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Family Fun Day | Mother's Respite Camps

Below are some letters and poems written by Kalparrin Mothers. These camps offer a break from the responsibilities of caring, and allow the ladies to let their hair down!

November 2002
40th Mothers Respite Camp
held at Point Walter Recreation Centre, Bicton

Theme: 60's Hippy (going back 40 years)

Letter from Clare Masolin

Sadly, there has been a reality check at our house this week ... self-administered. Dare I say that having recently returned from the Kalparrin Mothers' Retreat, there would be a similar scenario unfolding at other households!  Yet, having availed ourselves of all the wonderful pampering experiences on offer over the weekend, I feel so mellow that I doubt anything will get under my skin for oh, at least a week!

An unwritten rule of camp - "what happens at camp, stays at camp" dictates that my lips are sealed when it comes to revealing too many juicies. However, I can tell you that, perched high on the hill at the Point Walter Recreation Centre in Bicton, with the majestic Swan River and city skyline as our backdrop, my fellow campers and I had a terrific weekend!

We received complimentary massage, Reiki, reflexology and manicure sessions.  Bliss!  We joined in tie-dye and bead-making workshops. We caught upon sleep. We danced. We laughed - (there was a lot of that!) And, for the more adventurous, we got the adrenaline pumping with flying fox and low-rope team building activities. If you were feeling in a particularly soul-searching mood, there were avenues for that too.

Everything was optional, including Saturday night's 'Hippy' theme - but as you see from the photo, we got into that too!  Food was terrific - mind you, not seeing the inside of a kitchen for 48  hours was pretty terrific too. So was enjoying a leisurely shower without having to contend with my toddler opening and closing the screen playing 'peek-a-boo'!

Above all, for 48 precious hours, we had the opportunity to reclaim "US" - our sense of self , something that is easily lost in our daily lives as Mum, carer, wife, partner, etc.

I'm keen to go again and share the experience with those of you who missed out this time.

Thank you to Kalparrin for a great job they did in pulling off a triumph of a weekend, the 40th Kalparrin Camp (so they should be pretty good at it by now!!).

I come away from the couple of days feeling invigorated, happier within myself, and believe it or not, with a greater appreciation for the way things are ....

Getting into the 'hippy' theme are Janice Sedgeman and Julie Mansell

A Poem by Lynn Dainton
who attended the November 2002 Camp

I was worn out by the stresses of the life I'm called to live,
By the challenges and pressure I had little left to give.
A lady told me of a place where women just like me
Could become renewed and so embrace the one I'm meant to be,
So I came.

The ones I met I'll not forget the courage of their stories,
The way they love their special kids, the heartbreak and the glories.
They too can get worn out like me so need times of rest and clarity,
And they came.

With an exceptional child you're sure to be tired as you tread this uncharted new road.
Camp's a place you can rest, you're sure to be blessed
And we'll help to carry the load.
Won't you come?

A Poem by Michelle Snitch

When I arrived I was feeling very shy,
It  seemed every time I spoke all I did was cry.
But very late into the night,
I tried Mona's moonshine and I was right!

After brekkie the next day, and a cuppa overlooking the bay,
I visited the reflexologist,
Oh God! Did I wish I had known before they exist!!!
After lunch we visited the shops, to purchase all manner of props,
To prepare for our night of the sixties,
Filled with love, peace, champagne and nibblies.

A fab evening was had by everyone,
Although next morning saw a few overhung.
with the weekend coming to an end,
I met so many and made more than one friend.
Thank you to Kalparrin and to Margaret,
I'll be back for sure I'm now a convert!