Perth Blue Retreat
‘Over the last three days a lot has changed, to me, my faith and my views. I started off looking forward to a Remar Camp once again, sceptic as always to the religious side of it, but willing to listen and learn. The first session had me wondering instantly, writing about these layers or ‘T-shirts’, made me think how I have had to conform to so many things but also made me realise my true self – my name – is not one thing that makes me ‘me’, but everything as a whole. Already, on the first day I had learnt something about myself.
We talked about love and relationships. This made me think of all those chick flicks and I thought that was love. I soon came to realise there is more to it than that. Love thy neighbour, one of God’s commandments, seems easy to do, but before we can love our neighbour, we must learn to love ourselves. But what is love? I learnt that love is God and this confused me, but soon I realised that loving ourselves means loving God as we are made in the image on likeness of God. I have begun to realise that the love and relationships I have with myself, others and God are the reason behind why I enjoy every day.
That night a lot of things changed for me. I started thinking about my past and how I felt so apart from God, when I heard that we were having reflection and a chance to go to Reconciliation I realised it is now I should ask about why I haven’t felt a presence with me. After talking to the priest, I realised that I had become unwilling to connect with God and this stirred something within me. I truly prayed for the first time in a long time and I felt at peace. I may not have found God yet, but I am at peace with myself.
Blue Retreat has changed me and my faith for the better. I feel closer to something I haven’t felt there before. Zac, Blue Rower, Newman College.
‘Before going on this Remar Blue Retreat, I had some pretty high expectations for how much I was going to enjoy it and what experiences I would have, and I am really glad to say that this camp surpassed all my hopes and expectations by a long shot. I enjoyed our small discussion groups, and how I got to know my fellow Rowers much more through the deep discussion we shared. Learning about the different t-shirts we humans wear when placed in different situations really opened my eyes to how I am as a person, as well as people very close to me. Most of all, I enjoyed the prayer and reflection session on the last night as I was given a chance to re-affirm my faith in God and just reflect and feel His presence. It was really great fun meeting and interacting with the new Gaps and I’m happy to say I’ll be leaving this camp with a smile on my fact and a lot of incredible memories.’ Grace, Blue Rower, Newman College.
‘Initially my idea for Remar Blue Retreat was that we were going to relax, chill out and get to know our fellow Caravel members better, like on other camps and retreats. But this camp was different. It was something that I have never experienced before. It was focused on faith and relationships with ourselves and God. One experience that I will never forget would be our Reconciliation and reflection night. It was so peaceful and I really felt that I learnt more about myself than I have ever known. The Gaps were awesome and my small group opened my eyes to some of my fellow Caravel members’ opinions and feelings on faith and things in their life.
Overall, Blue Retreat was amazing and something that I will never forget for a long time. I’m wondering where it will go from here.’ Maddy, Blue Rower, Newman College.