Jack Robert’s Camp 2003 - A Venturer Perspective
This was my first year at Jack Roberts Camp, but I wish it had been my second or third or even sixth! I’ve missed
all those opportunities to extend my friendship circle as well as my comfort zone. It is a very energy draining
camp, but at the end it all seems worthwhile. It is a lot of fun and as always what you get out of it, depends on
what you put in.
The theme this year was ‘The Outback’. During the camp each patrol participated in a range of activities to
collect as many sheep or points as possible to build the biggest stud. These activities ranged from fishing in an
‘outback dunny’ to tossing water balloons into a rodeo clowns oversized pants. Other onsite activities included
riding the bucking bronco, pitching hay bales over a fence, dunking machine, sponge throwing, crocodile wrestling
like “The Crocodile Hunter”, slip ‘n’ slide and a horse-on-wheels ride, powered by leader steam.
One of the days was spent at the local swimming pool and another at the Crocodile Park, where the more
adventurous of us held or patted a crocodile. We also spent a day at Cleland Wildlife Park, which included being
able to stroke a snake and pat a koala. A visit from the local CFS provided a giant water fight and truck rides.
On the last night we all decked out in our outback gear for a goodbye song from our talented leaders and to dance
the night away.
When I first arrived at camp it seemed that everyone had a job to do and they all fitted in somewhere, except me!
I soon found out that no one is left standing idle for long and that there were other people that felt the same
as me. I was rather scared at first that I would have a disabled boy that I had never met relying on me and that
he would be my responsibility, but I soon realise that you don’t have to do anything on your own as you have a
patrol that helps each other out and everyone is always around to lend a hand. First years are given a buddy who
is fairly independent and easy to care for so there was really nothing to worry about.
When you see the smiles or giggles of the boys or even a slight sparkle in their eyes, you realise how much your
little bit of time and attention means to them and how much they look forward to the camp each year. It’s so easy
to make such a difference, and so much fun! The camp will be finished before you know it and you will be already
looking forward to the next year and wondering what costume you will wear for the new theme.
I guarantee that you will get something out of the camp and experience many funny and enjoyable moments. So come
along to the next one, whether it is your first or sixth or any in between and you won’t regret it. But beware!
Once you start you won’t be able to stop!
Jennifer Wells
Colonel Light Gardens Venturers
