into their hearts, a testament to their growing comfort with outdoor realities and their commitment to Leave No Trace principles. It shows their incredible adaptability and willingness to fully immerse themselves in every aspect of this adventure!

Wongai

Wongai has had an absolutely phenomenal start to the first few days of their challenging 10-day hiking expedition! Despite being faced with the physical demands of sore feet, the persistent weight of heavy bags, managing limited resources, and navigating relentlessly steep terrain, this incredible group has conquered every obstacle thrown their way with remarkably positive attitudes. We’ve already witnessed a significant and inspiring development in their resilience and the strengthening of their teamwork as a cohesive unit. We can’t wait to see them tackle everything that comes in the rest of this epic adventure!

 

 

Gulla 

Gulla has truly blossomed in just these past few days, showcasing incredible independence, admirable initiative, and a wonderful sense of comradeship and determination. Among Gulla’s many highlights were enjoying delicious, well-earned cooked meals prepared in the outdoors, engaging in lively riddling sessions with peers, sharing moments of uncontrollable laughter, and spending carefree time on the beach digging elaborate wells and crafting whimsical mermaids. Meeting the friendly Jonathan the dog was a memorable encounter, as was the joy of making up spontaneous dances together.

However, growth often comes with challenges. Gulla bravely faced the experience of walking in the dark under a canopy of stars, pushed through the physical demands of a gruelling 13km canoe trip, and persevered in learning the intricacies of effective teamwork. And, in a moment of unexpected wildlife interaction, even managed to navigate being ‘attacked’ by a duck!

Looking ahead, Gulla and the group are focused on continuously improving their efficiency and time management at campsites. This collective goal aims to create more space for shared activities and make every moment of their adventure count.

Eucalyptus! 🌿”

 

If you look closely you can see Gulla doing the opposite of “burying your head in the sand”.

 

As their incredible “Limitless” expedition hurtles towards its powerful conclusion, we shall be continuing to visit the students, witnessing firsthand their resilience and growth as they tackle their most significant challenges yet. These final days are not just about reaching destinations, but about solidifying the invaluable skills, memories, and bonds they’ve forged. We’re eagerly anticipating sharing their triumphant last steps with you, and we look forward to bringing you our 6th and final blog post, chronicling the culmination of this extraordinary journey, just before their arrival back in Hong Kong. Stay tuned for the grand finale!

Week 4 Blog: Reaching New Heights

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!

We celebrated 3 birthdays this past week; Ms Leung, Cheryl, and Charisse all celebrated with delicious birthday cakes.

Our Students’ Epic Adventure Camp!

The week started with students presenting their recent observations and findings on the people, culture, and history of Kenilworth to the rest of the group. Posters, songs, poetry, and even short skits were all incorporated to highlight the differences and similarities between Kenilworth and home in an evening of entertainment and education!

Then our intrepid students embarked on an unforgettable few days on an adventure camp. They challenged themselves, conquered fears, and created memories that will last forever.

Snail Mail & Smiles: Letters Home!

Before the adventure camps kicked off, students took the opportunity to write their third letter home. In an age of instant messages and video calls, there’s something special about a handwritten letter. It’s wonderful to see them reflecting on their experiences, recounting the highlights, and sharing their excitement (and maybe a few funny stories!) with loved ones back home. Taking the time to craft these personal messages strengthens connections with family and friends, encourages deeper reflection, and improves their letter writing (a dying skill!). Plus, who doesn’t love receiving real mail in the post?

Keep an eye on your letterboxes – a piece of Kenilworth adventure might just be heading your way!

Scaling the Summit and Conquering Heights: Climbing Adventures

Students discovered the exhilaration of rock climbing, learning new skills and building confidence with every meter scaled. They supported each other, cheering everyone on as they reached new heights, literally and figuratively. They also experienced the adrenaline rush of abseiling! They learned the techniques and safety measures with guidance, then leaned back and descended, overcoming their fears and feeling an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Wheels in the Wild: Cycling Expeditions

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Queensland on two wheels, our students enjoyed challenging cycling expeditions. They navigated trails, enjoyed the fresh air, and worked together as a team, developing their coordination and stamina.

Paddling Power: Canoeing Adventures

The students also took to the water, paddling along the serene rivers up to Kenilworth and around nearby lakes. They worked in unison, navigating the canoes with increasing skill and enjoying the beauty of nature from a unique perspective.

More Than Just Activities

This adventure camp was about more than just the activities; it was about personal growth, teamwork, and creating lasting memories. Students learned resilience, developed problem-solving skills, and forged stronger, deeper bonds with their activity groups and peers. They continued to appreciate the disconnect from technology and immersion in nature and each other’s company.

In between adventure camps, students managed to squeeze in a day at the homestead, tackling the “High Ropes Challenges”.

It was incredible to watch their courage and determination shine through as they constructed and climbed wobbly box towers, ascended telephone poles, and pushed their comfort zones high above the ground, relying on each other to be safe and successful.

There were moments of nervous apprehension, but cheers of encouragement and triumphant smiles quickly replaced these as each student conquered difficult elements. The teamwork and support they showed each other was inspiring – spotting friends, offering words of advice, and celebrating every successful step. It wasn’t just about physical strength but mental fortitude, problem-solving, and building immense self-confidence.

But the fun didn’t stop there! After dinner, as the sun set, the stage was set for the much-requested second Karaoke Evening!

The BIG One

Excitement mounts as students prepare for the big challenge of their final and longest expedition where they can utilise all of the skills and knowledge they have gained, culminating in a day on their own in the wild completing their “Final Solo”… stay tuned!

Team Bonyi

Team Gulla

Team Mari

Team Nguruin

Team Wongai

Team Warbu

 

Week 3 And The Adventure Gathers Pace…

Uncovering Stories: Our Students’ Enquiry into the Heart of Kenilworth’s Community!

On Friday, the students engaged in an enquiry-based learning (EBL) project, focusing on understanding the diverse and rich tapestry of individuals who called the community home. They became real-life social scientists, formulating questions about Kenilworth’s residents’ lives, experiences, and perspectives. They connected with various people, including long-term residents, local business owners, community members and newcomers, to understand their experiences of settling in.

The students explored how different generations contributed to the community’s fabric, the various professions and skills that thrived, and the stories behind Kenilworth’s volunteer groups and social initiatives. The hands-on, person-centered approach gave them a profound understanding of Kenilworth’s social landscape. It cultivated invaluable life skills, such as ethical research, active listening, effective communication, synthesizing qualitative data, and appreciating the nuances of human experience.

As they began to compile their findings and prepare to present the stories they had uncovered, the project was more than just research; it was a powerful lesson in connection, empathy, and understanding the beating heart of Kenilworth: its people. The day concluded with a movie followed by an evening of karaoke, which undoubtedly will remain a highlight for many, judging from the volume and enthusiastic singing of everyone!

A Week of Wilderness and Wonder: Our Students’ Outdoor Adventure!

Saturday was a rest day to plan and prepare for the following 5-day expedition.

On Sunday, students ventured into the heart of Queensland’s stunning wilderness for 5 days of camping, canoeing and hiking! And what a week it was! From the moment they departed the homestead, their energy was palpable. There was an immediate buzz of excitement as students worked together, demonstrating teamwork and practical skills right from the get-go.

On Monday we celebrated Katrina’s birthday with a cake that she (very kindly) shared with her team!

Paddling Through Paradise: Our Canoeing Odyssey

After breakfast, students don their life jackets each day and set off across the lake through the Sunshine Coast Everglades. The reflections of the sky and trees on the water were breathtaking. Students learned to navigate the canoes with surprising speed, developing their coordination and communication as they paddled in sync. 

Trekking Through Trails: Our Hiking Expeditions

If students weren’t on the water, they were hitting the trails! They embarked on several incredible hikes, exploring the diverse landscapes that Kenilworth and adjacent areas had to offer. From challenging uphill climbs that rewarded everyone with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys to strolls through lush forests, every step was an adventure. Students learned about local plants and animals and practiced their navigation skills using maps and compasses. The sense of accomplishment after conquering a particularly steep ascent was immense, and the shared experience of reaching a breathtaking lookout together fostered incredible bonds.

Beyond the Activities:

However, this trip was about much more than canoeing and hiking. It was about embracing the distancing of screens and reconnecting with themselves and each other. Evenings were spent around crackling campfires, sharing stories, playing card games, and stargazing in a night sky unpolluted by city lights. The students took turns with camp duties, from preparing meals to collecting firewood, learning invaluable lessons in responsibility, self-sufficiency, and collaboration. They faced challenges – a sudden downpour, a tricky paddle upstream, or just the challenge of a fresh night – and learned to adapt, persevere, and support one another.

We watched as friendships deepened, confidence grew, and a genuine appreciation for the natural world blossomed. Our students returned to the homestead tired but invigorated, filled with incredible memories and new skills that will last a lifetime. This week in the wild wasn’t just a camp; it was a transformative experience that truly showcased our amazing students’ resilience, spirit, and camaraderie.

Students are already looking forward to our next 10-day outdoor adventure shortly!

D.E.A.R Time after the expedition

Team Wongai

Team Warbu

Team Nguruin

Team Mari

Team Gulla

Team Bonyi

Team Limitless

 

Limitless Adventures Week 2: Camp, Canoe, Conquer!

Week 2 

What an absolutely incredible second week our students have had on the Limitless program! It’s been a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and remarkable personal growth.

Expedition Success! The week kicked off with students returning from their first 3 day 2 night expedition, beaming with a sense of accomplishment. They bravely hiked into camp, collaborated to cook their own meals, expertly set up their tents, and enjoyed some quiet, meaningful reflection time under the vast Australian sky. The evenings were filled with the warmth of crackling campfires, lively games, and team bonding. Friday night saw their triumphant return to the Homestead, where they cleaned their camping gear and were greeted with a truly fantastic roast dinner, rounded off by a wholesome crumble – a well-deserved reward after their wilderness adventure!

Developing Essential Skills Saturday was dedicated to the first of two days of essential skill development, preparing students for the upcoming activity camps. They eagerly embraced new challenges, trying their hand at canoeing, mastering the trails on mountain bikes, and learning the crucial skill of belaying. In the belay sessions, it was wonderful to see students not only learn how to safely support their partners but also significantly develop their trust and teamwork skills – vital lessons that extend far beyond the climbing wall.

Rest, Reflection, and Reconnection Sunday brought a much-anticipated and well-deserved rest day, which our students truly cherished! They used the opportunity to do their (admittedly) rather smelly washing and unwind with a variety of games. The common areas buzzed with students engrossed in reading, engaged in highly competitive games of Uno, and enjoying spirited matches of football and rugby. It was a beautiful sight to witness their camaraderie and relaxation.

A special highlight of Sunday was the time dedicated to writing letters home. Students were incredibly excited to share their stories and pass on personal messages to friends and families. Many spent hours pouring their adventures onto paper, and we are just as eager for you to receive these heartfelt dispatches! The letters are now en route to Hong Kong, and you should be expecting them in the next week or so – fingers crossed! Please be assured all letters have been posted and are on their way, though some may arrive before others. We rounded off Sunday with a well-deserved group movie night, complete with a projector set up in the dining hall and a special treat of Oreos for everyone.

Cultural Immersion: Connecting with the Gubbi Gubbi People Monday offered a profound cultural experience as students had the privilege of meeting members of the indigenous Gubbi Gubbi tribe. We learned that Kenilworth Homestead historically served as a safe area for the Gubbi Gubbi people when they were relocated from the coast. The visit began with a traditional smoke ceremony, a deeply meaningful tribal custom for visitors crossing the land border. Students actively participated, applying clay to their skin – which the Gubbi Gubbi believe holds medicinal properties – and learning to play a traditional game called “eda.” This immersive experience was a powerful component of our students’ “Enquiry-Based Learning,” fostering deep respect and understanding.

Building on Skills for Upcoming Adventures Tuesday marked the second day of Skills Development, further preparing students for their first Activity Camp. They embarked on more exhilarating mountain biking trails and navigated the waters during additional canoeing sessions, solidifying the skills before setting off on their first activity camp on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Overall, it has been a truly fun-filled and incredibly enriching week for all the students! We are immensely proud of their resilience, teamwork, and enthusiasm. We look forward to sharing more updates as their Limitless journey continues!

Team Nguruin

Team Gulla

Team Wongai

Team Warbu

Team Bonyi

Team Mari

Team Limitless

 

Week 1: Limitless Adventures Begin!

Dear Parents,

It feels like just yesterday we were waving goodbye at Hong Kong International Airport, with the students brimming with excitement for their Limitless adventure. We’re thrilled to report that the students have been adapting well and are already embracing the spirit of community, challenge, and discovery!

 

The Journey to Kenilworth
After a safe and smooth flight, we arrived in Brisbane, where we promptly boarded buses for the final leg of our journey to the Kenilworth Homestead. It was a late arrival, well after 1:00 AM, but spirits remained high. The students were quickly split into their dorms and, after a well-deserved rest, were up bright and early the next morning, ready to dive in!

 

Settling In and Building Community
Day one in Kenilworth began with a hearty breakfast before the students were officially divided into their activity groups. The morning was filled with engaging games designed to help everyone get to know their new teammates better. A comprehensive tour of the homestead followed, where students learned about the various “community living” activities that would become a regular part of their daily routine – a fantastic way to foster teamwork and responsibility. After some well-earned free time and a delicious dinner, the evening concluded under a sky full of stars. The activity groups gathered around their own bonfires, with some students helping to build them, and shared stories and marvelled at a night sky that truly can’t compare to the urban glow of Hong Kong.

 

Rhythm and Routine
The following days saw the students quickly falling into the rhythm of life at Kenilworth. The morning kicked off with an invigorating workout, as students ran a loop around the homestead before getting down to their community living tasks. From cleaning bathrooms and tidying the grounds to ensuring their cabins were spotless, everyone pitched in, learning the value of shared responsibility.

Mid-mornings were dedicated to skill development activities, further strengthening group bonds and personal growth. A particularly special part of the day was the introduction of DEAR (Drop Everything And Reflect) sessions. This dedicated time allowed students to find their own quiet space for journaling and reflecting on their experiences, a wonderful opportunity for self-awareness and personal growth.

 

Preparing for Expedition
As the week progressed, the focus shifted towards preparing for their first big adventure: a three-day expedition. Students received comprehensive training on essential outdoor skills, learning how to efficiently pack their bags, expertly pitch and pack their tents, and even how to cook their own food – all vital skills for independent living in the outdoors.

The week’s excitement culminated in a lively quiz night, where students, teachers, and instructors alike showcased their competitive spirit and knowledge, creating a fantastic atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

 

The First Expedition!
The students departed from the homestead in high spirits yesterday for their first expedition, and they are continuing to thrive out in the wilderness. They are due to return to the homestead tonight, tired but undoubtedly filled with incredible stories and a strong sense of accomplishment.

We’ll have more updates for you in the blog next week, but for now, rest assured that your children are safe, happy, and making the most of every incredible moment here at Limitless. We’re so proud of how they’re adapting, learning, and growing!

An Ending, but Perhaps a New Beginning…

‘Exuberant’

‘Joyful’

‘Disbelief’

Would be words which could, perhaps, fractionally describe the overflow of feelings as students poured in the gates. After ten days of the adventure of a lifetime, Rod from Higher Ground briefed the students at the gate. In his unique, charismatic style, his speech to students was to “express yourself in any way possible as this is the last time you will go through the Kenilworth Gates, the next time you will be going home.” The students did just that as they skipped, hollered, yelled, sang, and danced with no inhibition – pure freedom and relief etched into these fantastic young people.

Music blasted through the speaker around the grounds as students hugged, shared stories, and laughed; with the rhythm of the tunes, you could feel the heartbeat of emotion. The stories continued to be shared throughout the afternoon and late into the night. The students are excited to share these incredible stories with you in a few days! However, here are a few snippets of what they experienced:

“My highlight of the Expedition was the friendships we made along the way. Can you believe we climbed a mountain at 5 am but woke up at 4 am? It was Mt Coorora, 493m, and we caught the sunrise. It was a majestic orange and a fitting way to end our Expedition.”

“The hardest part of the Expedition was the 27km hike, right after the 21km hike. We had efficient leaders who wouldn’t give us breaks! My legs and calves were destroyed. In the end, we were high on sugar, so sleep did not come to us quickly.”

“On average, we had two showers. We were unlucky because it was on the first and last day. However, it was interesting to shower in a brown river, just like apple juice!”

“I actually gained muscle and got stronger.” *students were showing off their biceps.*

“A colossal war started splashing in the Canoes. Not everyone got wet, but some of us got soaked! Can you believe I paddled with a stick?”

“SOLO was fun because a dog kept coming to me, and I had a beautiful view. We had a tarp and ropes to create our own shelter. I experimented with my tarp and building things to make my unique place.”

“I disliked SOLO because it was so boring, and I couldn’t see anyone. I did do some good reflections, though.”

“We saw interesting things: Bush Turkeys, Kangaroos, Possums, and a Dog (who stole an apple).”

“Honestly, we would do this all again.”A visible peace descended Kenilworth as the sun, spectacular as always, faded behind the hills, and darkness engulfed the campus.

As our time also comes to a close, here are the final thoughts from the staff Limitless Team ~

Many years from now, when joints creak, and muscles ache, individuals will find that without warning, some chance sight or sound will catapult them back to a world filled with the faces of long-sundered friends who, in the full vigor of life briefly shared with them hours of endless toil, shining moon, and swirling mist. And with quiet satisfaction, they will say to themselves, ‘We did that.’An ending, but perhaps a new beginning… And with that, we are all eagerly looking forward to seeing you in a few days.

The 2024 team.

Limitless: The Final Frontier

Dear all,

An electric-charged last night at the homestead saw our first-ever Limitless Talent Show. You could feel the energy flow through the students and an endless circuit of passion and excitement. We were graced with sizzling performances of singing and dancing, and finished with special performances from the teachers! A message from the teachers left the students with plenty to think of as they left the dining hall. Here is the final part of the passage:

“And at the end 
If you choose to be better,
Even when everyone around you chooses not too,
If you can keep your head when all about you   
Are losing theirs,
If you can overcome tiredness and instead ~ choose kindness,
If you do the extras,
For the people in your group, 
If you choose to take the chance,
To fly with uneasy and uncomfortable emotions,
To soar, to be free,
… it might just be the start of something incredible.
And
I can guarantee you, 
You will be Limitless.”

The whole night was the perfect way to send off the students, buckets fill with positive emotions, on their 10 day Exped.

The next morning was a hive of activity as students hastily prepared for leaving. The dorms were a whirlwind of activity as they did last-minute packing, tidying up the dorms, a spot of community living (feeding the animals which is an all time favourite for everyone) and then rushed to meet their instructors. There was little time to feel nervous as the buses arrived promptly, and students jumped on. And with a quick wave, they were gone. Tales of adventure, grandeur and unexplored boundaries await your children.The nature of expeditions is multi-dimensional. The extraordinary beauty of Queensland in winter is unbelievably breath-taking, refreshing the mind, body and spirit, but it also brings a fresh awakening to even the hardy camper! In these pristine locations, the physical challenge is demanding, with some groups having big hiking days of 21 km – a challenging task. While the students spend time in groups, they also experience moments of solitude and reflection, which help them internalise the powerful experiences they have been part of.

Your children are exploring new frontiers in beautiful places such as Rainbow Beach, Boreen Point and the Everglades. They are also exploring new frontiers of what they are capable of. We are excited to see how the final 10 day experience transform, mould and change these malleable young adventurers.

There is only a week to go now before you see your children again – I know you are all excited for the grand reunion. Stay tuned!

Tales of Expedition and More

Dear all,

The temperatures have dropped, and we have been graced with chilly and misty mornings. But, as always, the brilliant sun burns it away quickly, revealing a glorious backdrop of azure blue.

Students were nervous as they embarked on a significantly longer Expedition: five days and four nights in the great Australian Outdoors. The stories and pictures below give you a small insight into the group’s character, resolve and determination.

What was the best thing about Expedition?

I got to spend quality time with my group rather than at the homestead. One exciting thing was that I saw a different side to the people in my group. One unexpected thing I noticed was the amazing wildlife, including Wallabies, friendly birds and Bush Turkeys. I also enjoyed the shower at the end and the fresh clothes!

I absolutely loved hiking with my friends, talking, and singing. We told horror stories around the campfire (which weren’t very scary). The last day was fantastic as we ran through the woods with our instructors. I won’t forget this moment!

I loved canoeing. It was a peaceful feeling floating down the river and admiring the beautiful forests. We also stopped at this strange sandbank along the way. It was incredible spending time with our group and another group too. I didn’t want to leave this special place!

How did you overcome a challenge?

Yesterday, we had a very steep and long hill. Our solution was to talk to the leaders, and they gave us more breaks; we also had different strategies to make it easier for us to distract our brains.

It was very, very, very difficult, but encouragement in the friend groups helped us through. Some of the difficulties included hiking with our heavy bags and being exhausted. The stronger group members were also amazing during the hike, as they helped us when needed and lightened the load.

How did you develop your leadership?

We developed our leadership skills as we took turns leading the group. We took the instructor’s jobs! The brief for us leading the group was:

  • Time management – making sure breakfast was done promptly, tents packed up
  • Delegate tasks
  • Set times for breaks
  • Being aware of the group and their needs
  • Keeping the group together during the hike

Relieved, satisfied, but tired faces greeted us on the return to the Kenilworth Homestead. There was also a distinct, unique smell (as you can imagine) as they wandered, dragging their feet. Students were looking forward to a hot shower! With the washing machines whirring and steam billowing from the shower blocks, life was ‘normal’ at the Homestead. That night, an unbelievable hush swept across the dorms, and dreams of grandeur, green, cold, friendships, and joy visited the sleeping adventurers. Dreams which dissipated as they woke to the azure blue of a well-deserved ‘rest day.’The rest day also marked the halfway point of the program. A lot of learning has taken place, and we are seeing students transform before our eyes. Saying we are proud does not encapsulate the full depth of our feelings! Students spent much of the day reflecting on how far they have come, how they have changed as individuals and as a group, and their hopes for the next three weeks. Some of the questions that were posed included: ‘Reflect on how your team has worked together during expeditions. What have been the strengths and weaknesses?’ ‘Think about the concept of interdependence. How has relying on others helped you in the program? ‘Share an example of how collaboration within your group led to a successful outcome?’ The challenge was to capture these ideas in a creative expression, i.e. song or dance, and present to the cohort.Week 4 marks the moment for the last activities before the students head on their 10-day Expedition. The activities have been purposeful in strengthening the cohesiveness of the groups, working on areas of improvement, and ensuring all members are working together as well-oiled machines. Here are a few moments which give you an indication of what is happening:As always, the long days finish with strong reflection to enhance the personal and collective growth of the groups.Thank you for giving your children this unbelievable opportunity as they grow their comfort zones and become inspiring leaders of the future.

Two weeks down…!

It’s been a busy week at the Kenilworth homestead. Here is a snapshot of some of our moments!

Writing letters home

R&R time

Kylie and her team in the kitchen have kept us incredibly well fed, but she couldn’t do it without her willing band of HK helpers:

And they have an appreciative audience:

Those animals don’t look after themselves.  Probably the most popular morning duty is looking after our furry and feathery friends (strangely enough the washroom duty is less popular).

Big highlights were birthdays for Kathleen, Lok and Euan, with CAKES to celebrate and share with their friends:)))

In between the expeditions and activities we have Physical activity sessions in the mornings:

 

Movie night always goes down well after a strenuous day of activities:

During the daytime there have been lots of skills building sessions with canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, orienteering and hiking, as well as finding out about some of the amazing local wild-life and environment.  All this was building up to their 1st activity camp on Thursday and Friday.  

Here are what some of the groups got up to on expedition:

Bonyi:

Numabulla:

Asking the students…what were the highlights of the week?

“The food has been so good – it has ranged from good to fantastic and there is always plenty for 2nds.  Just as well given the numbers of takers for 2nds at every meal.

 “Our facilitators (the Higher Ground staff that lead the students on all their group activities), Emily and Ashay, have been so nice, they make us feel like our group is one big family.  We are really close as a group and I hope we keep in touch once we get back to HK.  I am sure we will.”

“Everyone loved the EBL trips to town, as we got to go to the shops and buy some Aussie meat pies and sweets.”

“Eating marshmallows and singing round the campfire was really fun.”

The students are off on expedition two this week… this is how they are feeling…

“A little bit excited, but a little bit nervous too.  However, after the 1st, shorter, expedition we now know what to expect and have a much better idea of what things to pack and what is going to be useful while we are on camp.”

But have no fear, your children are in safe hands:)))