Day Two

The crack of dawn sees the kitchen staff up and preparing breakfast for the multitudes, while a small but dedicated group head out for the Early Morning Challenge. A little later, campers begin milling about in states ranging from the bleary-eyed to the bouncy as they await their breakfast. Stories are related of battles for territory with cockroaches in the dormitories and of bumping heads on top bunks in the middle of the night. One young camper tells of her short-lived panic when she got stuck for many minutes in a toilet after the locked door got stuck.

After breakfast there is much to do as teams complete chores such as cleaning showers and toilets, garbage collection and emptying bins, straightening chairs and sweeping. Once on the games field, each team is required to create a team mascot using sacks of sand, strands of plaited and coloured string, odd buttons, permanent markers and a little dash of artistic invention. It must be stated that most results are lopsided, deformed and/or shapeless creations resembling maimed or wounded horror-toys. However, the pride of each team in their brave attempts is so keenly evident as each are christened; names like Tuli Two - after their team captain, Butterfive - a stab at humour for team 5 because their mascot does indeed resemble a butterfly of sorts, Tim - a completely shameless attempt at garnering favour with the Camp Master and Dédé - which, apparently, is a silly term of endearment for a pig in French and has no actual meaning or connection as their mascot does not resemble a pig at all, go figure?

Before Day One of the Treasure Hunt begins, it is necessary for a briefing of the day's events and a water bottle-inspection. Teams are required to gather in perfectly straight rows, displaying the banner, and team captains ensure that each team member is in possession of a full bottle of water. It is perhaps important to note that the sun is beating down, it is scorching hot and water is essential. another vital "accessory" along with a hat of some kind is, of course, sun-block and liberal applications can clearly be seen on some of the fairer skinned campers. This is also the time when each team is required to present, for the very first time, it's own, individual war-cry for appraisal from Camp Officials. All campers seem thoroughly keen to flex vocal chords by shrieking out their war-cries.

With that over, the first leg of the Treasure Hunt can begin! This year, a team has been specifically tasked with the setting up the games and clearing the field afterwards each day, marshalling and judging each game and handing out the rewards of coins and cards. The games activity follows a 'pirate' theme so the marshals are decked out with head scarves, cutlasses, eye-patches, fake moustaches, painted scars and "skull and cross-bone" tattoos. The aim for each team, on Day One, is to play as many of the games as possible, thus accumulating rewards.

Many of the Elders can be seen walking around the games field encouraging the teams while Camp Officials traverse the area in the instantly recognisable Mini Moke, with the sole intention of harassing the teams with on-the-spot water bottle inspections and forced repetitions of war-cries. Clarence shares that, "These games and activities are mini-replicas of life as we know it, with all its varied challenges. It is here on the games field that certain life-skills are learnt, where a sense of unity and discipline, accountability and responsibility are instilled".

After about four hours of shouting themselves hoarse, sweating litres and all-round general hysteria, a siren is sounded to signal the end of games and all teams convene for the dishing out of merits and de-merits. Teams are awarded merits based on their team work, team spirit, manners and courtesy to Camp Officials, Elders or marshals. De-merits are also dealt out if a team member loses a water bottle, neglects to wear a cap or hat for games, puts down or loses a banner or mascot etc. Then cries of elation can be heard from everyone as it is announced that it is time to head back for chow.

Once the tummies are full, we gather for a Health Focus session presented by Kamla, Manu and Annelies. We are treated to a very informative talk, accompanied by a Power Point presentation, about the types of diabetes, their causes, prevention and treatment. Kamla explains managing the complications once diabetes has been diagnosed, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Clean-up tasks and chores then commence as teams take turns in straightening chairs, picking up rubbish and clearing away tables whilst free time is enjoyed by others for such things as meetings with the 19 elders present. We are incredibly privileged to be able to make appointments to chat to the elders as they have made themselves accessible to us and are available to spend one-on-one time with. Others take naps or freshen up or chat with fellow-campers before it is time to head back to the meeting tent for the evening meeting.

After an amazing time spent with Lindsay, it is time for chow and chores. Hearts are shared about the meeting and the message brought from the Lord while eating and enjoying fellowship with team-mates. Then it is time for lights out and most flop down on their beds after a hectic day, with an excitement and expectancy for tomorrow.

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