Over 300 youth and leaders arrived at the Lower North Island JOTA JOTI camp at Brookfields on Friday evening with the knowledge rain was coming, so setting up the camp sites was a priority and was mostly completed before the heavens opened. Some outdoor activities the next day were curtailed.

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Indoor venues provided a welcome respite from the ‘real world’ rain and the youth were able enter the digital realm – Scouts from as far away as Egypt, Columbia and the Netherlands were just a keystroke away. Much hilarity was had. Unfortunately the ionosphere played havoc with the radio reception so the airwaves were more filled with crackles and hisses than strange accents.

One room had electronic kits with plans for simple (to more complex) circuits – which occasionally worked!

Roast pork was beautifully cooked by Venturers Arthur and Taine (with a little help from Terry). While waiting for dinner Daniel showed no shame in modeling a flower pot, before trying to auction it off for a profit!?

Brooklyn had the honour of co-organising the main campfire, helping to plan the program and coordinating over 10 skits and songs.

Sunday dawned fine so we began to dry out, squeezing in a quick kayak before dealing with muddy tents and heading home

Cheers
John

SCOUTS AT TUROA

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An enthusiastic team of nearly 20 scouts and leaders enjoyed a full first day at Turoa on Saturday 24^t September    The soft snow did not deter the experts or the beginners and a number of scouts rode the chairlift for the first time and conquered new trails.   Led by senior scouts, a delicious burger meal followed on from a sampling of traditional Ohakune kai – no, not carrots, but chocolate eclairs.   Although the weather forecast for Sunday and Monday is for wet windy weather, all are keen to have more time on the slopes.

Yesterday, the Endeavour Venturers made their way to Newtown for a very important cause. They gallantly lay down and donated their blood at the Wellington Donor Centre to save the lives of people in need! If you want to help out and donate like the Venturers did, see the NZ blood website; http://www.nzblood.co.nz/

Last Thursday, the Venturers were taught about how to defend them selves from street attacks. We learnt about and tried various methods, including grips, blocks, attacks, and weapons. With laughter, failure, and success, we can now say that we know at least the basics. Better watch out!

 

 

On Tuesday night, our venturers attended a Wellington Zone Venturer event called the McFormal. This event requires attendees to dress up in formal dress, and go out to dinner at the most posh restaurant of them all; McDonald’s. This was the biggest McFormal yet, and the venturers can’t wait for the next one!