Selection Camp 25-27th June 2010

This one is a bit late but hey, it is the first post. So, I arrived at the Camp in Axedale, Victoria at aroud 1800 even though we were supposed to get there between 1900-1930. I took my bags inside because it was raining slightly. It was freezing. I was wearing four layers and still cold. I saw that John had wood set up to make a fire yet there were no matches, for some reason. Luckily I found a lighter in the car and I was able to start a fire. It took a lot of coaxing because the wood was so wet, yet with alot of help from an outdated newspaper (The Age) I managed to get it going. I don't think it ever went out the whole weekend. Next, there was a problem with the hot water service so it was going to mean cold showers for everyone. My dad, my brother, Ray and I went out in the rain armed with a torch, a few umbrellas and no idea whatsoever on how to kick start the water heater. We ended up having to get help from the friendly next door neighbours. When more people started to arrive I think my Dad knew it was time to leave. After everyone had assembled we all sat down around the fire and in true camp style were introduced to all and the general rules. No bedtime YAY! We then had dinner which was pies, sausage rolls and pizza (as far a my memory goes). We then play a few team bonding games such as pass the orange, arrange yourself in order of birthday without talking and cram everyone into a tiny square. Later on that night we all gathered into groups. Mine consisted of Megan, Strath, Samantha and me; and we made a mural of what Australia means to us. Some were quite well thought out, others were slap something on and hope for the best and some were just plain funny. That was the end of the night and we all went back to our rooms for the night. At midnight Oscar and I both went out to the common room with Isadora, Morgan, Emanuel, Margaret, Meghan and Bridgette to watch the much anticipated Portugal vs. Brazil soccer match. We were all disappointed at the standard of playing and the tactics used by both sides. It finished at 0200 and that's when I called it a night. The next day was rather busy we started off with a lecture on public speaking gearing up for the two speeches that we were to perform that day. The first speech was a completely impromptu, of the cuff ramble on completely random objects which ranged from a Jewish harp to corn toe removal pads. The other one was a 5 minute speech on a country that we had previously been given time to rehearse. There was a clear difference in quality, projection and engagement between the two. Later on that day we were given 90mins to produce a short play in groups on either "An Australian Abroad" or "The Exchange Student from Hell". My group was assigned "The Exchange Student from Hell". Whilst we were planning and practicing these the Rotary committee were discussing which countries that we were going to. After our presentations we all sat around the fire and Margaret announced where everyone was going. I don't think that I have ever been that nervous in my life. When she called out my name I stood up and the rest of the world became a muffled blur to me. I had only one focus and that, as bad as it sounds, was Margaret's mouth. When I heard the word Germany I was absolutely lost for words. I didn't know what to say and it only sank in later on that week. I was on such a high. I don't think many people slept that night because, who could. The next day was pretty relaxed. No more speeches, no more worrying, just joy. We had one lecture in the morning about schooling and then one about insurance and the rest of the application process. After that our parents started arriving and we all had lunch and then John gave a speech to everyone on what would be happening next. We all had a group photo then set off back home. This weekend was, for want of a better word, awesome.