As we trekked through a knee deep, 100 metre long puddle in torrential rain I don’t think any of the year 9 girls were truly sure of what the rest of camp had in store for us. So far we had been climbed a mountain, been bitten by leeches, been scared to death by Miss Hales “deadly leeches” - very funny Miss - and fallen in rivers. And that was just in four hours. By the end of the hike we were all too exhausted to make any sort of hysterics over the fact that yet another leech was climbing up our legs. I can honestly say that I am no longer bothered by leeches which is pretty darn impressive coming from an all-round nature-phobe.
That night we cooked noodles and learnt that no matter how hard the leaders try mineral turpentine cannot be used as gas. Most of us got around 2 hours of sleep and listened to choruses of High School Musical or played musical tents instead. We woke in the morning to a scene, which can only be described as beautiful, but most of us were too sleep deprived to notice. As we left to go back to the cabins there was one thing running through all our minds … showers.
That day we tried, and failed, at archery. We were drenched when it rained yet again at BMX riding and went surprising well at low ropes. But the highlight for most of us were the night games. We played Princess Billionaire and Dodgeball. I’m proud to announce us girls beat the teachers and leaders 3 out of 3 times. After we were all thoroughly exhausted we bunkered down for bed. Miss Hale read us a Max Lucado picture book and we all said goodnight. We had a plan to all meet in one room but that was soon wrecked.
***FLASHBACK TIME***
It’s 10ish at night. The door closes.
“Mrs Downing? Mrs Downing?”
“She’s not here!”
“I know I was just checking!!”
Mrs Downing: “aren’t you supposed to check for Miss Hale to?”
Sufficient to say, our party plans were wrecked.
The next day, after a rather more wholesome night of sleep we woke up to a sunny day. We had devotions and then the guys came back from the campsite. Once they had showered and we finished our devotions we played a massive game called stratego. Most got it, others didn’t. Those who didn’t just stayed out of the way but it was fun. Running around like mad people is thoroughly enjoyable.
As we drove back to Covenant the bus was noticeably quieter. Half of us were asleep. Despite the rain we managed to make the most of it and all of us took away many funny memories. So I leave you with one word. Nigel.
By Beth Debenham
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