Saturday, 15th December 2008
The day has finally arrived!
The day many have been waiting for has finally dawned. The Eglise Chrétienne in Curepipe is a hive of activity as 500 youth descend upon its premises to check-in for the International Youth Camp, 2007. They have come from many countries across the world and locally too, from Mauritius, laden with satchels, tog bags, suitcases, pillows, mattresses and other jaunty looking paraphernalia.
No turning back
Inside the church itself the scene is one of controlled chaos and a dull roar is evidence of the ever-increasing excitement amongst those present. Security officials shepherd the growing throng into their rows according to surname whilst administration staff check campers in administering luggage tags, Welcome Packs, identity cards and - bonus! - a complimentary silver camp mug embossed with the words "Camp des Jeunes" (Youth Camp). This reporter, for one, is really chuffed with said camp mug. Luggage is whipped away by very efficient porters while the campers join their allocated teams according to the numbers on their I.D. cards. Overall, an impressive smoothly run operation!
Great anticipation
It is easy to pick out the veterans by their knowing expressions, although one seasoned camper confides: "I hear the programme is going to be completely different this year, so we don't know what to expect!". The new-comers resemble startled deer in the headlights of an on-coming vehicle; one expresses her apprehension of the unknown by stating, "I am ready to go home and avoid camp completely". Others just seem incapable of wiping the smile from their faces and one camper gleefully exclaims, "I am so excited that I woke up at five this morning and could not go back to sleep again!" From the youngest of about 12 to those many years passed their teens, everyone is looking to the next few days with great anticipation.
Bursting at the seams
A commotion at the registration tables signals the last minute arrival of 50 would-be campers from La R'eunion after their plane was delayed. It is an awesome testimony to see so many new faces; from South Africa alone the numbers attending have more than doubled to around 50. Rumour has it that due to the increase in numbers from 300 last year to 500 this year, the organisers have had to be creative with sleeping arrangements at the camp-site and it won't just be the boys sleeping in tents this time around.
Fly that banner high
Soon it is time for Camp Master Tim to bring order and his words of welcome are met with an exuberant roar. Each team is presented with a banner in a ceremonious handing-over where the team captain is required to recite a pledge of commitment to his team. Camp Master Tim emphasises that the banner must, at all times, be raised - for example: during meetings, when moving to or from the dining tent and on the games field etc. The banner, they are told, symbolises the team and its level of spirit, "If the banner is down; the team is down," says Tim, "the taking up of this banner is the taking up of your responsibility to your team" he concludes. The banner displays the team number and the team members take turns to keep it raised continually.
And they're off!
The briefing ends with a gentle reminder to all that showers are compulsory and must be taken on a daily basis. We are then dismissed team by team to board the buses. Like a colourful camel caravan comprising of sunglasses, slips-slops, surf shorts, back packs, towels and a varying array of sun hats and peaks, we exit the church building and head to the five waiting buses. Once aboard, the sound of strumming guitars can be heard and many begin to sing praises to the Lord as the bus procession sets off to Belle Mare which is an hours drive away. Some use this time to take a nap or to chat and as we leave Curepipe amid random bursts of excitement, I am encouraged by a few words from my welcome note that read, 'may this camp be a turning point in your life'.
Are we there yet?
Soon the signpost to Belle Mare is sighted and much celebratory shouting and cheering can be heard. A few minutes later we arrive at camp and as people and luggage are unloaded, the air is filled with merry chatter and laughter as the meeting and greeting of old friends and new takes place.
Food, glorious food
After a bustling queue under the meal tent, campers gather in groups by pushing chairs into vague circles to fellowship and enjoy a delicious lunch of battered chicken fritters in bread-roll with lettuce and mayonnaise, with either an apple or a banana to finish. It is a wonderful time of getting to know those you don't, and then lunch is over, and we are released to explore. All around camp much chuckling and giggling can be heard as dormitories and tents are discovered with names like 'Saint Pierre' for the girls or 'Durban' for the boys, while the showers are labelled 'Curepipe' and the toilets, 'Kakamega'.
Moving in
A mad scramble ensues for possession of mattresses that would have rivalled any high-street "70% Off Sale" store for underhandedness. Elsewhere, however, more peaceful scenes can be witnessed around camp as dignified discussions take place about who gets to sleep in which bunk, amid the dumping of duffle-bags and the making-up of beds. A quick check on who is neighbours with whom before freshening up and heading back for the first activity in the meeting tent.
Youth Camp 2007, official opening
During the official opening we commemorate the 10th year of the annual International Youth Camp with whooping, whistling and cheering. Later, introductions are made of the Camp Officials (the various people in charge are Camp Director David, Camp Master Tim, Camp Administrator Olivier, Programme Director Jean-Pierre and Games Team Captain Christophe); and the Security Staff who are gifted with the task of ensuring that 500 youthful campers are in bed when they should be after lights out. Camp Master Tim offers a challenge to all those without delicate dispositions to join Dion and Raphael daily at 06h00 for the Early Morning Challenge which entails a 2km run along the beach. Once these formalities are out of the way, the evening meeting begins.
Is the first day over already?
After a wonderful time of spiritual nourishment with the elder, Marc la Bonté, it is time to nourish the tummy and dinner is served by a dedicated kitchen team of about 30 people led by Pamela. Afterwards, it is time to chill with one another in fellowship, and campers can be found gathered in circles, while guitar music floats through the air. We are treated to a harmonious serenade courtesy of the La R'eunion contingent, which leads to a special time of praise and worship before curfew rolls around at 22h30. Campers head to their rooms and tents to bed down before lights out at 23h00; and most heads hit the pillows with contented sighs as the first day of camp comes to an end.
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