The Quest

[Uploading in reverse order so narrative may not make complete sense, especially if I get interrupted...]

The camp culminated in the The Philosopher's Stone Quest this morning. The children stayed in their groups from the previous day and did a bushwalk to Casuarina Sands, looking for items that represented the qualities of their various gems. If they could find a feather, flower, sand, water, stick and stone, they were given the final clue, which revealed the whereabouts of the Philosopher's Stone.

The message that the secret of alchemy (finding greatness in oneself) was uncovered through the process of the quest itself (rather than material treasure) was lost on some of the younger ones
Im: "But the quest wasn't even difficult, I didnt learn anything about myself" [despite not finding a feather]

But not enough to dampen enthusiasm for returning to future camps.

We made great friends, and with any luck, will be back next year!