Ankara Youth Camp in Walker Flat, South Australia, Australia | Camp site

Ankara Youth Camp

Locality: Walker Flat, South Australia, Australia

Phone: +61 8 8570 8043

Address: 5038 Angas Valley Road Walker Flat 5238 Walker Flat, SA, Australia

Website: http://www.ankaracamp.org.au/

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25.01.2022 Well the water has finally officially broken the banks at Ankara Youth Camp. So we now cant see the bottom retainer wall at all, and the waterfront deck is also under water. The black floats with yellow tape around them are marking the edge of the bottomr retainer wall. We also have water on the lawn at the caretakers house. The water level has been slowly increasing since last Friday, but yesterday was the most dramatic - as you can see by the photos! The colour of the water is like a black coffee (who left the coffee machine on??), but apparently not as dark as the water at Waikerie. We also started getting water weed coming down with the flows on Tuesday afternoon - so those using speedboats, keep an eye on engine temperatures and clean out intakes regularly. The boat ramp at Walker Flat is still operational.

25.01.2022 Ankara very own waterfall yesterday during the rain we had. 28-12-2016

24.01.2022 On 30/11/2016 the SA border experienced a peak flow of 95 GL/day and is now falling. This peak was only slightly higher than the 2010-11 flood which peaked at 94 GL/day. So that will mean only a small amount higher than what we experienced for the 2010-11 flood (still to reach around the bottom of the top retainer wall). The flow is expected to reduce to 65 GL/day this week but still remain higher than normal through December.... Currently at lock 1 (Swan Reach) the flow is 56 GL/day and is expected to increase to around 61 GL/day this week. The peak is expected to reach us around Christmas Day, and we usually experience slightly slower flows than what is experienced at the SA border. Due to the higher flows, the upstream weirs have been temporarily opened (open river conditions) and will be reinstated once high flows recede this is standard procedure. The water level at our campsite has been sitting around the same height for the last month. At the moment the water is just over the top of the bottom retainer wall - see photo. And the ducks have enjoyed the new platform to feed from! The water colour has got a lot darker - probably the colour of a black coffee - due to the extra sediment in it. We havent noticed any debris coming down, and have had jet skis and wakeboard/ski boats using the river near us as normal. Overall the main concern is that the stronger current needs to be taken in consideration for any water activities.

24.01.2022 We have our very own water feature. Every time a ski boat goes past this is what happens to the bottom retainer wall. More importantly as of today the bottom retainer wall became visible again after being submerged since the 8 December 2016!

23.01.2022 Don't forget to look after yourself, especially if you are feeling isolated due to not having your normal face to face contact with friends and family. It is easy to slip into feeling down and then isolating ourselves mentally and emotionally more than we already are physically. If you feel yourself starting to do this, act early and reach out to people who are supportive and can listen to where you are at. If you don't have someone you can talk to, there are support services... available on the internet such as Beyond Blue. Don't be embarrassed about how you are feeling, it is normal for things to feel out of control right now, because at the moment, a lot of the big things in our lives are out of our control. However, there are things you can control. Instead of feeding into fearful or panic-inducing stories on the media (including social media) choose to surround yourself with positive or empowering stories instead. Choose to be thankful and grateful of what you DO have. Watch and enjoy the slower pace that nature moves on - it has not been changed by the current events of the world. Know that the sun will continue to rise every morning, there is still life, hope and love, and we have the chance to start fresh every day. It is up to you to make the most of the changes that have been thrown upon us and make this a time of moving forward and creating a new and better life, or not. Your perspective and outlook is your choice - choose to make it better. Please share your thoughts on what has been helping you cope and stay positive during these times. What are you grateful for? How have you reached out for help? What gives you hope? What have you been enjoying doing that you couldn't do previously?

22.01.2022 Just some more pics from this afternoon 7-12-16 from Ankara

22.01.2022 Please stay at home this Easter, otherwise you risk spreading the disease to others in regional areas where there is a lot less medical support. https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/school/stay-home-this-easter

21.01.2022 This photo taken in September 2017 reminds me of something important. No matter how severe the storm that we are currently going through right now seems to be, there is always hope. There will be an end to the storm, the sun will come out again and there is the promise of a new beginning. The rainbow is a promise, that something good will follow the storm. Hope gives strength, but it can also be a fragile thing, it is something we need to treasure. Those without it live in a ...very dark, desperate and frightening place where it is easy to be overwhelmed by panic, fear and despair. Many people have lost their hope, and it is up to us that still have hope to share what we have with those around us. We need to share that there is peace to be found within the storm, that there are always things that we do have, despite what has been taken from us. We have been intentionally sharing positive messages on Facebook to encourage others. What helps you to feel hopeful? What can you do (or have you been doing) to share hope with those around you? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, to inspire and encourage others.

20.01.2022 While out in the tinny yesterday we got caught in the rain storm. The photos show what we saw

20.01.2022 So the authorities have updated the predicted peak flows to increase from 91 GL/day to between 95-100 GL/day at the SA border over the coming week (see photo with updated level at Ankara Youth Camp). So this will be slightly higher than the 2010-11 flood that was 94 GL/day at the border. At lock 1 (Swan Reach) the flow will increase from 53 GL/day to around 62 GL/day during the coming week. The peak is expected to come through here at the end of December 2016 and flows will r...emain high during January 2017. So the predicted increase is only a bit higher than before - it will not affect the buildings of our campsite. As before, the main thing to consider is water safety as there will be stronger current in the river and there may be some debris in the water and there may be submerged jetties and other structures (like our bottom retainer wall!) near the riverbanks, particularly along shack areas. Property owners have been asked to attach yellow floats to the outside edge of any structure that is likely to be submerged. The good thing about increased flows are the benefits to the natural environment due to the higher water levels! I know after the 2010-11 flood, the bird life and vegetation just boomed - it was lovely to watch and enjoy. See more

16.01.2022 This was also taken from the boat showing the water front on Ankara Youth Camp

16.01.2022 We had to take this photo from a boat, just to give you a visual on what the waterfront looks like at the campsite now (photo taken 18/12/16). This should be easier for you to see what it really looks like instead of guessing from the comparison photo we posted yesterday.

15.01.2022 Sending you some serenity to enjoy your day...

15.01.2022 Although the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously affected our bookings, there are some things that have been a blessing. We have been enjoying the mild weather and the quietness on the river here instead of the craziness that is usually in full swing during the first part of the year. It has also meant that we might even find some time to do some actual posting to Facebook! What about you - what things have been a blessing for you?

14.01.2022 This morning the water level has again dropped by about 300mm in the last 24 hours. The river is almost back to its normal level again.

13.01.2022 We were fortunate to meet this man in person - Stephen Cain. He has an amazing story, and an amazing heart for helping people turn around their lives for better.... If you would like to help him in his work, feel free to donate (click on link below picture) and share this with other people who may be able to help out. See more

13.01.2022 Well the date of when the peak of the high water will come through here was changed by the authorities as being today. Took some photos of the campsite water frontage this afternoon. We have been looking at the actual river heights on the following website https://www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au//Si/Pages/Default.aspx Data Plot. You can also see a list of the heights by clicking on the real-time data tab (to the left). Unless the river height comes up again tonight, it looks li...ke it may have actually peaked here on 22/12/16. So we are assuming that the water will most likely start dropping from now on. The levels at Lock 1 are expected to drop from 81 GL/day down to 75 GL/day this week. At the SA border the river has dropped from 75 GL/day to 28 GL/day on Friday 23/12/16 and is expected to drop to 19 GL/day this week. So in the next few weeks we expect the water levels will also drop quite significantly here too. See more

12.01.2022 DROUGHT. This video will be too boring and long for a lot of you, but I urge everyone to please give it a listen because I think people need to begin to realise for the well being of our entire country that The Australian bush is only just holding on at the moment.

10.01.2022 Really good advice from a professional on looking after yourself during times of overwhelming stress.

10.01.2022 We had an awesome quiet afternoon on the river. Beautiful spectacular scenery.

10.01.2022 And again the lawn has shrunk at the caretakers house. we are about 120mm off the 2011 flood and there is still more water coming down the river.

09.01.2022 The water came out of the river today 8-12-2016 at 12pm. My neighbours lawn is now a swimming pool and the water is now level with our new deck at camp.

08.01.2022 The water has started to recede. The ark has landed and the dove brought back an olive leaf. Dry land is in sight!

07.01.2022 Floods 8-12-2016. Its getting closer...

07.01.2022 The water has come up another 150-200mm since posting the previous comparison photo on 9/12/16 and is behind the tree with the life buoy near the deck. The peak... is still predicted to reach the campsite on 28/12/16 and is currently around Waikerie. The flow at the SA border was 75 GL/day on Friday 18/12/16 and is predicted to decrease to 50 GL/day this week. At Lock 1 (Blanchetown) the flow was 75 GL/day on Friday 18/12/16 and is predicted to increase to around 80 GL/day this week. It is predicted that the flows could decrease by up to 300 mm/day after the peak moves past us. The water is still dark brown in colour and there is still water weed and some debris coming down with the flow. There have still been some speed boats, tinnys, jet skis and houseboats using the river near us and the Walker Flat boat ramp is still usable. Property owners are supposed to attach yellow buoys to the riverside edge of submerged structures (not all have done this though). This is why we have put the buoys to mark the location of the bottom retainer wall at the campsite. The water has come onto the edge of the land past the main carpark (southern end of the campsite), but otherwise it is really just the caretakers house that is being affected by inundation as that is the lowest point of the property (see previous photos).

06.01.2022 So here is the latest comparison photo showing the different river levels. As you can see, the water has come over top of the bottom retainer wall plus over the... waterfront deck at the far end of the photo. But the river is still good for water activities with due care of course. The water levels at the SA border are dropping from the peak of 95 GL/day on 30/11/16 to 88 GL/day today and they are expecting flows to drop to 69 GL/day next week at the border. Lock 1 (Blanchetown - upstream from us) is currently at 65 GL/day and is expected to increase to 75 GL/day during the coming week. The peak is now predicted to reach us here on 28/12/16.

06.01.2022 The Murray River is an amazing part of South Australia, one in which many people are fortunate to enjoy, especially during the warmer months. Because of this, there is a need for people to act responsibly and courteously to other people who are using this river. This is a great video with some simple tips on how to share our wonderful river with other users, without being "that guy" - the one everyone loves to hate... The last one really sums it all up - respect.

06.01.2022 HEY EVERYONE!!! Summer camp STAFF applications are still open and we need YOU! If you have the heart to serve! If you love hanging out on the water and are free for a few days in the holidays, please contact the Seventh-Day Adventist Conference office NOW on 8269 2177 and ask for Pr Roland or Alicia for more information!! Or message us if you would like a copy of the form!!

05.01.2022 The crisis that brought us to a standstill and made us look at the reality of our lives - this story says it better than I could. So dont forget the lessons that yesterday has taught you, enjoy the time that you have right now, but dont forget to dream about tomorrow and what it could bring...

04.01.2022 Dont forget to look after yourself, especially if you are feeling isolated due to not having your normal face to face contact with friends and family. It is easy to slip into feeling down and then isolating ourselves mentally and emotionally more than we already are physically. If you feel yourself starting to do this, act early and reach out to people who are supportive and can listen to where you are at. If you dont have someone you can talk to, there are support services... available on the internet such as Beyond Blue. Dont be embarrassed about how you are feeling, it is normal for things to feel out of control right now, because at the moment, a lot of the big things in our lives are out of our control. However, there are things you can control. Instead of feeding into fearful or panic-inducing stories on the media (including social media) choose to surround yourself with positive or empowering stories instead. Choose to be thankful and grateful of what you DO have. Watch and enjoy the slower pace that nature moves on - it has not been changed by the current events of the world. Know that the sun will continue to rise every morning, there is still life, hope and love, and we have the chance to start fresh every day. It is up to you to make the most of the changes that have been thrown upon us and make this a time of moving forward and creating a new and better life, or not. Your perspective and outlook is your choice - choose to make it better. Please share your thoughts on what has been helping you cope and stay positive during these times. What are you grateful for? How have you reached out for help? What gives you hope? What have you been enjoying doing that you couldnt do previously?

04.01.2022 Tickets are now available for Road to Bethlehem! Please book your tickets online by going to roadtobethlehemsa.org Bring your family to experience the real Chri...stmas story as it comes alive in front of your eyes. Book your free ticket now! Attend a live production of the nativity story called "Road To Bethlehem" held at 140 Pimpala Rd, Morphett Vale from 13 to 15 Dec 2016 FREE ENTRY tickets are available online at: http://roadtobethlehemsa.org/tickets See more

03.01.2022 Here are a few photos from the last few days of the flood and the aftermath

02.01.2022 Our lawn is shrinking due to flood water that been coming down the river