Report from a Second Time Camper – Campout #11 Echuca

16th – 18th of July 2004

This was my second camp out and I had been looking forward to it for weeks in advance. Matt and I headed off at 10:30 am friday morning and got to Echuca around 1:45pm. We set up camp, along came Warren, Benny and Scott, after some light – hearted ribbing about my questionable tent erecting abilities from the older sober members, the other guys gradually arrived. Matty and I collected a ute load of fire wood and the guys set about constructing a ripping fire which was successfully maintained by the fire marshall, Dave. We had some rain friday night which didn’t dampin our spirits, so the group huddled together under the kitchen tarp for the first meeting; “What home group means to me.”

Mid Saturday morning we hired hired out 3 boats and took to the river, after cruising around in the boats for awhile we landed up on a nice part of the river to indulge ourselves in another of Shane’s fantastically prepared meals, which surely rival some resturants.

That night I learned how to play 500 under the tutelage of Will before managing to melt my tracksuit pants standing too close to the fire.

Next morning we wrapped up with a meeting on what we had gotten from the weekend and set about dismantling tents, packing up and heading home. It seems such a short time since my first campout, which I really didn’t want to go on, but was assured by older sober members that it would be good for me. On that basis, along with being tired of trying to come up with excuses why I couldn’t come whenever someone asked “Are you going on campout?” I decided to go. After my second campout my willingness has grown and I have gotten to know the other guys in the group that much more and hope that my experience can someday help someone new as those in front have helped me.

Troy E