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Backwood's camp 2011 (by Brian)
Written by Brian McGeorge   
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 17:30

I know Ryan won't be doing a write up; so I am going to give a summary of the events on the camp.

On Friday 2 September we arrived at Hawequas at about half past four. We led the scouts down to the river where they would be making their shelters for the duration of the weekend.

Once all the shelters had been made, Ryan gave a demonstration on how to prepare the backwards food (butternut and mince and bread) and how to use flint. We left them to cook their food and Ryan used a reflector oven to bake bread and conservation stove to boil an egg. He also explained the importance of conserving wood.

The next morning we had breakfast and sent the scouts back to their campsite to prepare a skit and change their campsite if need be. We set up the handicap awareness trail which contained a detour leading to a dead end for our amusement. While Ryan and I led the scouts through the trail; Arjen taught the scouts two ways to find north in the daylight.

The scouts then did a water purification base with Ray while Arjen, Ryan and I did our shooting for the marksman badge. There after we had lunch. The scouts then did the marksman base while Ryan and I set up the campfire. Ryan led a discussion on the 4 main needs in a survival situation and also how these needs can be satisfied thereafter. Arjen and Ryan left after the discussion to continue setting up the campfire while I led a poisonous snake discussion. The scouts left after the discussion to improve their campsites and prepare skits. Arjen, Ryan and I shot with the air rifle to pass the time.

We had a braai for dinner and went to the campfire thereafter. The wood of the campfire was wet so the wood did not want to take; we had to throw many leafy branches to keep it alive. The scouts enjoyed the campfire nonetheless. We all had hot drinks after the campfire and told jokes.

Sunday we woke up, got the scouts to clean up their campsite, had breakfast (eggs, bacon, and toast) and packed up. Camp complete, the camp was great fun for all!