Day 3 of the NT Cadet Camp was a day of athleticism, conquering fears and contemplation of the future. It began with an obstacle course on the oval of the YMCA where Cadets were challenged to work as a team and complete various stations, including star jumps, sit ups and agility sets. The session ended with a hilarious tug-of-war where most of the group ended up laying on the ground.

We then moved into the YMCA building where the groups were split into 2. Two groups started with the indoor rock-wall and the other two groups were given a box fit lesson.

The indoor rock-wall was a series of climbs, from easy to difficult. Everyone was keen to have a go and the order of climbers was determined by a race in the gym. 'Paramedic Jana, aka 'Spanner', offered her expertise in rock climbing and belayed the Cadets wishing to try the intermediate climb. A number of Cadets were scared of heights, but conquered their fear in order to win points for their team. Geoff managed to climb to the top and received a round of applause from all the Cadets.

The box fit lesson saw everyone pumping hard to music and moving between different stations including jumping rope and running on a mini trampoline.

Everyone had a great time. Some Cadets are extremely fit and really enjoyed the rhythm of throwing punches to the music. Other Cadets realised just how unfit they are!

After lunch we were all instructed to change into clothes and shoes that could get wet and dirty and to bring the goggles we were issued in our 'welcome to camp' kits. We were all excited and nervous to hear that our next challenge involved a water and flour bomb fight in the Todd River (a clean section!) with the goal of stealing team flags and individual scarves which we all had around of waists. If your scarf was taken by another team, you were 'out'. Luckily the rules didn't apply to the adult team (we had enough trouble running and not falling over in the sand!). We left the Todd River very wet, covered in flour and dirty and found the NT Fire and Rescue Service ready and waiting to hose us all down - a very effective and entertaining solution.

The day was capped off with a campfire and dedication of the time capsule. The time capsule was created by Geoff who decided that each Cadet should bring something special to put in the time capsule - preferably something related to their enjoyment of St John.

Everyone who made a contribution wrote their name and age on the front of the time capsule. It was decided by popular vote that the time capsule will remain sealed until the NT Cadet Camp 2014 (five years). The time capsule will be put on display in the foyer of the Alice Springs ambulance centre until then.

Then we all enjoyed Joylene's special desert which she made by slicing banana skins, inserting chocolate, wrapping in aluminium foil and sticking in the campfire. All I can say is YUM!
To be continued...

Article by Kimberlee McKay