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	March 2003
		Summer Camping from Jeanne Wherrett
			The summer camps have been great and young people were challenged physically and spiritually, with many returning this time with their friends and having an 'awesome time'. Some testified to the way camps have been important in their spiritual growth. The Huon Canoe Camp in particular was well planned and run by a good team of leaders. The river was at its lowest level since camps have been running, which gave a challenge or two as well as longer boring flat patches: much like life really. Judbury Falls (1 metre drop) as usual claimed a few victims but most of them were determined to conquer, and they did. Drive-in The canoeing program started in the Huonville swimming pool with safety and rescue procedures and then progressed to the river (grade 1 & 2 rapids) with paddles increasing in demand during the week. Evening activities ranged from Ultimate Frisbee to a 'drive-in' screening of some mind-boggling canoeing stunts to inspire budding adventurers. We dined well enjoying a spit roast and Christmas pudding as the highlight of Karen and Jonathan's culinary skills. A great time was had by all as we shared a week living as a Christian Community on the banks of the Huon River. Fangin' on the river from Imogen Wegman and Ruth Lord Once everyone had arrived, and settled in their tents, we played name games, and learnt the girl to boy ratio (9:15 plus leaders). After dinner, at the Huonville pool we discovered it was warmer to be in the water than out. For the next few days we enjoyed lazing down the river, wind-collapsed tents, and many laughs. Some of us enjoyed planning 'Operation Wokka Wokka', which involved flour and stockings and applying the flour to the other half of the group, when we caught them unawares. Mostly we had beautiful weather, the hot sun forcing us to invent 'shade-baking' after our ablutions in the river. Even the male contingent enjoyed a bit of sun/shade baking, except the Director who implied he didn't need to. Several people discovered the joys of back massages, which became extremely popular. Shrouded Daily the valley echoed with cries of 'Wokka Wokka' and 'Fangin'', especially at meal times, when they would be enthusiastically incorporated into the grace. After dinner we would sing a few songs. Every morning we awoke early to the sounds of log trucks and kookaburras. After breakfast was a Bible study, the week's topic being 'Knowing Jesus.' We all became closer in these sessions, both to each other and to Jesus. Throughout the week, the hills surrounding us were shrouded in smoke from the bushfires raging at the time. Strong winds for the first few days resulted in several tent problems, and the fire ban meant we couldn't have a campfire, but there was no serious trouble, and everyone had a fantastic time. We arrived home to 30°C heat wishing we were back on camp with our new friends. This feeling passed however, when we caught sight of a proper shower and flushing toilet. Camp this year was terrific, and we all eagerly await next year's adventures on the Huon River. Signing off, Wokka Wokka