Challenge Accepted Orientate
Our first Orientate kicked off this weekend. Our younger participants (ages 8-11) were greeted at the farm with some heavy rain turning quickly into sticky sunshine, as has been the case lately. Though many participants came unprepared for the amount of mud and water still hanging around, we soon fitted them out with boots too large but dry and sturdy. Leaving the house and barn, their known and loved shelter at Camp Kiah, for an unknown hill on the property. The pouring rain couldn’t stop a quick look at the dam to bate up the yabby nets and kayak and see what frogs and bugs were out and about.
We pushed on through the sheep-poo-scattered land and onto the hill where the shelter of the tarps was waiting. Shot-gunning beds and setting them up was next on the agenda; the bull-ant nest nearby did not seem a bother. To make a campsite home, the fire needed starting, and all pitched in, foraging the nearby fallen trees, digging our fire pit hole and building the tee-pee of twigs and sticks. The fire was ablaze with little input from the leaders; the obvious next step was making and cooking the dampa.
Like dominoes, once one person had begun the kneading, they all joined in, making a huge mess, which always leads to delicious creations. Some came out crunchy, and others charred, but the hand-whipped cream and jam made all lick their chops (and, of course, their sticky fingers).
After the dampa, It was back to the dam for an afternoon of kayak brandy and trying out our fishing prowess. No fish were caught, but there were rumours of a nibble here and there.
James had tended to the fire to get it roaring for our dinner; spaghetti Bolognese. Belle had the honour of putting dinner together; it was as scrumptious as the last bite. After dinner and clean-up, we took a short walk to find some nocturnal creatures, but we were too noisy.
The bed was next, and sleep came fast and easy for most; others had to contend with bull ants in their bed, including Ferg and James. So that misadventure began, and in the dark of the night with clouds rolling in, we put up another tent and went to sleep on the hill surrounded by the noises of fox and owl.
The fire was turned as the sun rose, and breakfast was sizzling away at the behest of some participants; bacon and eggs on toast with a couple of jaffles was food fit for a royal. After packing up camp we tried our hand at forest bathing and then some survival activities with the building of shelters and then testing through a well-aimed pour. One group showed great teamwork and their shelter withstood, the other group did not fair as well.
A BBQ lunch back up at the house finished off a successful Challenge Accepted Orientate.
A big thanks to Both Belle and James for coming along and helping.
Fergus Russell