The 2017 Galuwa Hub camp commenced with a presentation ceremony attended by family, friends and staff, before the children settled into a four day camp.

Twenty-five students from the Coalfields, Maitland, Dungog and Upper Hunter regions attended. The students participated in a range of cultural and personal development activities to help each student identify their specific strengths and weaknesses. These activities also encouraged them to confront their doubts and fears, and push themselves out of their comfort zones, within a safe environment, to enable them to work towards reaching their full potential. The new year 6 scholarship students were a bit nervous to begin with, not having met the other kids before, but between the bus trip and camp activities quickly forged new friendships. The older kids were excited to catch up with the friends they had made in previous years and the supervising teachers Fiona and Luke.

Galuwa Day 1

After the presentation, the kids got straight into it, working together to navigate the high ropes in the Team Challenge. Some nervous moments, not only for the kids but also the teachers that completed the challenge. The stars of the exercise were our Yr 6 girls who quickly bonded and supported each other through even the terrifying moments. [gallery ids="1284,1282,1283"]

Galuwa Day 2

The kids were having fun in the "lost World" getting wet and muddy working as a team to navigate the obstacle course. [gallery ids="1279,1278,1277"] Kids listened to local Worimi Elders tell stories about growing up and going to school in the Karuah area before making damper and yarning around the campfire. [gallery ids="1281,1276"]

Galuwa Day 3

[caption id="attachment_1288" align="aligncenter" width="748"]

The giant swing again tested their nerve and encouraged them to overcome their fears.

The giant swing again tested their nerve and encouraged them to overcome their fears.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1287" align="aligncenter" width="748"]

Drumming with Benji from Earthen Rhythms having fun, learning to play, connecting with peers and getting creative.

Drumming with Benji from Earthen Rhythms having fun, learning to play, connecting with peers and getting creative.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1290" align="aligncenter" width="749"]

Guided by local artist Johnny Robinson the kids created their own paintings. The students were really engaged in the activity and many demonstrated some real talent.

Guided by local artist Johnny Robinson the kids created their own paintings. The students were really engaged in the activity and many demonstrated some real talent.[/caption] Galuwa 2017 Day 3-282

Day 3 ended with the students collaborating and teaming up, to strategically plan how to build a raft for the Raft Building Challenge. They needed to work together to plan, buy materials at "auction" and then had the joy of using their crafts in the water.

Galuwa Day 4

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After the Fencing activity, the kids again worked together in the Crate Climb activity.

After the Fencing activity, the kids again worked together in the Crate Climb activity.[/caption]

Wonaruah Maitland Community