Today was filled with plenty of activity to get the heart pumping. I started off the early morning by meeting up with some global ambassadors. We were given the opportunity to do the Big Zip (the longest zipline on site) without a line. We were driven up to the top of the mountain and once we reached the top we were given some orientation.
I was able to catch up with my global ambassador friend from Australia and we talked about the differences between our cultures. Did you know that in Australia the students have summer vacation in December!
Once I got clipped on to the zipline I started feeling a little scared. The Big Zip is very high up, although you get a beautiful view of subcamps B and A.
I got all clipped up and ready to go, and when the staff let me go I zoomed down the wire super fast. The wind felt amazing in the heat I was standing in before. I will never forget the view of the summit.
After I got off the zipline Toby (the Australian) and I decided to do something a little different and try some crickets. I’ve never had crickets before, so I thought it would be nice to give them a try. I was expecting them to be disgusting, seeing as they’re bugs and all, but it turns out they’re not that bad! The powder flavours definitely help cover up the stench of the crickets. I don’t think I will be adding crickets to my daily diet although I’m glad I gave them a try.
The rest of the day was dedicated to hiking up mount Jack with my unit. The hike up was around an hour an a half, and it was very tiring in the burning heat. By the time we reached the top the sun was in the middle of the sky and we had a gorgeous view of the forest and un-touched land of the summit. We played a massive game of volley ball with some Americans from California and it was fun comparing the stereotypes and traditions of our countries. Soon enough the time to return to camp arrived. On the walk back to camp, the sun was setting and we got a beautiful view of the sunset over camp. Sadly I was unable to take a picture.
With all of the views of the summit that I’ve had from the top of mountains today, I’ve started to comprehend the size of the camp. With over 50 000 scouts and scouters attending, the ground space covers massive amounts of land. This camp is incredible and the years of planning have definitely paid off.
Hopefully tomorrow will be filled with just as many smiles and laughs.
Signing off, Eleanor