Dear friends of Campfire in the Heart,

As the temperatures rise, our quiet season begins – a time of looking back and forward, of giving thanks, and inviting old and new friends to visit Campfire. It’s also a time where our recurring monthly expenses ($7.5-8K) are no longer offset by income from retreats and other happenings. Fortunately there are occasional Airbnb bookings. We well know this is a difficult time financially for so many and ask for your donation only if that is possible for you at this time. Campfire is a journey of trust in this as always. Our bank details are found here.

Another way to support Campfire is to take a look at our gift ideas and mementos – such as gift card packs lovingly created by the Taylor grandchildren, t-shirts and our newest offering – embroidered aprons! Or purchase a Christmas gift bundle, starting from $55.

Thanks to those volunteers who have gifted Campfire their talents these past few months, especially our longest-serving volunteer so far, Stacy. During her 6-month stay with us she initiated a wealth of useful resources, ranging from signage and checklists, to her crowning achievement… the Volunteer Handbook! Stacy was proud to show the handbook to Campfire’s founder Sue Woods on her last visit (see photo above.) Thanks also to current volunteer Keesha who is giving of her gifts, painting a mandala on the wall of the residence. Stay tuned for the finished result!

Our initial meditator-in-residence Peter Murphy left us at the end of September and is now at Bonnevaux, the WCCM centre for peace near Poitiers in central France, where he will be part of the residential community in 2025. Read about his reflections on Central Australia below. Interested in being a meditator-in-residence? View the evolving role description here.

In October we were happy to host again the keen local ice bath community of Alice Springs. Each gathering attracts a dedicated group of up to 33 attendees (not including horses!). Starting with Wim Hof’s breathing exercises, the group then also enjoyed the unique opportunity to walk the labyrinth before their plunge.

Our Contemplative Book Club also provides another opportunity for locals to ‘come and see’ Campfire, with the latest being a 6-week reflective reading of ‘The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment’, by Eckhart Tolle.

Our program for 2025 is coming together, with return bookings from some like Coomera Anglican College and Sage Drums, as well as new friends. We are grateful they choose us and look forward to the energy and joy they bring to the place.

Our WCCM offerings are taking a slightly different shape this year, with weekend retreats we hope will draw the Alice Springs locals, as well as our interstate guests for whom an extended program will be available over 5 days. This will include an option for a day pilgrimage walk on a section of the Larapinta Trail, a reflective session with Warlpiri woman and star of the documentary Audrey Napanangka, as well as other contemplative opportunities  immersed in this desert landscape.

When we began the journey of Campfire nearly 3 years ago, we had no idea how many aspects would be involved, nor how many good people would join in on the way. We give thanks for all this and the spirit working always in everything.

Much love and all blessings of this sacred season.

Judi, Paul and the Campfire Companions (Board)

To read the full newsletter, including upcoming events click here.