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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:)))

Dear all,

Amidst blue skies and brilliant birdsong, students left for their three-day Expeditions. Filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions – wonder, audacity, nervousness and trepidation, they wondered what lay ahead. Hefting heavy bags, some weighing at least 10kgs with cast iron woks lashed on!, they entered the bus leaving for the remoteness of Conondale National Park.

A picture is worth a thousand words – capturing an experience in a single moment. However, the students’ recounts express the Expedition’s essence and the Yin and Yang nature of the journey. 

“The first day, my back hurt because I was carrying half my body weight in food. Two people had to help me lift my bag onto my back! I enjoyed talking to my instructor as I walked along a forestry road. I loved building connections. On arrival at camp, there were robbers. They were the Bush Turkeys. Some friends reported that a chicken’ grabbed a small green bag and ran off with it.”

“I was carrying the heaviest bag. I was also last in my team. People were telling me to go faster, but I couldn’t. My knees were on fire every step, but I am proud that I persevered. The most beautiful thing was the campfire as we talked to each other. I loved getting to know my teammates and their different perspectives.”

“I found it really fun! We walked about 5km, which was a great length for everyone to do. All our bags were heavy. The campfire was very nice! We also saw a baby Kangaroo that came out of the bush. Bush Turkeys were running off with our food and Hot Chocolate. My sleeping bag was warm even if it got down to 2 degrees. Going to bed quite early was great, and I was woken by the sounds of my team murmuring.” 

Day 2 was always going to be challenging for the students. Getting used to sleeping in a tent, waking up to the briskness of the cool mornings, and having to get sore muscles moving (kind of like oiling a rusty bike) could take some time! Here are some of the perspectives of the students:

“The food was better than I expected. Although I don’t think instant oatmeal and powdered milk go together. We were freezing when we woke up. Taking the tents down was difficult because it was still so frigid. My hands were shivering. The hike on the second day was four hours and steep! At least one km of going up and down rolling hills. One of the hard points was that many people fell on the creek crossings and completely got soaked! I was happy that I had waterproof shoes. Swimming in the river was refreshing and cool after the exhausting hike.”

“We had to be quick for breakfast and packing up. The message was that it could take time, so we wanted to be efficient. Our route was 7km, and it was scorching hot because there wasn’t a lot of cover. Near the end, I felt relieved as there was plenty more shade, and I could escape from the sun. Making it to the destination and working together with everyone made me proud.”

“Tiring but fun! We were lucky we went Mountain Biking. It was easy to begin with, and it was a quick play. Hiking was tiring, but we learned much about the wildlife and vegetation. I saw a Guana, and one of the instructors said it tasted good! I was interested in the plants that could help you survive (edible) and even mosquito bites. We got the challenge of chasing the Bush Turkeys and catching them.”

It was fitting that on Day 3, the end of the Expedition, we were treated to an explosion of fire lining the skyline in the fading light of Friday. It was a day indeed to remember as chapter one closed, and like an exciting story, everyone was eager for chapter two to begin.

The cohort returned full of energy, and you could see the relief as they returned to the familiar comforts of their six week home – showers, bunk beds, and, of course, the dining hall. You can imagine how many of the group went up for seconds and for some thirds for dinner that night!

We had some weary bodies waking up after Expedition. However, skill development day provided a more relaxing but intellectually engaging day as the instructors introduced the group to many new skills. The skills introduced included belaying, invasive species, canoeing, reading maps, and mountain biking. Positive mindsets and determination resulted in many successes. We were proud to see many students cycle for the first time! How special is that.

The day concluded with a Minute to Win It competition between the groups. Minute to Win It is a series of one-minute challenges to achieve a goal. It was rowdy, spirited, but most importantly the students’ buckets were filled with positive emotions and energy.

Almost over a week has passed, and we definitely notice how your children are growing, changing, and transforming. I am sure you are as proud as we are. We could not ask any more of this inspirational cohort. 

G’Day from Kenilworth!!

It has been a busy few days adjusting to our new lives. Here is an update of what we’ve been up to:

Day 1 – a long (and successful!) travel day. We spent the plane journey chatting and watching movies with our new friends and all got through immigration and customs smoothly. We arrived at Brisbane airport and then had a 1.5 hour bus ride to Kenilworth, which meant we arrived in the dark, but despite not being able to see much, you could tell we had arrived somewhere special. We were put into our dorm groups and said goodbye to our phones before jumping into bed for some well earned rest.

Day 2 –  Despite the fact most of us were running on only 4 hours sleep, the teachers barely had to wake anyone as excitement levels were high and everyone jumped out of bed, eager to explore their new surroundings. The sun was shining and students were found roaming the grounds checking out the stunning scenery and animal friends that we are to take care of for the next six weeks. We had our first meal and then got into our activity groups, met our instructors and set off for some team building activities. The day was spent getting the lay of the land and being introduced to the way of life here. The afternoon DEAR session proceeded some free time, where students spent their time running and playing on the grounds, before dinner and campfires and a much needed good nights sleep!

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Day 3 –  an early (and chilly!) start to our first full day of Camp Life. Bonyi group did a fantastic job of setting us up for a great breakfast before we headed out on our first rounds of Community Living. Some of us fed the animals, some of us cleaned our (in some cases already messy..!) rooms, some of us washed and dried dishes… and others cleaned the toilets and showers! Each of us will take turns rotating through these chores each morning to help keep our community and location a happy place for all of us. We then did our first lot of group physical exercise before heading out with our instructors again for more games and group bonding.

Our afternoon ended with DEAR time outside before heading into some downtime before dinner. We are occupying ourselves by playing large games of tag around the homestead grounds, playing touch rugby, having wizard duels with large sticks and doing our laundry.

Day 4 – Another day with an early start followed by breakfast, before Physical fitness which was a choice between a running and bodyweight exercise circuit or a few ball games. Lunch is always spent outside on the grass, and so far we have had chicken wraps, chicken burgers and beef wraps. The food is going down a treat and the line for seconds is almost as long as the line for firsts! We spent the afternoon learning what we our expeditions will entail and packing our bags for the next three days.

The weather is beautiful, the food is great, our instructors are awesome and we are having a lot of fun!!!

Tomorrow we head on our first expedition..! We won’t be back on base site for three nights so we will update you on our adventures when we return. Wish us luck!

We now find ourselves back at Kenilworth for the last few days of Limitless 2019.

The groups completed expedition 3 which was a huge challenge. 10 days, 9 nights sleeping in a tent, hiking, biking, canoeing, soloing, cooking, cleaning, navigating, leading… the list of challenges was long but the students excelled and returned to Kenilworth with huge smiles on their faces. They can be very proud of their achievements and the demands they overcame during the time spent traveling the Brisbane valley rail trail.

But the challenges haven’t stopped with their return to the homestead. Yesterday all the groups completed the ‘leap of faith’ high ropes activity. This involves getting harnessed up, climbing a 10m high pole and leaping out to touch a ball. Definitely not for the faint hearted but an activity the students really enjoyed. This morning we finished off the physical activity session with a 5km run (actually ended up being 5.84km). It was fantastic to see all students set themselves a goal and push their limits to finish the run. All the activity the students have been involved in over the last 6 weeks has definitely paid off!

Paddling to the end of the canoe section of expedition 3.

Numabulla pulling a sad face as they finish expedition 3, obviously not happy that it is all over.

More serious faces from Hinka Booma as they are preparing to take on the ‘leap of faith’

Bonyi all prepared to serve their last breakfast. The teams have become very efficient in their dinning hall duties.

The limitless team set off on the 5km challenge, the last physical activity session of this year’s program.

A final bonfire down on the beach of the Mary river, a time to relax and reflect on the last 6 weeks. Jon is giving some words of wisdom to the students here, a common occurrence during the program.

Tonight we have our final dinner and performances. It will be a time of celebration for all that has been accomplished and a chance to say farewell to the staff and facilitators at Higher Ground. Tomorrow morning we have a 3am wake up for a 4am departure as we will make our way back to Hong Kong. It is with heavy hearts we leave the Kenilworth homestead but a real sense of excitement to be reunited with friends and family back in Hong Kong. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the airport on Friday evening.

The groups are now half way through expedition 3. The last 5 days have seen the students  journeying along the Brisbane Vally Rail Trail. So far, hiking and biking have been the modes of transport and they are moving towards lake Wivenhoe where two days of canoeing will provide some variety. A 12 hour solo will allow the students time to reflect on their experience to date. The picturesque settings of the campsites will help to make this a special experience. The groups are traveling extremely well, in high spirits and with a real togetherness, which is heartening to see. We’re sure all groups will continue to succeed in their journey and arrive back at Kenilworth on Tuesday with a real sense of achievement.

Rod giving a final motivational speech prior to expedition 3 departure.

Read to set off for the Brisbane Valley rail trail.

Hinka Booma with their serious faces on as they prepare for a 14km cycle leg.

Bonyi chilling at the Toogoolawah show grounds after a long hike.

Numabulla have camp set up early after setting a record pace on their day of cycling.

We’ll post again when the groups arrive back at Kenilworth for the last few days of Limitless 2019!

Working towards the third and culminating expedition the students participated in three different activity days. Each day involved the groups participating in either mountain biking on the Noosa trails network, rock climbing or abseiling, both at the Brooyar State Forest. These activities were designed to challenge each individual and push them out of their comfort zones. The students took to the challenges with real zest and encouraged each other to help all group members complete the tasks. The venues for each of the days gave the students another opportunity to experience the unique and stunning landscapes here in Queensland.

Bonyi doing their pre ride checks.

Numabulla pause for a photo at a picturesque lookout.

The technical trails provided a challenge for the groups. Here is one of the many creek crossings.

Hinka Booma on a snack break at the top of the abseiling cliff.

Conner teaching the techniques of abseiling before the students go over the edge.

Virgile demonstrating courage and bravery as he abseils down the rock face.

Enjoying the view from the top.

Yesterday, after the activity days, the students had a day to rest. This was a chance to relax and recover from the previous weeks activities. It also gave the students a chance to get any final laundry done and organise themselves for the final expedition. Today was the final expedition preparation day, an important time for each group to get ready for the 10 days they will spend on the rail trail. Packing lists were checked off, group equipment was divvied out, meals were planned, food was split up and maps and routes were examined. Once all was prepared and after dinner, a quiet relaxing night was spent with a movie night in the barn. At 9am tomorrow morning the three groups will board a bus and make their way to the trail head.  From here they will  embark on the expedition that they have been working so hard to prepare themselves for success in.

Expedition 3 will take the groups along the length of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

The students will make their way along the rail trail via hiking, mountain biking and canoeing.

All packed and ready to go tomorrow morning.

Food packs ready to be divided into meals and distributed to the students to carry for the first few days of expedition 3.

We will post on the blog at the half way mark of the expedition to keep you up to date with how they are progressing.

 Over the past two days, the Limitless students have been busy preparing for an exciting opportunity to visit a local Primary School in the Kenilworth area. Groups Hinka Booma, Numabulla and Bonyi were challenged with the task of presenting to a group of school children ranging from the ages of 6-11. The project falls in line with the 3 key phases of the Limitless programme, these phases ask the questions, Who am I? Who are You? and who are We?  The students, closely with their facilitators to help, reflect on what makes them unique as a group of students from Hong Kong and on what legacy they would like to leave to the children of Kenilworth. Their groups were split into a further sub-group A and B enabling them to offer a wider selection of themes and activities related to Hong Kong.

One group chose to focus and present on City life in Hong kong, in particular using Chinese New Year celebrations to demonstrate what this festival means to them.  They explained some of the history of this time of year and presented some facts and statistics about Hong Kong. They read and acted out traditional stories and the students made Red Packets using chinese calligraphy to decorate them.  Another group chose to teach the students a game called ‘Lobster’ which is often played by Hong Kong school children. They combined their presentation to include teaching them some of the hand gestures and cantonese words and numbers, that are used to play and score the game. Lion dancing was another fun activity that saw the children decorating and dancing with a Lion mask. They used whatever resources  they had available to them on camp to help reinforce their themes. Some groups even bought ingredients to make Chinese vegetable dumplings and noodles, practicing how to make them back at camp, then involving the children in a cooking lesson. These were then cooked and tasted by all the local school children.

The preparation and time that was involved in ensuring this day went smoothly, is testament to the dedication of the facilitators, but also to each student who showed a great deal of enthusiasm throughout these past few days.. They were determined to share who they were, and were passionate about leaving something behind in Kenilworth that would be memorable for the local children. Our students were obviously very proud of their chosen topics and presented their legacy with a pride and determination. The response received by the children and staff at the primary school was overwhelmingly positive and they are excited to invite them back at some time again in the future.

It was great to see all the Limitless groups working together, collaborating, discussing, being creative and very clearly enjoying this project. The photos below really capture what we all consider to have been a very successful and enlightening experience, as well as being fun and engaging. We have all come away with a strong sense of togetherness and accomplishment in succeeding to leave behind a legacy.

Charlotte celebrated her birthday this week which will be the fifth and final time we will get to sing happy birthday on Limitless 2019.

Hinka Booma presented to Prep and Year 1. They made some noodles with the students and played a fun game of ‘Lobsters’ which the local students really enjoyed.

Bonyi presented to Years 2, 3 and 4. They taught the Lion dance and had the local students join in with their own decorated masks. They demonstrated how to make dumplings, giving the local students a chance to make their own. They then had some pre-made for everyone to try. The group even found time to teach some local Cantonese expressions.

Numabulla presented to the Year 5 and 6s stories of Chinese New Year and made red packets with the children. They then taught the local students about life in Hong Kong, focusing on the food, the housing and the plastic pollution issues.

We are now ready to be faced with more challenges over the next few weeks and feel further equipped with confidence to do so.