Survival Camp

WAS AWSOME!!!

The first day started out a little rough. I rode on the bus with the kids, and since I was new they wanted to test my boundaries and what they could get away with. It was interesting and I definitely had to use my "big girl voice" a few times.  The trip was beautiful though, and the scenery helped me keep perspective on where I was and what I was doing.  When we arrived, I left the kids at the main center (a dilapidated building at the entrance to the park) and went to help finish setting up camp near the dam.  Little did we know that there were inhabitants already there waiting for us.

Adam, Steyn and I drove up to our 5x5 tent and right into the middle of 5 rhino grazing at the door.  We started unpacking the car, but had to stop and hold very still when the largest of the 5 decided to come and get a closer look.  He was amazing.  and HUGE.  He was about the size of a queen size bed, length and width wise, and 6 feet tall.  Knowing that this animal, now standing 10 feet away from me and looking right in my face, could run at up to 35k per hour, we decided that it was time to take a break from setting up.

The rhino frequented camp only in the night after that evening.  Some of the kids were awoken on Wednesday by grazing right outside their tent door.  One of the girls says that one of them pushed her tent, but I don't believe her lol.

The week was filled with activity. They had challenges to complete within their teams (the class had been broken in to 4 groups of 12) to win their meals. It was great.  By the 3rd day all of the teams fell into great harmony and everything clicked.  The last full day and night were the most amazing.  I was able to head up a medical challenge that I had put together that involved learning how to conserve your energy in the water, how to pull someone out of the water (resistant or cooperative), what to do if you come across an injured camper, how to move an injured person, how to test for spinal injury, and how to perform a litter carry (carrying a stretcher for long distances over rough terrain).  It all happened on the day that they performed an air signal exercise where they had to signal a plane to drop them food by using smoke signals, body signals, and written signs in the grass.  We had a pilot  fly by and drop chocolate easter eggs to the camp that signaled the best- it was incredible to see.  It turned out to be a perfect day of real survival challenges.

The last night we spent around the camp fire playing games and hanging out.  The kids had all gotten over them selves by this time and it was great to watch them discover fellowship with each other.  During that time, Dave received a text message from a friend who has been battling with colon cancer. The man, Duncan, had been on camps with some of the kids so Dave told the group.  He spoke about Duncan's unwavering faith and friendship.  Duncan had been getting treatment at a clinic that had a special type of chemotherapy for his cancer.  He had been trying to avoid the surgery because it would mean he would no longer be able to work in the bush as a guide and creation expert. Unfortunately, the clinic was broken into and the equipment necessary for Duncan's treatment was stolen. He had to make a surgical appointment for Monday. Dave walked away to make a treat for the kids- hot chocolate- and I could tell that the kids needed some kind of closure on the issue. They all had gone from fun and playing games to somber and sad in a matter of moments. I suggested that we pray for Duncan.  What followed was the most moving and sincere 30 minutes of my entire life.  These kids know how to pray. It was incredible.  Some of them had no idea who this man was and were moved to tears by his story and what was happening to him.  We popcorn prayed and there wasn't a single silent student around the fire. Their words were mature and thoughtful and heartfelt.  I was floored.

Check out my facebook album for photos of my life so far:)