Tiona Reunion is beloved. It’s a retreat to a spiritual place or home; a time to commune with God and nature and build loving community.
Campers return year after year, for many it’s a ritual passed down the generations, for all it is a refreshing and liberating way to experience faith community; a time for connections and new possibilities.
The theme for Reunion 2019 was ‘Building Community….towards peaceful humanity’. Camp Director Jan Thompson, welcomed the 180 campers with these words: “You are valued, and you are loved, and we are very glad you are here. This week we invite you to breathe deeply, love abundantly, share openly, play joyfully, and drink in the beauty around you.”
As usual, the Tiona committee planned a full schedule of activities for Reunion participants with daily themes including “Live Inclusivity”, “Live Generosity”, and “Live Compassion” and the much loved traditions of the Beach Carnival, including the Booti Race, and New Year’s Eve activities continued with the usual energy and fun.
The Roaring ‘20s was the theme for the New Year’s Eve party, held on the the second last night of Reunion. Guests were invited to dress in the decadent style of the era. “I had the BEST time,” said one of the campers “I danced for hours!”.
A hallmark of Reunion for generations - Sunset Reflections; a short, meditative service in the Green Cathedral, was held at sunset each evening of Reunion. The quiet, still, reflective, and peaceful ambiance of this service; spent in meditation to music, and in enjoying the magic of the sunset behind Wallis Lake - is among the most popular on the Reunion program ‘You know you have found or returned to your spiritual home when you attend a Sunset Reflections’.
Another special moment shared by campers was the Baptism of Open Door member Amanda Taylor, by Open Door Pastor Sue Palmer, at the Green Cathedral. “What a beautiful, personal service. Thank you Tiona Reunion for helping to make it such a memorable event in my life!” shared Amanda, “so special and definitely memorable….”.
As with all camps or events, it takes many people make Tiona Reunion happen. The Tiona Reunion Committee acknowledged, with much gratitude, everyone who contributes to the planning and operation of this event, including the camper-participants. Reunion doesn’t happen without volunteers and a special mention of thanks goes to the Reunion Committee members, participating Staff; including the catering team, and the countless, willing participants - volunteering their time and talents for help with everything from clean-ups to running classes, worships and sessions.
We look forward to sharing more stories with you about the Reunion experience over the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you would like to the fun that was had at Tiona Reunion 2019, request to join the Tiona Reunion Facebook Group
Tiona Reunion family camp and spiritual retreat has been held annually at Tiona, nestled between Wallis Lake, Seven Mile Beach and Booti Booti National Park in NSW, Australia.
This past reunion was the 96th held at Tiona, 2023 will be the 100th anniversary - you are invited to plan to be a part of this special one!
If you're not on the Tiona Reunion mailing list and would like to be, email tionareunion@gmail.com. That way, you'll get information on the next reunion at the end of 2020. You can also watch for updates on our Events Page.
