Australian Unschooling goes to the Next Level
arun on Sep 17 2010 at 12:39 am | Filed under: family diary, homeschooling, inspiration, others wisdom, unschooling | Click here to go HOME | or find out about SUBSCRIBING TO THE PIT |
The first ever Australian Unschooling Retreat/ Conference wound up a couple of weeks ago and it was a huge success! With over 100 families attending it far exceeded expectations (i admit it… especially mine!) and involved 4 days of discussion, swimming, clay play, inspiration and more.
Our family enjoyed making new friends, connecting with old ones, and i cant remember ever feeling so validated or aligned about our parenting choices. There were so many people exploring unschooling and connected parenting — it was just a wonderful environment to be in.
I finally got to meet people like Bob Collier & Dayna Martin which was great, and the talks / discussions all helped challenge various ruts and modes of behaviours id gotten into. Ive noticed changes since returning— including going back to my favourite egroups to try to maintain the feeling of support that we got for those few days. Ive also been approaching sibling conflicts with more compassion, that i had trouble mustering before the conference.
Im bias but one of the highlights for me was Anne (my partner) speaking on Highly Sensitivities & Unschooling. It took a lot for her to present it but from feedback ive had there were quite a few lightbulb moments of parents realising and becoming compassionate to their own sensitivities, that of their partners or children.
I also loved the informal stuff — hanging out by the pool and hearing adults treating children respectfully; the talent show which was loads of fun; and so much more.
Unschooling/ natural learning has been in this country for decades, but gathering so many interested families for this event really felt like the beginning of something big. I believe Kelly Lovejoy started the first unschooling conf in the US years ago, and now they’ve sprouted into so many regional events. Similarly the conference here seemed to mark the beginning of Australia’s unschooling movement really going to the next level.
I’m truly in awe of the organisers Erica Perry & Maree Riedel, whose vision and tireless hard work made it happen. There was so much attention to detail — from the kids play tent for ever being stocked with new activities; unschooling tshirts & showbags; the organic and healthy meal options; a bush dance; right down to the little flags with unschooling quotes that decorated the space.
Even more inspiring was my chat with them the day after… while still celebrating their success Maree & Erica were already planning bigger and better things for next year. You’ll hear more about this but for now, no matter where you are, keep early September 2011 free for a holiday to Australia… and hopefully ill see you at the second Australian Unschooling Retreat! 
Yes, yes, and an even bigger yes! I agree with everything you’ve written here, Arun. And Anne’s talk was a feature for us too. The whole conference was just SUCH a buzz; I enjoyed every minute of it. And it was fun watching our daughters make their own connection too!
Yes it was lovely to see them play Karen… you’ll have to let me know your ph number offline so we can organise a virtual play date for them on club penguin or something. Its a shame we’re at such a distance as M would love to have an unschooling buddy in the same town. Youve got to tell us if you visit our way!
Thanks Arun I agree totally. Look forward to next year!
Will you please thank Anne from me, I came away with such enlightenment from her workshop and a feeling of understanding and acceptance of myself now.
Thanks for your blog Arun.
Thank you so much for sharing some of the stuff that went on whilst I was not there at the conference. I’m sooo filled with envy!! I would’ve loved every moment of it from what I’ve heard. can’t wait til next September. I have to make sure I don’t miss that one:)
I loved your talk too Arun, as well as the input you had during the discussion at other talks. And it’s so great to see a Dad so comfortable with wearing his baby so much! The feeling of tribal community was absolutely beautiful, and kept raising the vibration of the whole experience. I want to keep that going for as long as possible.
I am so looking forward to 2011!
I loved your contribution to the conference Arun, your honesty and reality are such a blessing to our family – thank you.
Please thank Anne too I gained so much from her talk on Highly Sensitive people and left with a much better understanding of myself and 2 of my children. I would love to get in touch with Anne as I would love to put together a talk for some people near me to continue the flow of information and inspiration. If there is anyway she could contact me I’d be very grateful.
In the meantime I look forward to your next blog post.
I’m so glad you are back posting again, Arun!
I’ve been working on converting my wife to the unschooling idea(s) and I think it might be working! Imagine a school teacher who cares about and listens to the kids; http://metaphase.me/2010/09/the-gum-nuts/
It can happen
Hi Arun,
Great to read your post as it took me back to the conference and the great experience that it was. I thought your and Anne’s talks were brilliant! As were Dayna’s, Joe’s and Bob’s. I particularly liked the men’s discussion forum. I felt the community fully form during that one. By that I mean many husbands finally joining wives on the unschooling path that they were naturally further down as a result of more hours on it. I had always felt a bit envious of the sense of community my mainstream friends had through their schools. Now I feel like we have found ours. It’s a good feeling. Particularly when the people are so lovely and inspiring through the choices they have made for their families. Can’t wait for Spring camp!
Cheers
Arun,
I was so happy to see another post on your blog. Thank you both Anne and yourself for such insightful honest talks about your experiences, pitfalls, joys and the whole spectrum really. Yourhumour left me chuckling for hours! I love the connectedness i experienced at the conference, and it was such a blessing to connect with Anne.
Love all of you, sincere thanks to everyone who attended and spoke at the conference, i have been high for weeks!
Blissings,
Holly
I’m always happy to see a new post from you! Maybe we can save enough American $$ to make it to next year’s Australian Retreat.
Hi Aron,
It was a pleasure getting to know you and Anne at the conference! Your contributions were fabulous! I loved Anne’s energy, smile and support. I loved your confidence and honesty. I was very grateful for all of the information you shared during the talks.
I look forward to seeing you again next year!
Warmly, Dayna
thanks for all the comments & feedback so far!
Thanks for reminding me of the dad’s session Annette & Rem — i was really impressed at how many dad’s came to it and were so willing to share their experiences.
Holly & Pip thanks for your feedback
And of course Dayna — once again i really appreciated your contribution to the conference… you provided a great intro to many whole life unschooling which im sure will impact on many people.
Will definitely have to make it next year. Can’t stand reading these updates knowing what I missed.
Really glad you are blogging again Arun.
YAY for Arun blogging again!!!! Woohoo! We missed you! DH wants to know if you are sitting on the kids so you can find space to type.
We are in awe of how you guys do it with 3!