The Journal - September 2012

September 2012

ACN 004 505 373 Vol 62 No 5

On the Cover - Saturday night dinner at the Slushie Tribal Gathering 2012

Lord Somers Camp and Power House ABN: 96 004 505 373Postal Address: 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, Victoria, 3206Phone: (03) 9510 7066 Fax: (03) 9529 7352Email: [email protected]

Founder: Arthur Herbert Tennyson Baron SomersK.C.M.G., D.S.O., M.C.

Co-Founder and First Camp Chief: Dr C Gordon McAdam

Patron: His Excellency, the Governor of Victoria Hon. Alex Chernov AC QC

President and Camp Chief: Mal Cater

Board Members:Mal Cater Jane Harrison John Hutchinson Daniel Proietto Claire Sime Kevin Teoh

Association Treasurer: Ric Sykes

Chief Executive: Jonathan Chapmanemail: [email protected]

Environmental Sustainability Group:Ingrid Holliday - 0418 108 618

Risk Management Group: Jo Brownlee - 0400 246 946

OH&S Group: Gwen Hutchinson - 0408 519 774

Lord Somers Campsite: [email protected]

Lord Somers Campsite Phone: 5983 5502 Fax: 8612 3648

Programs & Activities Leadership W H

Lord Somers Camp: Scott Mayer 0409 236 080 9598 5963 Lady Somers Camp: Melissa Ciardulli 0425 401 096 9877 9315 Slushie King: Joel Masterson 0401 156 354 Slushee Queen: Marnie Carroll 0439 015 694 Youth Activities: Jen Cameron 0421 844 911 Community Camps: Angie Carson 0402 702 594 Org. Programs Coord: Mary Carroll 0428 992 289

JOURNAL TEAM

Manager Dan Jade 0415 408 229 Editor Ian Hopkins 9653 8977 0405 607 315Design & Layout Ty Goldsworthy 9820 5311Members:Peter Najjar 0424 986 988 Bill Troedel 9562 8888 9882 9166 Jarrod Taylor 9510 7066 0410 582 029

The views expressed in The Journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The

Board or Management of Lord Somers Camp and Power House.

Editorial Copy should be directed to: Jarrod Taylor: LSC&PH, 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, VIC, 3206email: [email protected] deadline for next edition: Monday 24 September 2012

ALL JOURNAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO [email protected]

Print Post Approved No. PP 381691/0042

Digital Prepress by: Printing Intelligence Pty Ltd Tel: 9820 5311

Printed by: William Troedel & Co Pty Ltd 18 Cleeland Road Oakleigh South 3167

Phone: 9562 8888 Fax: 9562 7377Email: [email protected]

September4 empowerme 7-9 SailAway18 Auxiliary Meeting28-30 Very Special Kids Camp @ Somers

October15 Annual General Meeting11-13 Power House Play – Taxidermy 12-14 Power2Lead16 Auxiliary Meeting19-21 B&M Work Camp26-28 Mirabel Family Camp at Somers

November19 Quarterly Connections20 Auxiliary Meeting23-25 Slushee Camp30-2 Slushie Camp

December13-15 Pantomime

2012 Diary

2012 Annual General MeetingMonday 15 October

7:30pm in the McAdam Room at Power House

34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park.

Mark it in your diary and come early for food and fellowship.

RSVP to the office on 9510 7066 or [email protected]

AGM Notice

2www.lordsomerscamp.org.au

Wise and foolish builders each "Play the Game" differently.

It is very rare for me to talk on private things, but when Dan Jade asked me to write this piece, I felt it was necessary to share a little about how three little words had such a profound impact on my life. Eleven years ago, “Play the Game” became part of my lexicon, but it has only been in the last couple of years that I have begun to truly appreciate what those words can mean.

I confess that I am neither a religious man, nor a biblical scholar, but there is a passage that calls everyone that hears the Sermon on the Mount (in the Gospel of St Matthew) to “build on a foundation of rock.”

The parable speaks of the person who put into practice what Jesus Christ says, as being a wise man who builds his house on rock. Those who do not will be foolish men, who build their house on sand. The consequences of this comes about when a storm arises, with the inference being that the house built on rock will be impervious to the elements, while the house built on sand will collapse.

“Play the Game” is the type of advice that could easily precede the story of the wise and foolish builders.

It is very easy to build our house on sand with those words. I am guilty of it, and I am sure that many of you will admit the same. Talk is naturally easy, and shrugging off either my failings or my indiscretions when I was at university, or as I started out in the workforce, with those three, very powerful words, meant that whatever raging storm was blowing meant that the house was destined to fall.

And every time, it was unpleasant. And for a long time, no lesson was learnt.

A decade on, finding a meaning behind those words, and building them upon the rock has changed how I approach life. Whereas those things that might have challenged me, would either stop me from achieving my best, or were shrugged off without full consideration of ultimately calamitous consequences of my actions, thinking about how “the game” might be “played”, means working those challenges into manageable, and even beneficial outcomes.

To “Play the Game” now means choosing the battles I believe I need to fight, and not sweating the small stuff. It means putting in a hundred percent in everything I do, and seeing the positives even when I fail. Obviously, there are some things I still struggle doing – like writing this editorial, making time to go for a run, walk, and planning opportunities to switch off from work.

Building on rock is also an apt metaphor for this edition of The Journal, which recognises our members who commemorate significant milestones in their membership of Lord Somers Camp and Power House, and "Playing the Game", this year.

This month’s edition also reports on June’s Slushie Tribal Gathering, and July’s Max Program, and Hook – The Panto.

I think we can all think about the words “Play the Game”, and whatever they mean to you, should be used, and built upon a foundation of rock, to keep you in good stead, whatever you might find yourself doing.

Mike Pountney (2001 Red)

Editorial

The Journal, September 20123

President’s ReportThe time is fast approaching for Members to make the decision about attending Lord or Lady Somers Camp in January. I strongly encourage Members to make this, if no other event, their annual pilgrimage to Somers either as a visitor (on the allocated day for Members) or to assist in the operation of the Camps.

As you contemplate this decision l encourage you to reflect on what value your attendance makes to the camps. The nature of our camps is that there is an intensity to participation, there is a need to be a good role model, there

is a need to be willing to get out of your comfort zone and to engage with the young people who are there for the first time. If you are going, for example, to come down and be in the Canteen Staff, BE IN the Canteen Staff i.e. make the commitment to make the Canteen the best it has ever been with a clear focus on the Groupers. As those of us who have attended a lot of Camps know, you cannot be self indulgent at the Big Camps – it is all or nothing!

Those contemplating attendance at the Camps should give some thought as to the way in which they can best add to the Groupers’ experience. It is a special time in a young person’s life attending our Camps and we all need to work together to ensure that the wonderful uniqueness that is our Camps is not only maintained but built on. I know our Camp Leaders and their respective leadership teams will be working hard to ensure this is the case. We all need to support them in this important pursuit.

Those of us who work closely with young people know only too well why our camps are so well received. They are like no other camp a young person gets to experience and the more we make them like this, the better the experience will be for all involved. When Lord Somers and Doc were planning their camps there was a desire for the Camp to lead the way in both breaking down social barriers and to highlighting to young people the innovations that were coming about in society. Having a movie at Camp, in those days, was a special experience – it is worth reflecting on whether we are setting this bar high enough and how we can continue to be innovative in the years ahead. Just because a stunt worked last camp doesn’t mean it should be repeated this next camp – ideally it should not be repeated because we have thought of different things to do. Each camp should have elements of the old and elements of the new – retain the traditions that underpin our camp and create new ones which make it an even more powerful experience.

We all have a responsibility to ensure that the Lord and Lady Somers Camps of 2013 are ‘the best ever’. Let’s work together to ensure this is the case!

Thanks for your ongoing support of the organisation.

Mal Cater (1981 Red) President and Camp Chief


Walking into the theatrette at Albert Park, with mats along the front for the eager kids to sit on, before the curtain had opened and the chorus had belted out their first tuneful melody, I was sure of one thing – the Panto had come home!

While there’s no doubt the show had outgrown the theatrette for many years, as an audience member it was great to be back in this space. And I’m sure for the cast it would have been great performing to a packed intimate crowd and having the chance to do five performances, rather than a shorter run.

Borrowing its music from the Broadway classics, the show opened with a West Side Story number and a cracking performance from the chorus and the delightful muckabouts played by Penny Hendra and Hugo Butterfield. This number set the tone for the rest of the show, and Tim McDowell’s choreography continued to be great fun throughout.

Inspired by the Family Guy’s Stewie, Ben Dalton produced some great laughs as Michael, while Xavier Holland delivered an impressive Dame, ready to give back to the hecklers as good as he got. In what was originally written as three Lost Girl characters, Ezz Fairlie carried off the one Chocolat wonderfully, and Patty Etcell played a beautiful fairy (the green costume was a nice addition too).

As the villainous Hook, Cam Trollope’s performance was deserving of the many boos and hisses he received. And well done Spuzz for convincing him to sing. Catherine Spurritt played a dreamy Peter Pan, alongside Sally Lugg as a sweet Wendy. And a panto just wouldn’t be a panto without a solid animal performance (Simon Overend as the Crocodile) and the obligatory cameo from Greg ‘Stax’ Holledge.

There were some great highlights for the chorus – the opening and Steam Heat among them. The standout for me was their unwavering commitment during the pre-record of Dame. Not only did they face the confused glares of passers-by at St Kilda and Melbourne icons, but they also battled through what looked like horrendous weather.

While some pantos have been known to run for four or five hours, and Hook was nowhere near that, the first act could have done with a little trimming. That said, with the chorus’s energetic Act 2 opener all was soon forgiven. Tristan Patralakis did a marvelous job as Musical Director. I wasn’t sure what room you were playing from, but it sounded great.

Big snaps go to Hayley Gorman for costumes and Tess Falconer and her team for the set design and construction. The relatively simple set worked perfectly, keeping scene change times to a minimum and allowing specific set pieces and the wonderful, colourful costumes to feature. There were some nifty set movements by the cast during scenes as well – a highlight was the Dame’s “Give me more room Michael” in the Oom Pah Pah scene.

The mountain of work that would have gone on behind the scenes, lead by Producer Michael Pountney and Writer/Director Andrew Spurritt, contributed to a performance and was as enjoyable to watch as I’m sure it was to create.

Another new addition this year was a show specifically for the families of our Community Camps. From all reports the kids at this performance had a ball and it was a great opportunity for these families to see one of the many activities LSC&PH does outside of Somers.

Our beloved Panto is nearly twenty five years young. We don’t return year after year to experience pitch-perfect singing or consistently waving jazz-hands – that’s not what the Panto is about. We can look forward to many years ahead of booing the villain, cheering the hero, (heckling if you’re the King), forming friendships and learning new skills during production, and, as the audience, having an excuse to catch up with our extended LSC&PH family. Bravo.

Alex Lee (2006 Community Camps)

Hook the Panto Review


CE's MusingsCE’s Musings.

Greetings

I hope this finds you well.

As an Association we have a number of values that underpin everything we do: Fun, Friendship, Trust, Care and Acceptance. Over the last couple of

months, I have reflected upon Fun and Friendship; this month I want to reflect upon the third of our values, Trust.

If we think about our friendships, our work, our families or our Association, how difficult would they be without trust? In many respects trust is like glue that holds so many other aspects of our life together. It would be hard to imagine family life without trust, or to have a meaningful friendship with someone you don’t trust. Somehow a relationship without trust is not one where we are keen to put our time or energy. Neither is it a relationship which gives us much enduring enjoyment.

The current Global Financial Crisis has been made much worse by the apparent breach of trust between the various pillars of our financial system. Whether it was those who lent money to people who – by any measure – were never going to be able to repay the loans or those executives who made decisions to feather their own nests, this breach of trust is one which will be hard to repair. Someone once described a breach of trust as being like a broken mirror. You can repair it, but you will forever see the original cracks.

So what does trust mean for us? Our Association is built on trust and this is evident in our everyday life together. Every time we make an appointment to head up Canteen or Safety or Cooks or to be a Camp Leader, we are showing trust in the person we are appointing. For the person being appointed comes the obligation that they have been trusted and that every effort should be made not to breach that trust. For us all, it is vital that we trust others. Sometimes it is hard, but as Ernest Hemingway said “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them”. Sometimes you just have to step out.

Think about the time when someone in our Association trusted you with a task you never thought you could achieve, but you did achieve it. How did that make you feel? Then think about someone else in our Association who you think is deserving of your trust and actively seek out opportunities to demonstrate that trust in them. You will be amazed!

Memberships

Thank you to all who have renewed their membership for the coming year(s). If you have not taken that step, then can I encourage you to do so? Ring Maree in the office if you want to chat about the types of membership available.

Annual General Meeting

Please note that our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 15 October at 7.30pm. A notice of that meeting and a proxy form are enclosed in this Journal. Please note that you are free to attend, but you must be a member if you wish to vote at the meeting.

That’s me done for now

Regards,

Jonathan Chapman - Chief Executive

LSC&PH is now on Facebook!!Thanks to our amazing Social Media Working

Group led by Steph Newton, Lord Somers Camp and Power House is now on Facebook!

We have created an online community where members can engage with the organisation and

each other in new ways. This Facebook group is a great way to keep in touch with all your LSC&PH

friends and to see what's coming up and how you can be involved.

To join (in Facebook) simply search for "Lord Somers Camp and Power House", select the

group, and click "Join Group".

P.S. We have drafted some "Rules we'll shake hands on" and other useful guidelines, to help all users enjoy and use the site safely. Please review

them on the 'Files' tab when you join.

Social Media

President: Jeanette Jones - 9807 1658 Treasurer: Jan Barry - 9654 4825Treasurer: Lyn TrollopeWe all enjoyed the "The King's Speech" at our July film lunch. During August a group of us visited Melbourne Museum to see “The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia”, which we all found to be most interesting.Dates for future meetings:September 18: We are having a 'catch-up’ meeting to discuss future activities.October 16: Lyn Trollope will be bringing her greeting cards and craftwork for us to purchase.November 20: A.G.M.PLEASE NOTE: Monday December 3 will be our final gathering for the year, a Christmas lunch in the Rugby Rooms for the players from the Power House Albert Park Golf Club.Jeanette Jones - President

Auxiliary


When I describe my role and our organisation to people – not a task for the faint-hearted – I always focus on our programs and our Members. I talk about the life-changing experience people have at Big Camp and the way we engage with the community through our partnerships with Very

Special Kids, Mirabel, SAIL, the City of Casey and the Beacon Foundation. I share the unique experiences kids have at Camp Diversity and the member development opportunities offered by MAX and Power2Lead. Words I tend not to use when talking to outsiders about my role are “Duty of Care”, “Risk Assessment” and “OHS”. Those aren’t the kinds of words that get most people excited nor do they demonstrate the passion that drives our members to do what they do. However, PandA is increasingly focusing on these issues to ensure that both our members and our participants are protected when they walk through the gates at Camp or up the stairs at Power House. In the coming months, PandA will be examining our processes for risk assessments in the hopes of streamlining these to make completing a comprehensive risk assessment an achievable outcome for all Programs and Activities. Also related to this is a decision made by PandA and the Board to require Working With Children checks for all adults attending our Family Camps as well as for the Programs and Activities with outside participants, where they are already required. Easter Camp and Christmas Camp are special, partly because these camps are seen as a safe space where kids can run around

and play without constant supervision. They are also a great entry point for outsiders to the organisation. By requiring Working with Children checks for all who attend these camps, we not only protect the safety of those kids who are enjoying the freedom these camps offer, we are also sending a message to people who are unfamiliar with us that we take our Duty of Care seriously. We know this means a bit of extra organisation is required but PandA feels that a little extra paperwork is a small price to pay for the safety of the young people attending our camps. Finally, I wanted to send a shout out to two office volunteers who have been generously donating their time to help us prepare for Big Camp. Carole Cash, a friend of Jarrod’s, was between jobs and looking to use her time to help out a community organisation. Tess Young, Jake Weatherson's (Yellow 2009) cousin, is a nursing student with an obligation to do eighty hours of work with a community service organisation. Both of them came to the office once a week for the last few months. During that time, they took on the task of contacting about four hundred and fifty schools in Melbourne to learn the names of the current Year 10 and Year 11 coordinators, so that we can ensure the empowerme and Big Camp information, respectively, is targeted to the right person. This can be a brain-numbing task, but it is so important for us to be able to make personal contact during the recruiting process. The many hours they spent updating the database is time the rest of the office staff would have had to spend, and we thank them for their commitment to the process and their hard work. Catch y’all later, Sheryl Cardozo - Program Development Manager

The Bamboo Beat Programs and Activities


I have been bitten by the Games bug! As I put pen to paper for this Journal article, the Olympic Games are just about to commence. I am riveted by stories of Olympians overcoming great obstacles, triumphing after heartbreaking losses and accomplishing great things in the face

of adversity.There’s a story of success, goal-setting, and greatness for every Olympic athlete who competes. These athletes were once similar to all our Groupers, young men and women who dared to dream, who didn't give up, instead using their downfalls as motivation and eventually inspiration to others.As clichéd as it is, anything can be accomplished if someone puts their mind to it and these inspirational Olympians are examples of just that. Perhaps the trait they all possess is the ability never to give up. And if they fall down, they get back up again, dust themselves off, and pick up where they left off.Many of our 2012 Groupers and Staff will soon be undertaking exams. I encourage you to recall the Olympic athletes, their monumental achievements in the face of adversity, their perseverance and commitment. You can become anything you want to if you’re willing to work, believe, and never give up. Like the Olympics, the path to success is not without obstacles, but the journey and the destination are worth it. I wish you luck.Just as exciting as the Olympic Games, our fantastic new merchandise will be launched soon and our application forms for 2013 Groupers are hot off the press. If anyone knows of any potential Groupers, please get an application form to them. Similarly, if you wish to be a Staff member, look out for

application forms on the website soon. The Executive team have commenced the mega Lady Somers Camp marathon and are excited to be setting the pace for an event of a lifetime!On that note, I would like to announce that all our Head of Department positions are now filled. We have a fantastic team of women all working together to create a magnificent Big Camp 2013. Dunny Watson is leading our PR department; Liz Dillon is our new Bursar and Lucy Donaldson head of Activities. Due to the wonderful news that Mel Collard is expecting baby number two we have also made some changes to our AGLU line-up. Congratulations Mel. Sarah McPhail has replaced Mel as Light Blue AGLU: thank you Sarah for all your hard work on the Executive team over the last eighteen months.Claire Sime is our new Executive Officer working together with Mandy Hutchinson, and Jen Cameron will be our new Deputy Camp Leader alongside Kristen Hammond. I am so privileged to have such a dedicated and humorous team to be working with. Many laughs and crazy ideas pour out from our Executive meetings; it is a pleasure to work with you all. On a final note, congratulations to the cast and crew of the recent pantomime, Hook. A gold medal performance! My four year old still can’t understand why the pretty Patty Fairy was mute, or why a man dressed up as an old lady was dancing with scantily clad men with “funny faces” but perhaps one day it will all become clear to her. Or not. Bravo!So, as the Olympic Flame ignites, sit back, watch and be inspired. Go Australia!Melissa Ciardulli (1987 Yellow) Camp Leader - Lady Somers Camp

Camp Leader's ReportsThis time last year when I wrote this article I had been inspired by the efforts of Cadel Evans to win the Tour de France. This year I am suffering similar sleep deprivation as I try to absorb as much as possible of the London Olympics. At Camp we use our games as a means to an end, and

in doing that we draw upon both the ethos and the spirit of the Olympic movement. As I watch the opening days of the games I have seen examples, both positive and negative, to reflect on.The Olympics represent the pinnacle of sporting endeavour. Striving to give your very best, teamwork enabling success and setting the standard for sportsmanship, are at the heart of the Olympic spirit. On a much smaller and more intimate scale, these same values form the heart of the games at Somers. However we don’t do this for the individual glory of a medal. At Camp it is the values that are the gold. The Games Song captures the very essence of the Somers games spirit.There will be examples for each of us at the London Olympics that remind us of the value of teamwork, dedication to the task and sportsmanship. Hopefully these examples will inspire us to do better at whatever it is that we attempt. Unfortunately there are also examples in the modern games where the competitors, and in fact the media, forget what it all about. Sometimes the weight of expectation, both from external pressure and from within, changes the focus from giving your best and being gracious in defeat, to being preoccupied with victory above

all else. I can’t help thinking that some of our Olympic heroes would have benefited greatly from a week at Somers and for the words “It’s only the game that counts” to be etched into their subconscious.We are all very lucky to have had the chance to have attended and be influenced by our Somers experience. Relatively few have that opportunity.I would like to reiterate the challenge the Camp Chief has thrown us all in his article elsewhere in this Journal. If you do decide to attend Big Camp, and the time to make that decision is now, then BE IN camp. The Camp Chief is a fine role model for intense participation, and his involvement in the B&M at Big Camp 2012 shows a preparedness to step well outside his comfort zone.I also encourage you all to consider the young people in your lives and to nominate a Grouper for Big Camp 2013. Strong association connections contribute to an ongoing strong membership, so make sure the people close to you have the opportunities you had. Download the application and get in it now!One other reflection I made when watching the Olympics was just how impressive their opening stunt was. Getting the Queen and James Bond involved was terrific. They have set a high standard, Joel…Scott Mayer (1983 Dark Blue) Camp Leader - Lord Somers Camp


Power2Lead Report

Years of Membership Milestones

Power2Lead is ‘powering on’ with another nineteen participants this year – and that makes one hundred and eight people to have this unique experience since 2006!There is a remarkable atmosphere down at Somers during this program.In a way, just as the Groupers arrive at

the beginning of Big Camp not particularly sure what is going to happen, but excited none-the-less because they know that it is going to be challenging and perhaps a bit different than other camps they have been to, the P2L ‘Groupers’ seem to be experiencing those same feelings.Quite a few people have signed up for Power2Lead over the years having attended leadership programs in their professional lives and most have said that this program is much better and more rewarding. After all, there is something special about Somers, isn’t there? And there is something about self-discovery in a supportive environment where there is no potential for an impact on your career. Where there is time and people around you to help you explore the obstacles we put in front of our own success. Where you can make some real plans to try something new.Our speakers at the May camp included a range of topics from Emotional Intelligence, financial management and planning, taking the “Ride of Life” and living with attitude, action, and passion. Our thanks to Jill Beattie, Scott McKay, Craig Harper, Bruce Brammell, Kerry Hegarty, Bruce Anderson and Kim Barrie.The then “brand new” Camp Chief also wandered in to inspire us after dinner on Saturday evening – a tough gig Mal that has received great feedback! Thanks!As so often happens at Power House, we have had a person

who has no other involvement in the association donate a full day of her time and a heap of expertise to support the participants to understand the 360 degree feedback that is part of the program. Sue Constable is a highly regarded consultant and facilitator and we thank her for her time and expertise.Our participants are now working on building on some challenging feedback, some new information and the beginnings of some new thinking to make a difference in the outcomes they get from what life throws at them.A great big congratulations to the participants for 2012 - Rachael Dobson, Mina Coulson, Sophie Bowker, Fiona Nicholson-Stocker, Alex Devine, Robyn Barrand, Faye Davenport, Kate Burman, Leonie Lockwood, Anne-Marie Bowen, Vincent Ciardulli, Hutch Hutchinson, Bevan Waite, Peter Robert, Daniel Proietto, Ross Boyce, Nick Thomson, Tony Slater and Georgie Woollett.And of course thanks to the team who puts the program together – Fizz Dakin, Carmel Hutchinson, Bruce Beddoe and Kim Barrie – and the great team of Slush, facilitators, kitchen and other staff who make the program something that the Association can be very proud of.The second weekend of the program for 2012 is scheduled for 12-14 October, which will complete the program for this year. Any suggestions for interesting and informative speakers would be welcome to any of the P2L team.Nominations for next year’s program are now being sought and it would be a good idea to get in early so that you don’t miss an unequalled opportunity. This is a program that is all about you – not your workplace, not your Camp responsibilities, not your family. It’s all about YOU! Contact any member of the P2L team for more information.Simon Osborne (2009 Staff)

2002 - 10 yearsBrent Agius Light BlueMarnie Brooks RedLeanne Collier StaffGeorgia Cronin GreenSherwyn Fernandes YellowAdrienne Gorman StaffAnthony Gronow RedSarah Horan Light BlueSarra Kacew Light BlueSarah McPhail Light BlueCaitlin Mills Light BlueElizabeth Morrow StaffSimon Overend RedLisa Sierakowski Light BlueCraig Taylor Light BlueRosie Thomas RedElizabeth Trinh Green

1992 - 20 yearsMary Bawden StaffMartin Brownlee YellowJohn Davies StaffIan Gibson StaffIngrid Holliday Light BlueMargaret McArthur Dark BlueJohn Twyford StaffCallum Waite Dark Blue

1987 - 25 yearsDanielle Beadman StaffJayne Behrendorff YellowMelissa Ciardulli YellowJennifer Clemens StaffTimothy Dakin RedPeter Douglas StaffSandra Garland StaffTyson Goldsworthy Light BlueJane Harrison YellowJohn Hutchinson Light BlueAnna McLean Dark BlueJim Paxford Dark BlueJennifer Riedel StaffAndrew Tinney Yellow

1982 - 30 yearsTrevor Clemens GreenAdrian Price YellowGuy Thorburn Yellow

1972 - 40 yearsColin Boyd RedPeter Brooks Dark BlueColin Frost GreenRichard Reidy GreenIan Reynolds Light BlueTimothy Robinson StaffBrian Williamson Green

1962 - 50 yearsJames Brownlee StaffJohn Chambers Dark BluePeter Dakin YellowMichael Dickenson StaffRobert Dove RedAndrew Lawson Dark BlueAndrew Love StaffPhillip Meinhardt StaffJohn Robert Light BlueNeville Smith Green


Reconciliation Action PlanWe often talk about the Spirit of Somers. We see it on our Games Fields. We feel it as a thunderous sweeping wave in our respective Slush Huts. We share it in exchanging Peter Johnno’s embracing hand shake – “Andy Mullins.” “G’day Andy. Seco.” Boom. We watch it snap and spit from the fires of our remembrance services. We welcome its chill up our collective spine in our Bush Chapel services. We hear it as our guests survey our programs – “You mean people as young as twenty three actually run these departments and programs? How?” Because they’re guided by the Spirit of Somers.We celebrate our Spirit in song and dance and laughter and prayer. We share our Spirit in grief and in learning and pushing through pain. We teach our Spirit. We nurture our Spirit. We weave our Spirit though a blanket of myth. And awe. And presence. And past. We protect our Spirit. And we turn to our Spirit in times of “ghastly pain.” We see hundreds of young people enter our LSC&PH family each year, and we watch them closely for glimpses of it. Who’ll come back next year? Who’s got it? Who needs it? Who can we help by sheltering them with it? Our Spirit. Our Spirit. Our Spirit. Our Spirit.But this Spirit is nothing new to Somers. Nor did we invent it. We are merely its custodians, readying it for the next generation to take it from us at handover, as we have taken it from its original custodians. We all now accept that the country on which our camp is run is far older than the organisation which runs it. Not hundreds of years older. But thousands of years. Tens of thousands of years. And for all that time, our First Nations People have done exactly as we do now at this place we all call home. They have sung. They have danced. They have cried. They have bled. They have shared food. And stories. And celebrations. They have watched young men and women pass over its lands in ceremonies leading to adulthood and higher knowledge. These are all the same things that we do at Somers today, so many tens of thousands of years later. On Sunday 1 July 2012 we acknowledged this fact together. More than that, we celebrated our acknowledgement. We came together at Albert Park Lake in the presence of elders of the Boon Wurrung lands we now call Somers, and we showed our respect to their history as we asked our LSC&PH members present to ratify and accept the organisation’s formal Reconciliation Action Plan.Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir, a Boon Wurrung elder, welcomed us into her country. She is a woman with a very deep connection to the beaches and bushlands of Somers. And her warmth in welcoming us into its ancient history was both educational and inspiring.Pitjantjatjara elder, Uncle Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith, recounted his connection to LSC&PH via his work with our MAX programs, which he attends each year as a speaker. Rusty is Australia’s premier didjeridoo player, or in Rusty’s language, “yidaki player.” At our RAP launch that Sunday, he taught the men present to play the didjeridoo like maestros – on PVC pipes from Mitre 10. Genius.We learnt that Australia has never been one nation of people until European settlement. Previously it was a land of many nations – more than five hundred, with over two hundred and sixty independent languages. We learnt that the Aboriginal flag of red, black and yellow has a greater meaning.

The sort of meaning we write into lore at LSC&PH. Black represents the People. Red represents the Earth. And Yellow represents the Sun. In a sense, it is poetry. And it was touching for all members present to witness Aunty Fay and Uncle Rusty hand over the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islands flag to our Slushie King and Slushee Queen respectively.To all those members who attended the RAP launch – thank you. To all those members who sent their good wishes – thank you. To Daniel Proietto who accepted the RAP on behalf of the board – thank you. To our traditional land owner present, Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir – thank you. To Uncle Rusty for continuing to guide us along this fun and exciting path – thank you. To all our members who couldn’t make it but will no doubt now support this great initiative – thank you. And to our visionary Board and Executive Leaders – thank you.And on behalf of all those listed above, a massive thank you to and acknowledgement of the work, drive, passion and Spirit with which Stephanie Craze has led this process. I’m often reminded of why I’m such a proud part of this diverse organisation. The reminders lie everywhere. And the way Steph has so tirelessly worked to turn a series of late night conversations at Big Camp into a driven agenda to make our great organisation even greater via this RAP plan, is absolutely one of those reminders. Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody penned the lyric that became an idea beyond the song it was written for: “From Little Things Big Things Grow.” We look forward to watering the seed with you all.Andy Mullins (1992 Dark Blue)

What is a RAP Plan?A Reconciliation Action Plan (or RAP) is a business plan that turns good intentions into actions. They’re about creating respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

A RAP publicly formalises an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation by identifying clear actions with realistic targets and is developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and leaders.

Steph Barbare-Craze, Slushee Queen Marnie Carroll, Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir, Slushie King Joel Masterson, Russell "Rusty" Smith and Andy Mullins


RAP Plan message from the BoardWhat follows is the speech Board Member Daniel Proietto gave when accepting the Reconciliation Action Plan at the RAP Launch:Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.It is with great pleasure that, on behalf of Mal Cater, our President and Camp Chief, the Board and all members of Lord Somers Camp & Power House, I accept the Lord Somers Camp & Power House Reconciliation Action Plan from Stephanie.The Vision of our Reconciliation Action Plan is:

To use our influence as a premier youth leadership organisation to educate and raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture; and to leverage our own culture of innovation and progression to become a community leader in Closing the Gap.

The development of our own Plan is a significant moment in the history of our organisation, and I want to commend Stephanie and Andy and their team, and Russell Smith and Benson Saulo, for their dedication and hard work in conceiving and drafting the Plan. I also wish to acknowledge our immediate past President and Camp Chief, Glenn Bowes and our Chief Executive, Jonathan Chapman, who were both involved in the initial decision to create our Plan. Can I also thank Aunty Fay for her wonderful Welcome to Country this morning. The Reconciliation Act Plan is significant for our organisation because we cannot truly enact our vision – of a stronger, more inclusive society created through service to others – without better understanding, and engaging with, Indigenous Australians. In my view, our members, more than most other Australians, are perfectly placed to forge deeper and more meaningful relationships with the indigenous people of Australia because we share with them a deeply held connection to land. Lord Somers Camp and Power House members talk of having a deep and enduring connection to our place at Somers. It is a connection which dates back to our first Big Camp at Somers in 1931 and which continues to this day. It is our place. Imagine then, having a connection to land which dates back fifty thousand years, during which your people create the oldest continuing culture in the world. Today we have also heard from Aunty Fay of the significance of Somers as a site to the Bunn Wurrung people. The importance of recognising that we all share commonly held values was highlighted by former Prime Minister Paul Keating in his landmark Redfern Speech to mark the commencement of the Year for the World's Indigenous People in December 1992. During that speech, Mr Keating stated that it would only be once we recognised all that we had in common that we would see the things that needed to be done – the practical measures that must be taken to improve living conditions, to reduce infant mortality rates and to give our first Australians greater opportunities for human dignity and happiness. Keating described these things as the “practical building blocks of change".Our Reconciliation Action Plan is our road map for implementing these practical building blocks of change. Earlier, Steph described it as being about "turning good intentions into real actions". I urge all of you here today to read the document and to live the document. Under the banners of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities, it sets out a number of goals which we should all strive to achieve.

We should never underestimate the ability of our organisation to achieve great things. I am constantly amazed and inspired by the leadership and service to others displayed within Lord Somers Camp and Power House, by individual members and the organisation as a whole. This launch is only the beginning of our Plan and our commitment to Closing the Gap. I am confident that we will actively and passionately work towards achieving the practical goals established by our Reconciliation Action Plan and in doing so continuing to build a stronger society built on inclusiveness and valuing and celebrating diversity. Daniel Proietto (1996 Light Blue)

Can I read the LSC&PH RAP?Of course. Any time! Copies of our Board endorsed RAP are available from the LSC&PH office. Alternatively we can email you the RAP. Simply make a request via [email protected].

Can I get involved?Absolutely! Feel free to contact Stephanie Craze via [email protected] or Andy Mullins via [email protected]

Uncle Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith


Members PassingWe are saddened to inform you that Kylie Parish, (1986 Yellow) died 18 July 2012 aged 41 years, after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with the Parish family and friends at this time.

Birth AnnouncementsLisa Garland (Sierakowski) (2002 Light Blue) and Mark Garland, welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Chelsea Mikayla Garland into the world on May 7, weighing 6 pound 12 ounces. All are doing well and very happy.Kim Maxwell (nee Kennedy) (2003 Light Blue) and Brett Maxwell, welcomed a healthy baby boy, Blake Stephen Maxwell into the world on April 18, weighing 7 pound 15 ounces. All are doing well and loving life together.Michelle (1998 Red) and Joel Masterson (1996 Red) welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Sophie, a little sister for Leo into the world on 3 August. Sophie has settled in well at home and everything is going well.

WeddingsCongratulations to Nathan Wilson (1999 Yellow) and Sarah Bowes (1995 Yellow) on their recent marriage.There awas a Power House cast of tousands in attendance, including Claire Sime (1999 Light blue), Mark Thomson (1996 Red) and Charles Bowes (1999 Light Blue).

Congratulations to Pete Najar (1998 Red) and Ling Yuan, who were recently married on March 24 at Our Lady of Sacred Heart.

Green, Black & White

Peter Najjar and Ling Yuan

Nathan and Sarah with their Wedding party

Blake Stephen Maxwell with Mum Kim and Dad Brett

Sophie Masterson

Chelsea Mikayla Garland

Nathan and Sarah


Meeting with the Governor Mal Cater and Glenn Bowes were privileged to enjoy a private meeting with the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria, representing Lord Somers Camp and Power House (LSC&PH), in their respective capacities as President and Camp Chief, and Immediate Past President and Camp Chief of LSC&PH. The Governor is the Patron of LSC&PH and is a keen supporter of the work of the organisation - particularly the annual youth development and leadership camps Lord Somers Camp for boys and Lady Somers Camp for girls.

Get well soon KelvinKelvin Dedlefs (2000 Staff) was recently in hospital, we wish Kelvin a speedy recovery.

Green, Black and WhiteThe annual London Lord Somers Camp and Power House gathering was held was attended by Ness Parfett, Hayley Parfett, Kate Devine, Kirby Duggan, Lachlan 'Flat Out' Pfeiffer, Nick Bird, Dan Jade, Amy Weatherson , Kate Frazer and Charlie Mcart.

After 10 years playing the local pub scene (and the occasional camp chapel), Cam Lee (1997 Dark Blue) and his band Zoophyte have just finished a tour supporting INXS! They've also landed a publishing deal with Mushroom Music Publishing and will release their first album, Somewhere Elsewhere on 21 September. The keen eye will spot another PH member in the band, the dashing Michael Lee (2001 Staff) circa 1975 on the album cover and website! And Miles Bence (1998 Staff) helped shoot their first film clip, for current single Let You Go, released in April and available on iTunes. You can support the boys by liking them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/zoophyteband) or visiting them at www.zoophyteband.com.

CorrectionEagle-eyed readers noted in the July 2012 edition of the Journal that photographic captions were transposed in Green Black and White. The caption 'Mark and Ed with Reggie Thomson' should be swapped for the caption 'Lucy and Warrick with Harry Steabben'. The Journal apologises for any inconvenience, embarrassment or unintentional hilarity caused.

Green, Black & White

President and Camp Chiel Mal Cater with the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC Governor of Victoria and Glenn Bowes

Kelvin Dedlefs recovering in hospital

Cam Lee performs live on stage on the ZOOPHYTE tour

Journal PackagingMany thanks to the Ashwood Special School for packaging this Journal, and to members of the Oldies and Goldies for labelling this Journal.

Also our special thanks go to the Oldies who packaged and labelled the July Journal.

Mike Lee (circa 1975) on the cover of ZOOPHYTE - Somewhere Elsewhere


It happens once every ten years. The drums of Slushies past ring across Facebook and beyond to tell Slushies that are and have been that it is time to drive, ride and walk to Somers to retell stories that begin with ‘when I was a Slushie…’The Tribal Gathering brought together friends that have not seen each other for sometime. It gave many an opportunity to throw tomatoes and battle across the beach front and others an opportunity to reminisce in front of an open fire. However each person spent his weekend, there was a common bond amongst all of them, the phrase ‘They Shall Not Rest’ and the bond that can only be described as being a Slushie.Slushie King Joel Masterson, passed his hat and whistle to Slushie Kings of past and they managed to retell stories and recreate the atmosphere in the Common Room that young Slushies never experienced and old Slushies never forgot.On the final evening, to celebrate the more serious times of Camp, some Slushies were re-introduced to the fold with applause and a choir of voices. Those same voices only moments earlier were all seated around the Camp Fire remembering those Slushies who had served the Blacks, Power House and the community with dignity, heart and hard work. Rare qualities, but qualities heralded amongst the Slushies.The weekend was enjoyed so much, that sitting around sharing a coffee on the way home, all who were present commented that this event should happen even more regularly. It was a great weekend of good fun and great fellowship shared across generations.John Osborne (2000 Red)

Slushie Tribal Gathering 2012

Steve O'Neil, Bob Miller and Ron Eldred

Peter Rattray, Campbell Beadman, Andre Sardone and Jason Gribble


They Shall Not Rest

Doug Flakemore, Tim Fitzgerald and Oliver Morris Camp Chief Mal Cater shows off the staged outcome of the "Random Selector" mishap

Mark Thomson, Miles Bence, Hugo Butterfield and Al JAck Matt Bowker tries to recreate the "Random Selector" mishap of 2004


Ingrid Blackburn (1993 Light Blue)

Ingrid has been involved with LSC&PH since being a Light Blue Grouper in 1993. Following this, she served in JFS and then a series of Community Camps. In the subsequent “ten year hiatus” Somers was not so much a part of Ingrid’s life, as she was busy studying,

travelling and working. This involved studying Marine Biology at Melbourne University, working at the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and then landing in her current post at the Victorian Auditor’s Office. Good excuse for the break and impressive stuff.

After “the hiatus”, Ingrid was part of the Games and Photography Departments at Big Camp, did a year in Slush then landed a couple of roles in VSK and Camp Diversity Community Camps.

Then there was Mirabel Family Camp.

Invited by Ric Dakin to take part in Mirabel, Ingrid has been involved with now for three years (on the Committee and behind the scenes) and has found the “feel-good respite” very

rewarding. Ingrid admires the grandparents’ stamina, adding, “It’s just so great to see young kids have so much fun, for their grandparents to relax and to see faces light up…it really is a wonderful experience.”

When asked what Ingrid enjoys most about Camp she said that she finds it inspiring to see such young people come down to Camp, be actively involved and so mature. “As clichéd as it sounds,” she says, “there is a mix of people…at Somers, age doesn’t matter. Camp keeps me connected with all age groups that I wouldn’t have outside. Every time I go down to Camp, I am in awe of the youth at Camp, their level of maturity and willingness to give, which leaves a lasting impression on me.”

Apart from Light Blue Group-ing, Marine Biology-ing and Mirabel-ing, there’s been a new addition to the Blackburn clan…7 month-old Billie Madison Blackburn! Jim and Ingrid’s first child who will no doubt follow in her mother’s (and her father’s) footsteps by getting involved in LSC&PH and the Community Camps. No doubt, sixteen years from now, little Billie will leave a lasting impression on others as a Light Blue Grouper at Big Camp as well.

Peter Najjar (1998 Red)

Power House People

Matthew Vicars (2001 Light Blue)

Matt “it’s not a bike, it’s a machine” Vicars walked through that well documented Somers archway in 2001 as a wide eyed seventeen year old Haileyburian prefect. He was issued a Light Blue scarf and shared a hut for a week with our very own Journal

Manager, Daniel Jade. I asked Matt whether the week at Somers had inspired him to spend his next few years learning about law at Deakin University in Geelong. He declined to comment.

So struck was Matt about those men in black, he returned to the hallowed Somers grounds in 2002 as a first year Slushie. Matt has been an impressive addition, serving as a 2IC and a hierarchy member, including three stints in Scullery (so far, he’s washed 18,000 dinner plates).

His talent was first recognised by ex Duke Andre Sardone who appointed him First Year Slushie Co-ordinator with party boy Hugo Butterfield. I asked Matt whether the demise of that

position had anything to do with the value he and Hugo added to it. He declined to comment. Matt’s well known softer side shone during his time on the MAX team (2003 – 2005) and his dancing ability turned heads in the second staging of the Panto Man From Snowy River.

Matt currently practises as a solicitor at Scanlan Carroll in Kew. When not entertaining his mates with clever repartee over email or scouring second hand book stores for the classics, Matt’s passion turns to unhealthily long triathlons. He’s currently training for Iron Man Cairns. Unfortunately in 2011, Matt figured three times in Melbourne’s bike accident statistics. We hope in the lead up to this triathlon he’s able to keep his collarbone (no, his body generally) in one piece. Rumour has it Matt is also planning a trip to space, but he’s promised to be back by January 12 to welcome twenty young men to Lord Somers Camp.

Welcome Matt, to the AGLUs for BC13. Make sure you ask him how he thinks his boys will go.

Hugo Butterfield (2001 Red)

ClothingCanterbury Rugby Top $90.00

Hoodie (Unisex) $45.00

Polo Shirt (Men’s or Ladies) $40.00

Cap (8 only) $12.00

Lady Somers Camp T-shirt $20.00

Spray Jacket (2 only size L) $45.00

Ties (3 designs) $27.50

Other MerchandiseCoffee Mug $5.00

LSC&PH History (It’s Only The Game That Counts) $5.00

LSC&PH has a range of merchandise for members and supporters to purchase. If you wish to purchase any of the items place contact the office on 9510 7066.

MerchandisePower House


Power House PeopleGum Mamur (2010 Yellow)

Gum Mamur was born in Sudan on September 1 1992. Soon after that his family fled to Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya, to avoid the raging war between the north and south of Sudan. Gum’s father was a commander in the army and was not able to accompany the

family, leaving him with his Grandmother, mother, two brothers and sister. (Sadly Gum’s father died of malaria on Christmas Day 2009, without Gum ever meeting him).

The next ten years involved surviving stabbings, kidnappings, and everyday life in Kakuma before eventually being accepted to come to Australia in 2004 at the age of 12 with his mother and three siblings. Unfortunately his Grandmother, who he loved very dearly, stayed behind in Kenya.

Since hitting Australian shores Gum has embraced life in Australia, taking every opportunity he could. Gum attended Big Camp in 2010 (Yellow), Max in 2011, and multiple Community

Camps. He now finds himself on committees for both SailAway and the Community Outreach Initiative. He is also a resident superstar for the E grade Slush basketball team and hopes to find himself in the blacks come BC13 in January.

Gum currently attends Victoria University, studying youth work, and is considering the possibility of moving in to the field of law. He works two jobs, one at The Avenue Hospital as an orderly and the second for the 20th Man Fund who help disadvantaged youth in the western suburbs.

In his spare time, Gum loves to play basketball and even hit up the big US of A late last year to show some of the college teams what he’s made of. He also loves his art and his music. Gum is my best mate, and a great guy, so if you see him around make sure you say “hi” or ”Yooo, watuuuup”, even chuck in a fist bump if you’re cool enough, it will be worth your while.

James Munro (2008 Light Blue)

Kerryn Parfett (2009 Dark Blue)

Kezzy was a Dark Blue Grouper in 2009 and since then Somers has been a significant part of her life. She is a passionate member of the VSK committee, most recently heading up the Babysitting department where she demonstrated her ability to connect with

LSC&PH Members, but also families and their children. She is also the youngest member on the MAX team, and recently accepted the role of 2IC of Press at Lady Somers Camp 2013.

So what does Kezzy do outside of Somers? She is currently studying to be an Occupational Therapist and is dedicated to making a positive difference in the life of others. She is also a talented dancer and enjoys playing guitar, travelling and cooking.

Kezzy is a real family gal, and I know she misses her sisters (who are currently travelling the world) dearly. I am honoured

to have known her since before she began to make her mark on Somers, and to witness first hand her transformation from a shy, young teenager into the confident and talented young lady she is today.

If you don’t know Kezzy, you should definitely make it your mission to. She has a way of making anyone she interacts with feel at ease. She always puts others first and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain, even when the going gets tough. She is wise beyond her years and even though she is a few years younger than me, I often find myself going to her for advice.

While I know Kezzy is so thankful to have Somers as part of her life, I also think we’re pretty lucky to have her. She is a loyal friend, good for a laugh, and just an all round top chick.

Jen Cameron (2003 Red)

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Polish ProgramOn Tuesday 26 June 2012 I had the pleasure to be involved as a mentor in the Polish Program lunch at Power House. Thirteen other members joined me for the lunch program, ranging in age from Oldies and Goldies to a few recent groupers.

The Polish Program came about through a partnership with the Beacon Foundation. Beacon’s website outlines it as a national non-profit organisation working in more than one hundred and twenty secondary schools across all Australian states and territories. Beacon believes every young Australian can develop an independent will to achieve personal success for themselves and their community. Beacon has an established track record of helping inspire and motivate students to either stay in school and increase their educational engagement and attainment or choose a positive pathway that enables successful transition to employment, further education or training.

Twenty Year 10 students from Keysborough Secondary College came to Power House for the day to be inspired by the staff from Beacon, learning interview techniques, strategies to engage people in meaningful conversation, and tools to help them feel more confident in new environments.

My role was most enjoyable. I enjoyed a delicious lunch in the company of three delightful students and one of the teachers from the school. The girls were all very keen to put into practice some of the skills they had been working on all morning. We talked about everything from choosing subjects for specific career paths to pets and other hobbies, all the while practising polite table manners!

At first the conversation was a little awkward, but it did not take long for the girls to be at ease, asking all sorts of questions about my school life and the choices I made as a young adult. They became very comfortable sharing stories about work experience, home life and future aspirations. The fact that the food was so delicious and the environment so friendly made it easy for us all to open up and be comfortable with each other.

After lunch, I was part of a goal setting activity with the girls on my table. They were very mature about it and mostly had goals relating to better study habits. It made me think about my own short term goals, which was a timely reminder not to become lazy and complacent. I think I may have gotten more out of the day than just a delicious lunch!

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff from Beacon Foundation. It is obvious that they are passionate about their work, and that they share the same vision as Lord Somers Camp and Power House to encourage our young people to reach their full potential.

Vanessa, Heather and the rest of the LSC&PH staff did a terrific job with organising the lunch and I am most grateful to have been invited to participate. I would like to be involved in future collaborations between The Beacon Foundation and Power House and encourage others to take any opportunity to do so as well.

Carmel Hutchinson (2006 Staff)


MAX camp 2012 in one word? Wow.I feel so incredibly privileged that I was able to spend such a life changing week down at Somers with some of the most amazing young people I have ever met. I want to say a huge thank you to the MAX team, particularly Brigi and Lach who both were simply amazing, and made the whole week so unbelievably fabulous!

Although turning up to Power House on the Sunday, not knowing what to expect, was quite a daunting experience, it didn’t take long for us to feel like we’d known each other for years. Arriving at Camp we jumped straight into the week, with a very insightful session with Steve Arthurson focusing on our values and visions. We had a number of other fantastic guest speakers over the week; Andy Mullins I think was a highlight for most. We spoke about our fears and dreams, realising that it really is as simple as dreaming up the world you want to live in inside your head, and then dreaming it out loud.

Other highlights of the week included some gorgeous singing from the lovely Penny Gibson, an original song about MAX from our very own Kelly Trenery, ‘No Lights, No Lycra’ dance sessions, hilarious games of ‘Would You Rather Or Something Else’ (thanks Adam!), random youtubing (WHOA NELLY!), bouncing, paintball, cheerleading lessons from Tali, fitted sheet folding lessons from Rach, Christmas in July complete with creepy dancing Santa, and continuous daggy dancing.

MAX is a week long personal development program that is run by young people, for young people, that is based on the belief that to become a great leader, you have to first identify who

you are and what you care about. Starting with the ‘man in the mirror’, we worked as a team towards ‘making our dreams come true’. We had ‘the world’s greatest’ time discovering that there ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ to stop us from achieving all our hopes, dreams, and goals, and believing John Farnham when he says that ‘you’re the voice’!

What’s next for the MAXees of 2012? ‘The rest is still unwritten’.

Ashleigh Walsh (2010 Light Blue)


A lot of the work that the Slushee Duchess and Coordinator do is behind the scenes. So for these Slushee notes I wanted to tell you more about why they are such amazing young women. Taking on the roles of Duchess and Coordinator is a huge commitment and I appreciate the endless hours they have

given to LSC&PH over the past year and a half. I’ll start with Ness. I met Ness when she was a first year Slushee and I was her head of department. We were in Entertainment and Ness shone from day one. She had that great combination of being an incredibly hard worker and someone who was also in constant pursuit of fun. Her naughtiness was immediately apparent and I have no doubt that she did so many things throughout the week that I’m still not aware of. I must ask her about that one day. When I was writing this I found this photo of our department from that year. Ness is the odd looking doctor up the back…Before becoming the Duchess, Ness was the Green AGLU. Ness (or Gwen if you were a Green Grouper in 2010) embraced everything that comes with the role. She grew as a leader within our organisation, demonstrating a real understanding of what it takes to guide the Groupers throughout the week. Her naughty side was also on full display and Danj and I are still planning our revenge for the great Governor’s wife prank of 2011! Through working with her as EO it became clear to me that she would be a great choice for Duchess.Ness’ support as Duchess has been amazing. She is happy to talk about Slushees and Groupers for hours on end. We have spent so much time together over the last year and a half and we’ve laughed all the way along. She makes all of our meetings, drives to Somers, phone calls, breakfasts and dinners something that I really look forward to. And of course, I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Matt and Rose as well. Thank you for letting me take over so much of your lives lately! It’s been wonderful seeing Ness loving her new role as a mum and Rose is already getting ready for BC13. She has a number of Slushee outfits and no doubt is excited by the idea of experiencing some of the week at Somers on the outside this year.

And now Stacie Mason. Although I didn’t know Stacka really well before we became a team, I had no doubt that she would be a natural as the Slushee Coordinator. She has kept the whole of Slush, both past and present, informed, organised and ready for action across the year. It is not easy to step up into a role where you are directing your close friends, but Stacka has done this with great sensitivity and maturity. And the Slushees have supported her brilliantly, especially the hierarchy. One of the things that stood out for me about Stacka (apart from the fact that I never saw her without her long Slushee socks on) was that for BC11 she stepped down from hierarchy and was a Slushee in the Mess department with her good friends Jen Cameron and Alice Goodman as her HOD and 2IC. Having Slushees with experience in each department is a fantastic support for both our hierarchy and younger Slushees. Stacka just enjoys being a Slushee, it doesn’t matter what role she is in, she will give it everything she has.Stacka just looks like a Coordinator! She has a commanding presence in the Mess Hut, keeping those AGLUs under control. Her calmness throughout the week was exactly what Ness and I needed, and she had the answer for every question we threw at her. She didn’t have a smooth start to her week but stepped up brilliantly when she joined us on Monday. And of course she keeps us dancing up a storm. Thanks Stacka for making our dance at BC12 easy. Please keep that in mind when you’re working out what we’re doing this year.Thank you both for saying yes to being a part of the HATs and for your time, passion and friendship over the past eighteen months. You are both incredible young women and LSC&PH is lucky to have you in these roles. I can’t wait for what’s still to come!The Slushee Queen Marnie Carroll (1993 Dark Blue)Marnie – 0439 015 694, [email protected] Ness – [email protected] Stacka – [email protected]

Slushee Notes


I finished writing this article about a week after the arrival of Sophie, our second child. That doesn't really have anything to do with being a Slushie (lucky) and I'm only mentioning it here because I hope that in years to come, Sophie will find an archived copy of this Journal and read for the first time that

her parents knew that she was going to be a girl and that Daddy wore pink underpants into the birth suite at the hospital just for the occasion.

But I've digressed before even starting. What I really want to share with you is a short reflection on the second ever Slushie Tribal Gathering, which took place at Somers in June. About one hundred Slushies of all ages participated in beautiful meals, several games that involved throwing small objects at others and of course, one another's company in close proximity to an open fire. Sound like a familiar combination of "good" things?

I was thrilled that ten former Slushie Kings attended including (in very particular order) Mike Craig, Ric Burman, Garry Trollope, Greg Holledge, Mal Cater, Pete Robert, Scott Mayer, Ty Goldsworthy, Matt Bowker and Mark Thomson.

These are big names in our organisation and the more I hear about their years "in the hat" and the more I think about things they all did differently, the more I begin to understand their influence on some of the little things that the rest of us all take for granted in our present day experiences. For example, who would have thought that Slushie windcheaters were first introduced not because of cold nights at Somers, but because a hairy Slushie King was fed up with chronic rope itch!

These Kings were our guests of honour, or at least they were after I sent all of them for a collective swim at the start of the weekend! Most reluctantly took back "the bowler" or "the sombrero" for a brief time and entertained us all with stories about Opening Stunts, Lawn Stunts, Mess Hut entertainment and whatever it was that Pete Robert talked about.

But the best thing that these very special men provided for us was a Camp Fire Service during which they remembered Slushies they'd served with but who have since passed away.

Ron Wootton was the first person remembered and his force of personality seemed to demand that that be the case. No-one who saw Ron in action at Big Camp will forget him and the rest of us are still able to form a pretty vivid picture.

Warwick Smead's mastery of humour was fondly remembered by his Duke Bob Miller and the way Bob spoke reminded many of those present that there are few bonds in life that are as true as that between a Slushie King and Duke. We were also lucky to have old and silent videos of Wok and Bob at Big Camp in the early 70's (thank you Brian Williamson) and even without sound, you could see how funny they were.

Greg Holledge told us about Bill Bowker, who was the King when Stax was a Grouper and a young Slushie. He remembered a firm but charismatic leader who had the respect and devotion of some big personalities who served with him. For someone who didn't know Bill, it's hard to get a picture of him, unless you think of his son Matt, another Slushie King who could be described in the same way.

Scott Mayer spoke with pride about his grandfather Toby, the first ever Slushie King, and with mild embarrassment about the night when he was the King himself and first-year Slushie Peter Harris sent him back to bed when he woke up at 4.00am deliriously thinking that he had overslept and missed Parade. Everyone who knew Agate could imagine the twinkling eye contact that would have finally jolted Scott awake.

I never met Dave Hodges but he certainly left an impression on the people who did. I think a lot of people would like to be remembered with as much feeling as Dave's friends remember him. And being credited as the architect of the best ever Opening Stunt would be pretty good too.

James Patching was described as being a quiet but magnetic character. Hearing his story reminded me of his brother Ian, who was there with us by the Camp Fire and whose unstinting service behind a mop or a follow spot I have always been drawn to.

Slushies from different eras like Dave Tye, Andrew Bailey and Drew "Cheeky" Grant were also remembered for bringing contagious fun to the Slushies but also for being lost to us too soon.

A dark moment of Camp to be sure, and a cold night in June out in the South Field to be even surer. But for that short while, it burned bright and warm. And another great reminder for everyone who was there about why we're so lucky to be Slushies.

The Slushie King Joel Masterson (1996 Red)

Slushie Notes


Christmas Camp 2012"Anything worth having takes hard work."I'm writing this as our new baby son sleeps. I know I should sleep while he does, but what I've got stuck in my head are the words of our midwife, Jan Ireland, when I responded that I'd found his birth amazing but hard work. "Well", she responded, "anything worth having takes hard work."This is one of the key messages we try to impart to Groupers at the Big Camps - that good things take effort and perseverance. "Work hard, play hard" aptly sums up the Somers approach to all our programs. But for me, attending Christmas camp and other Work Camps as I grew up gave me a very practical experience of the satisfaction gained from work and the way that companionable friendships develop when you work alongside others - even when you have little in common except the task in front of you. Scott Mayer tells the story of his son Tom (then 10 or 11) spending a whole morning painting Yellow Hut with former Camp Chief Peter Johnstone - developing his painting technique as well as his friendship with one of our Somers elders. Attending Work Camps as I grew up was also instrumental in building my sense of "Somers family" - an extended family which connected us across generations. The (then!) young Slush - people such as Mike Officer, Mandy Hutchinson, Heather Johnstone and others, were our Somers cousins - endlessly cool and interested enough in the younger teenagers to come and retrieve us when we tried to sneak off to the yacht club New Year's Eve party. Older members such as Les Phillips functioned as our Somers elders - calling the bingo and connecting us with our history. Other adults - our Somers aunts and uncles - exposed us to a diversity of talents, from the Daly's organising horse riding excursions, Trevor Spurritt's car rallies, Hutchie's wobbly slice awards, John Robert's creek rehabilitation projects and being pulled into line by Jean Bowes.

I realize that nostalgia alone isn't a good reason to revive Christmas Camp. But I know I'm not the only one in this organisation who feels that the "old school" Christmas Camp format of a morning's work and an afternoon's play in the company of Somers family made a huge contribution to my childhood, and that its community building role is just as vital today. Our organisation is no longer under the financial pressures it was under in the 1980's which necessitated using members' skills and work for basic maintenance of the camp. To keep the camp at a consistently high standard for our own programs and external hirers requires outsourcing regular maintenance to professional tradespeople. Yet there are still many key tasks needed for preparing for the Big Camps which members can assist with, such as washing down the huts, hemming scarves, making name badges, collating Grouper and Staff Packs, bush regeneration and gardening and preparing and checking equipment for Games, Activities or Slush. Getting some of these tasks done at Christmas Camp could save the organisation money and help ensure that individual Heads of Departments don't end up having to do it all themselves over the Christmas period. If you are a Head of Department, the Christmas Camp committee will be contacting you in the months to come to find out what jobs you might want to add to our work list, and to encourage you and/or some of your Staff to come down to Christmas Camp to do some of your pre-Camp preparations.Whatever role you play within the Big Camps or other programs, your hard work and company are welcome at Christmas Camp - with the added sweetener of long summer afternoons on the beach or enjoying the Peninsula. Hannah Robert (1993 Light Blue)


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The Journal - September 2012