Fishing on the banks of the Gunbower Creek with just the sound of the birds chirping and not a care in the world. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it. That was just one of the activities on offer for the attendees of the 3-day Challenge Cohuna Camp on the weekend. 

The 7th annual camp saw 20 children aged 8-12 and 10 leaders attend the popular camp organised by Brooke Southern and the Challenge organisation. Attendees were children and/or siblings of children receiving treatment for cancer.

The campers arrived in Cohuna early Friday afternoon and spent time exploring the town before heading out to Treetops for a night beside the campfire and a night walk. Accommodation was at the Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park.

Waffles, pancakes and pastries were on the breakfast menu at Jen’s on George on Saturday before their carriages awaited, courtesy of the Kerang and District Motor Club, taking them to Barham Golf Club to play golf and make pizzas.

A relaxing afternoon at Treetops partaking in a spot of fishing, horse riding, woodwork, games, arts and crafts ensued, threatened occasionally by a few raindrops, and interrupted only by a session of 4-wheel driving – and getting bogged – which for some was the highlight of the afternoon.

Once the chilly evening set in, the campers watched ‘Puss in Boots’ on an inflatable movie screen.

Before heading home on Sunday, the children were treated to a farm breakfast and introduced to calves and lambs at a local farm, with children learning what farm life is like – and where milk comes from. The CFA brought a fire truck out and the Lions Club catered for lunch before the campers headed home. 

When I attended the camp on Saturday afternoon, I asked some of the children what they had enjoyed most.

“When we went to the park.” – Ruby

“I like the activities here.” – Hendrix 

“The 4-wheel driving – and we saw emus and kangaroos.” – Isaac 

“The 4-wheel driving.” – Connor

“Building a fort.” – Emily.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 17 August 2023.