#eudcampchch

I would love to reflect on the MAGIC of #educampchch.
As the third #educampchch loomed on the 22 June 2013 I began to question whether I should be so involved.  I am extremely passionate about the educamp phenomena and totally believe in the power of transformation as educators connect, network and share.  I thrive on the build up and get very excited about the potential of the day.  I do now realise that it is time for me to step back. As with anything the role of a leader is to grow leaders and I know that there are incredible educators just waiting to step up.  Pauline and I first met at the inaugural #educampdunners and from that date til now we have thrived on the MAGIC of educamps.  Pauline had ably led the Christchurch educamps and has a connected with a group of educators who are ready, willing and well able to share the lead. If you are not leading change, you are not leading.  As the third educamp rolls around the leaders are already grown. 
In my daily work life my role is to ensure sustainability, to build and distribute (e)capacity.  I think it is time for this in my role with educamps.
There is nothing in the world that will stop me from attending educamps and I am already eagerly anticipating educamptimaru on the 31st of August.  My role now is as a participant, a facilitator, a learner, and a networker.
So, onto the MAGIC of #educampchch!
Undoubtedly as always, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.....  
The right people were there at the right time, for the right reason.
Gathered together in Burnside High School on a freezing winter today was a bubbly warm experience. From the moment people arrived there was a relaxed, caring, networking buzz as old friends reconnected, online friends met face to face and newbies met for the first time.

The tried and true format of coffee and chat followed by a video clip, then straight into the three word intro worked its MAGIC again! Yes, some of us are uncomfortable introducing ourselves but it breaks the ice, relaxes us and sets up numerous possible opportunities for chat as the day proceeds.

The SMACKDOWN is a wonderful opportunity to share and connect and realise the potential in the room for discussion.
As people record their sharing and learning needs on posts its, discussion groups naturally evolve.
Three sessions broken by coffee stops, a SMACKDOWN revisit, sharing on the google doc, roaming, snacking at sessions, physically and metaphorically, supporting, networking, learning, transforming....

Agh, what an incredible day.... What a privilege... What MAGIC
A HUGE thank you must go to the wonderful Fiona Grant who introduced the #educamp concept to NZ and tirelessly supports and promotes all events either virtually or face to face!  We are incredibly lucky to benefit from your vision!
Please check out the following and continue to grow the learning... and share....
SMACKDOWN
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#educampchch