Our Year 4 Mother & Daughter Camp at Stanwell Tops was equal parts adventure, laughter and faith filled. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this weekend would stretch us - spiritually and physically!

Together, we tackled challenges side by side and, at times, competitively (because a little healthy mother–daughter rivalry never hurt anyone!). We built a kite and watched it soar high into the sky - a beautiful reminder of our faith rising upward, connecting us and drawing us closer to God. Watching my daughter run like a free spirit and seeing the kite lift higher and higher felt symbolic of our relationships, when grounded in faith, can truly take flight.

The giant bungy swing was a lesson all on its own. As mums, it reminded us that sometimes we need to loosen our grip and allow our daughters to face fears and challenges on their own two feet. Our role isn’t to hold them back - it’s to walk beside them, much like the message shared with us from Footprints in the Sand - steady, prayerful, and always present. And just as we cheer them on daily, they were right there cheering us on too.

I’ll admit, I would never have done the bungy swing if it weren’t for my incredibly kind and courageous daughter, Stella, encouraging me to conquer my fear of heights. With the sweetest confidence she said, “Mum, you always tell me I can do hard things - now it’s your turn. I’ll be right here.” And she was, along with her friends and their mothers cheering each other on and working together as a team to pull that rope to help each other rise. That moment - heart racing, palms sweating & hearing the encouraging cheers of the voices below, helped remind me of the importance of putting my faith in God's hands and literally 'just let go' - this became one of the most special memories from the camp for both Stella and I. These challenging experiences gave me a rich insight into the inner strength my little girl has inside her (and her new found love for combat!)

The mums were also blessed with an inspiring talk from Genevieve McCaughan, a former Tangara mum, with one message standing out above all: the importance of simply being present for our daughters. Not perfect. Not all-knowing. Just present.

We came home tired but grateful - with stronger faith, braver hearts, rich connections shared with other Tangara mothers and daughters and an even stronger mother–daughter bond. And perhaps a newfound appreciation for solid ground!

On behalf of the Year 4 Mothers, I would like to send my thanks to the school for providing this opportunity for us mothers to 'take time away' from our day to day roles for our families and blessing us with this one on one time with our little precious girls, which we never get a chance to do. Thank you to our class parents Sarah and Natasha for your organisation. We know it was a huge task and we are so grateful to you for taking it on. Thank you also to Father John who came and did a lovely mass for us all and to Genevieve McCaughan who made us reflect on how we are as mothers and empowering us with what's important for our girls now in their pre-teen era.

From the words of Stella, "It was the best camp ever and I loved having this time with my mum."

Mrs Sharon Barbero
Mentor, Religion Teacher, Parent Coordinator