25 Years in the Making: A Reunion to Remember

In the spring of 2000, Brooke and Emilie met for the first time at Challenge’s iconic Spring Camp. Just ten years old at the time, they had never crossed paths before, but over the course of that unforgettable week, a lifelong friendship began.

Spring Camp was the ultimate camping experience – six nights away with 180 kids and 70 volunteers. That year, the Olympics were held in Australia, and Challenge organised a trip to the MCG to watch an Olympic soccer match. Not only did the group witness the game, they were also given the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of meeting both teams and holding the Olympic Torch.

At camp, Brooke and Emilie were each assigned a group leader – Jenny Smith and Cathie Morcom, respectively. An instant connection formed between the four, laying the foundations for memories that would last a lifetime.

Back home, Brooke and Emilie stayed in touch the old-school way – becoming pen pals. They exchanged handwritten letters and continued to nurture their friendship well beyond the boundaries of camp. Over the years, they reunited at Challenge’s annual Christmas parties and eventually became so close they celebrated milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings together.

In recent years, they often talked about attending the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend Gala Dinner but life, as it does, always got in the way. Overseas travel, work, and bad timing kept them from making it happen. That changed in 2025, when they finally made it to the Gala.

The evening was already filled with sparkle and celebration, but what made it truly magical was a moment neither of them saw coming: spotting Jenny and Cathie across the Palladium ballroom. A chance reunion, twenty-five years later, with the very women who had left a lasting mark on their lives.

As the four stood together once again, they shared memories of camp, reflected on the years in between, and celebrated the extraordinary bond they still carry. 💛