Tai Chi, calligraphy and crochet – family camp forges friendships in WA southwest

A group of families in regional Western Australia are learning how collaboration and mutual support are key to progress. 

Over three days in April, more than 80 participants gathered in the state’s southwest for an autumn family camp. While the event was organised by the Baha’is of Dardanup, friends from nearby Bunbury, Harvey, Capel and Manjimup as well as individuals from Peel and Perth clusters lent their support. 

“Without all this willing support from throughout the cluster and beyond, such a camp would not have been possible,” one participant said. 

The program featured a special spiritual parenting program, discussion spaces for the adults and Ruhi study circles for youth as well as Tai Chi, Chinese calligraphy, Mandela painting, crocheting, dancing and devotions. 

One participant mentioned that all the friends involved, from the oldest to the youngest, felt welcomed in the camp’s activities. 

“Through the camp, we came to know a new Baha’i family who recently moved to Manjimup [and] two new families had their first experience of our children’s activities.” 

Another participant said the activities paved the way for fellowship. 

“At night, there were games, quizzes and dancing, all held around a bonfire outdoors,” they said. “It wasn’t just the organized parts of the program that everyone enjoyed because there was quite a lot of free time for fellowship.” 

“The camp was a wonderful opportunity to [strengthen] the bonds of friendship and have opportunities for elevated conversations.”