Year 9 Camp

Being still, intentionally, is a strange and novel concept for many students whose days are filled with organised activities, classes, sport and music. Even at home they are surrounded by music, tv, and family. Finding real stillness is a challenge for most of us.

In the Quiet Days, which model some of the patterns of religious life as followed by the Society of the Sacred Advent, students spend time in worship, mindfulness activities and social mealtimes. Activities include colouring mandalas, making prayer sticks and even writing ransom note prayers. Some find the unstructured quiet times difficult, without the support of routine and outside distractions, while others relish the chance to wind down and reflect.

Even for adults, times of quietness without the distraction of devices and work, can be confronting. We can find ourselves tuning in to unhelpful and discouraging voices that tell us we are not good enough, or wasting our time. The Quiet Days give students and staff permission to give their own deep dreams and hopes time and space to be heard.

It is also a time to acquire some skills and habits to help us make the most of stillness, and to seek out times of rest and quiet in our lives.

Ransom Note Prayer