There were lots of new boys this year venturing out into the unknown, some excited, others omewhat cautious having finally built up the courage to give it a try, all I am sure had heard the stories of previous year's outings and many wandering if they would be the next legend following on from Mwansa and his rock incident. What would Mr Grove have us do this year?
We were delighted to have the company of Mr Boatman this year, who came all the way from Kitwe on his motorbike to share with us his expertise in camping, the night sky and his experiences as a Bible smuggler in the old Eastern Soviet Bloc countries. As our special guest we allowed him a night in his tent.
First activity of the night was "Monster Trucks". The challenge was to roll a set of four tyres about four kilometres, through the night, along the bush tracks. 2 teams of 8 set off into the dark to find their 'truck' and begin rolling. Unfortunately the first team hit a tree at full speed and split their truck in two! This gave them a great advantage with less weight and improved mobility. They finished in 40 minutes even though they were the weaker team. They worked better together and had more drive. The others floundered about at the first river crossing with no-one wanting to get wet till Mthunzi and Justin just got on with it. Though last by a long way, 1 hour, they were easily heard chanting their way through the bush keeping up their spirits.
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| "Monster trucks" Sniper team |
Next came the longest game of capture the flag I've ever known. I think an hour and a half, ending in a half victory for Mark's team. They did at least get their opponent's flag, even if it never quite got back to base. For Mark, Ilunga and Philip stealth was the key. They were almost unseen the whole time, slowly but surely... the Ferguson way. Justin, Daniel, Tarisai, Yarel, Xavier and Mthunzi decided quite the opposite approach would work, and indeed it met with much success. The 'Snipers' hid till an unsuspecting Musonda would approach. Just when Musonda was thinking he was against one opponent the whole team arose in ambush blinding him with light from all directions. He turned to flee, but in which direction should he go? His decision took him straight into three small rocks! The next legend was to be formed by none other than Mwansa's twin brother! Then distinctive moans of pain reached my ears at the camp fire and upon arrival the now famous excuse of "they were over dazzling me" was uttered in defence of his calamity. Many of Mark's team succumbed to this tactic and all seemed to be going well as Peter presided over a full prison. Their flag also had another deterrent, 'mpashi' or the red biting ant. A significant area of ground was covered by these guys and they enjoyed covering Cholwe and Dalitso from head to toe, amazingly in that order. Somehow these guys get to where it hurts before you know it, but then it's too late! A strip down at the camp fire is in order! Anyway the Snipers approached their opponent's flag but here their success dried up. They spent 30mins walking in a pack around the flag yet never thinking to check up the anthill. In the meantime Mark had finally located the Sniper's flag and was on his secretive way back when time was called.
With the night fading fast we moved onto a short game modeled on a Bible smuggling theme. Everyone was to find their way to the car from the river without being spotted by Mr Boatman or Mr Grove, in 20 minutes. Nothing too dramatic occurred and a number we able to make it through the net. The aged duo were able to detect quite a number though, 10, I think.
Following the games we had Mr Boatman recalled his days as a smuggler and presented the dangers and thrills of getting a silent photocopying machine into Russia. A graphic reminder of the price Christians pay when they do what they believe God has called them to do in places where Christians and the Bible are hated or feared. He read Scriptures from Romans and Acts where we are taught to honour our rulers and yet where Peter defies the rulers upon his release. We are to obey the higher calling of God and honour him. Perhaps 1 Peter 2 v 17 would sum up the thoughts well - "Honour all men, love the brotherhood, FEAR GOD and honour the emperor". What wonderful freedom we are given in Zambia.
Mr Boatman then gave a short show on the stars with his notebook and green star gazing lazer beam. It is incredible to see light that emitted from a star at the time of Joshua and Samuel! The constancy of the cosmos that we can navigate from it and the depth of mystery hidden there. God's creation is truely amazing when we think about it.
After a pretty rough nights sleep, having endured Peter's lion impressions and Mwansa periodically waking everyone up because he was cold, we got going a 6am to start our hobo stoves. Breakfast was bread, bacon, eggs, sausages and beans, all to be fried on the stoves. It is slow going and patience is required. Mr Boatman demonstrated how to start fires with homemade charcloth or Elephant dung (not homemade but still a local product) and a magnesium stick. This proved difficult for some and so cotton wool which is somewhat more explosive was resorted to. So finally Yarel and co could start cooking. Most stoves worked with good efficiency and proved a success. It's a great activity to show the boys what can be done with everyday things around us.
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| "Charcloth and striker" |
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| Justin doing a great job as chef |
I think the boys enjoyed their time and it is a great way to break up the monotony of boarding life. My thanks to Mr Boatman for his interest in the boys and bringing a wealth of experience to us to learn from.
Report by Mr Grove
