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CO-CURRICULAR: MT BINGA

Mt Binga is a former forestry camp set in the beautiful and forested Blackbutt Ranges, situated approximately two hours drive from the Sunshine Coast and some twenty kilometres from the township of Blackbutt. Mt Binga was established in the early 1980’s and has several resident staff members who have a great deal of experience in outdoor education.

The fact that no radios, cassette players, computer games, soft drinks or sweets are allowed in camp, provides students with an opportunity to experience an alternative lifestyle.

All students experience the preparation for, and execution of, an accompanied hike early in the programme and a student planned hike later in the course. Both hikes are through country-side surrounding Mt Binga. Students undergo mapping and compass work prior to the hike, as well as preparing food and camping equipment for their treks. Time is also spent developing survival skills in the bush, including building shelters, knowledge of the use of vegetation, food, water conservation and firefighting.

Aims and Objectives of the Mt Binga Experience

Independence, Self-reliance and self-sufficiency:
This means students do their own cooking, washing and preparation of camping rations. However, this is only the tip of the developing iceberg.
Social interaction and group dynamics:
Essentially the students work together and live together. They generally begin to depend upon and appreciate each other far more than in the normal school routine.
Self esteem:
The variety of work which everyone does at Mt Binga shows students how important they are to the lifestyle there.
Manual work:
Students learn to appreciate what results can be achieved through physical application over a reasonable length of time.
Self-reflection and thinking about other people:
Through quiet times and keeping journals, students learn a little more about themselves as well as having time to think about other people.
Spiritual needs:
Through morning and evening devotion, solo excursions and the very solitude and natural wonder of Mt Binga, there is a constant reminder of God’s presence.
Facing a challenge and seeing it through:
The solo experience, survival and abseiling are but a few of the challenges put before students.
Appreciation of the bush:
Students meet rural folk working at or around Mt Binga. They learn to think practically about country matters, from the necessity of opening and shutting gates for stock protection, to the vital part water plays in the lives of everyone living away from the Coastal strip.
The value of family and friends:
As the students work towards building family and community at Mt Binga they come to value family and friends in their home environment.
Personal initiative:
Students are responsible for the successful completion of set tasks and their own entertainment.
Mt Binga provides an opportunity for personal growth, while students participate in activities they may never otherwise have had the chance to do, or do again.

Photos: Picture House Photography

Living and Learning

The challenges of living together and learning to cook, clean, wash, chop wood and endure the strengths and weaknesses of other students are real. Mt Binga makes every attempt to foster trust and understanding through personal relationships and hence a community spirit.

The fostering of Christian ideals is an important part of the community life of Mt Binga and students participate in morning and evening devotions on a daily basis. They are encouraged to take some leading part in these services and regular Sunday services are held with members of the wider community around Mt Binga. God’s presence at Mt Binga is deeply felt.

Activities Offered

Low/High Ropes Course, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Forestry Walks, Bush Survival, Map and Compass, Orienteering Courses, Hikes, Camping, Sports, Visitation to Local Sites, Christian discovery, Horse riding, Dairy, Camp Cooking/Bread Making, Initiative Games, Group Building, Games and Ice Breakers

Mt Binga, not just a place, an experience

Operated by: Immanuel Lutheran College Maroochydore on behalf of the Lutheran Church of Australia, Qld.

updated 27/01/06