Northern Beaches camp strengthens relationship with Temple, land and community 

A group of families from Sydney’s Northern Beaches has come together for a two-day retreat at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship to explore how families are fundamental building blocks towards peace. 

The theme for the camp was drawn from the 19 March 2025 message from the international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, related to marriage and family life.

Participants gathered to study the message and reflected on its core concepts through artistic activities including a collaborative mural. 

The camp also provided the community with the opportunity to team up with like-minded organisations and further the community-building process. Collaborating with Bush to Bowl – a First Nations organisation focusing on connecting the Northern Beaches community with Indigenous culture – the program featured a smoking ceremony as well as nature walk through the Temple grounds, exploring connections with the land and native foods.

The camp was one way in which the Northern Beaches community could build on their regular Baha’i moral and spiritual educational programs unfolding on the Temple grounds and embrace more individuals into the process. 

Community member Samuel Perri said many of the families who attended were already engaged in children’s classes and were able to invite their friends to come along to the retreat. 

“The temple has a great effect on the surrounding communities,” Samuel said. “It’s a physical and spiritual centre of our classes which the families have been able to deepen their relationships with through the variety of activities we all engage with at this centre.”

Samuel said the community will continue to work together in a spirit of mutual support and consultation as they take the next step in their efforts towards creating a vibrant and peaceful neighbourhood. 

“Through the reflections of the camp, many of our original plans will have to be adapted to deliver a better camp and for further growth to take place.”