Written by Caley, one of our incredible Adolescent Guides.
At the end of Term 3, our Local Integrated Projects (LIP) Couplet embarked on an unforgettable Expedition to Bethel Farm, near Dalby, in partnership with RAW Impact. Situated on the traditional Country of the Barunggam people, Bethel Farm has a rich and complex history. Originally operating as a children’s home from the 1950s to the 1980s, the property later fell into disrepair before being taken over by the dhiiyaan community in 2014. Since then, significant work has been undertaken to restore and revitalise the property, transforming it into a place of connection, hospitality and healing. At the heart of this restoration is a powerful vision: to rebuild what has been broken, breathe new life into old foundations and create a welcoming space where people and communities can flourish.
Our mission for the week was simple but meaningful: to connect with Country, community and one another, while working with our heads, hearts and hands to make a positive contribution.
Each day began at dawn, with our breakfast crew rising early to prepare a meal for the group. After sharing breakfast, we gathered for cultural learning experiences led by Uncle Billy and other First Nations Elders. Through stories, conversations and shared wisdom, the adolescents were encouraged to explore different perspectives, deepen their understanding of connection to Country and reflect on their relationships with the land, themselves and others. These were incredibly valuable experiences that challenged assumptions, inspired thoughtful conversations and left a lasting impression on many of us.
We also spent time in yarning circles, taking turns to share our stories: who we are, where we come from, our families, our interests and the people who inspire us. These moments of openness helped strengthen connections within the group, creating a wonderful sense of community and belonging.
Then it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Dividing into three project teams, the adolescents tackled a range of practical challenges designed to make a meaningful contribution to the farm. One team constructed and installed flashing on an animal shelter to protect the sheep from wind and rain, while another worked on building a new fence line for a racehorse paddock. The third team took on the task of constructing and planting garden beds. Initially aiming to complete two beds, their enthusiasm and determination saw them finish four fully planted garden beds, complete with native plants! They even found time to help rake hay in the paddocks to support the farm’s composting and soil regeneration efforts.
Throughout these projects, the adolescents demonstrated remarkable perseverance, problem-solving, teamwork and initiative. There was something incredibly rewarding about watching them tackle unfamiliar challenges, practice skills they’ve learned in the adolescent program, learn new skills and see the tangible results of their hard work. It was a wonderful example of Montessori’s vision of adolescents working with their heads and hands in harmony and contributing meaningfully to their community.
After a well-earned lunch, our afternoons offered opportunities to relax, socialise and strengthen our connections with the RAW Impact and Bethel Farm crews. Later in the day, we participated in a variety of cultural and experiential activities, each offering something different.
One afternoon, the adolescents enjoyed horse riding, while another was dedicated to Dadirri, a First Nations practice of deep listening, quiet reflection and still awareness. Each adolescent was invited to find a peaceful spot somewhere on the farm, perhaps beneath a tree or overlooking the paddocks, and simply be. They were encouraged to notice the movement of the leaves, listen to the wind and pay attention to the small details of the natural world that so often go unnoticed in our busy lives.
What began as a quiet reflective activity became one of the most unexpectedly powerful experiences of the Expedition. In fact, when it was time to regroup for Trivia Night, many adolescents were reluctant to leave their peaceful spots! There were even enthusiastic calls to introduce Dadirri into our regular school routines, a beautiful testament to how deeply the experience resonated with them.
We also enjoyed an extensive tour of Bethel Farm, learning about its history, ongoing restoration and commitment to regenerative agriculture, permaculture and sustainable animal care. A particular highlight was exploring two very different gardens: one featuring European and American plants, and another dedicated to native Australian bush tucker. Here, the adolescents discovered the traditional uses of a variety of edible and medicinal native plants, with opportunities to taste some of these incredible foods for themselves.
As the sun set each evening, we came together once more to prepare and share dinner before settling in for an evening of connection and laughter. Whether we were gazing up at the spectacular stars of Big Sky Country, singing and playing music around the campfire, challenging one another to card games or getting caught up in hilarious drama games, these simple moments of togetherness were just as valuable as the day’s more structured activities. Eventually, tired but content, we would retreat to our swags for a well-deserved night’s sleep, ready to do it all again the following morning.
Looking back, this Expedition was about so much more than building fences, constructing shelters or planting gardens. It was about discovering the value and dignity of meaningful work, learning to see the world through different perspectives, connecting with Country and community, and recognising what we can achieve when we work together towards a shared purpose.
We could not be prouder of this extraordinary group of adolescents. Their willingness to open their hearts and minds, listen to stories, embrace unfamiliar experiences, persevere through challenges and contribute wholeheartedly to the work of the farm was truly inspiring. Every adolescent came away having learnt something new, and for many, the experience was genuinely valorising, providing a renewed sense of confidence, capability, belonging and purpose.
Perhaps the greatest testament to the success of the Expedition was the number of adolescents who began campaigning for a return trip before we had even left! Whether it was a visit in Term 4 or another Expedition next year, one thing was abundantly clear: Bethel Farm had made a lasting impression on our community, and the everyone is eager to return.
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