Albany camp explores how families are forging a new pattern of life 

Participants at this year’s Albany Baha’i summer camp have explored how families across the world are coming together to advance their communities through social action projects, spiritual educational initiatives and prayer. 
 
More than 70 participants from Western Australia’s regional areas and beyond gathered in January 2026 for the annual camp, the theme of which was family life.  
 
One of the camp’s keynote speakers, Stephen Hall, noted that the writings of the Baha’i Faith provide a new purpose for the family – to have a pattern of life that focuses on how to positively impact society.  
 
Mr Hall stated that groups of families can contribute to the release of positive forces in society by coming together regularly to pray, facilitating classes for the moral and spiritual education of children, and conducting programs for the spiritual empowerment of young people. 
 
Another of the camp’s keynote speakers, Dicy Hall, delved into key concepts from the 19 March 2025 message from the international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, about marriage and family life. She emphasised the need for equality between women and men, the rights of all members of a family, and the need for the family unit to have a desire to effect change in the broader society – most effectively done when there are groups of families working together. 
 
The camp also featured a virtues parenting session, games, live music, a talent night, and a presentation entitled Paint Storm – a one-man expression of painting, gymnastics and advice addressing mental health issues by Phil Doncon. 

Menang-Noongar man Larry Blight conducted an afternoon session featuring an explanation of various artifacts and a nature walk through the bush to identify Indigenous plant species useful for medicines and food. A series of other presenters spoke on topics embracing community-building, geological firsts in Western Australia, conservation, examples of social action, and sustainable agriculture. Special programs for children and junior youth ran in parallel to the adult program.

According to one participant, the camp showcased “the vision of what the Baha’is are trying to achieve in the world, illustrating a family that functions and reaches out to others.”  
 
Another participant said “it was so great to meet old and new friends in an environment that made them feel at home.” 
 
And another stated that there was a “buzz” at the camp this year. “The number of people of all ages engaging with each other on matters of significance was astounding. And as for smiles per hectare, I couldn’t go anywhere else to see such intensity!” 
 
This year’s camp was dedicated to Trevor Mclean, a fervent supporter of past camps, who passed away in 2025.