Report-back on Youth Camp Onrus 21-23 Sep 2007
With 12 youngsters packed in like sardines, Nigel and I set off at 4pm on Friday in a flurry and whirl of luggage and hugs and waving good-bye. The plan was for a weekend of fun and getting to know each other better.
Being the start of a long weekend, the traffic was slow, but spirits were high and it was not long before we arrived at Onrus and, after a quick walk down to the rocks, we settled down to erect the tents. After that it was time for supper (the wayward lasagne having been retrieved!) and then we presented each child with their own Bible and settled down for an evening of getting to know a bit more about the Bible. After hot chocolate and chocolate brownies it was time for bed, and for many of the youth it was their first night in a tent!
The next morning we were up at 7 for breakfast and a quiet time and meditation. The other leaders Bruce and Jean and Brendan arrived and then it was off on an exciting “Survivor” course in the Vogelgat Nature Reserve. As it began to rain lightly just when we reached the top of the Kloof, the descent was even more exciting than anticipated! There were several tricky moments on the ropes and I managed to step sideways into a “puddle” which turned out to be rather deeper than anticipated and after gently settling in to water up to my neck, I had to walk home rather soggy!
We returned home chilly but elated, to more hot-chocolate and macaroni cheese. After a quiet afternoon, it cleared and we set off for a game of Volleyball on the beach before a braai and games round the fire. The second night was rather wet, but everyone slept well even though there were many damp patches in the morning!
After a light breakfast and quiet time we set off for the “Dunes” and an engineering competition that was narrowly won by ingenuity! After a sunny swim, the rain suddenly began to pour down. We raced back along the path and returned to base to pack up, only to be greeted by Robyn Q-M who had popped in to visit!
It was a wonderful weekend and one we shall schedule in again next year.
Nigel & Alison