2nd Ahoghill Company Section enjoyed a relaxing day around the campsite, after three busy days of travelling and sightseeing.
After treating ourselves to an hours extra sleep, we ventured out of our tents and had breakfast. Our handful of shower tokens didn’t last long as the boys made the most of the campsite’s excellent facilities, while the leaders made up the packed lunches for later in the day. Before leaving camp we washed our laundry from earlier in the week, and hung it out so that it would be dry when we returned.
With the housekeeping done, we made the short walk to the lake in the middle of the campsite. The passes we had bought the day before gave us access to a selection of water sports and other activities.
Activities
Wanting to make the most of their passes, some of the boys wasted no time in taking a leisurely tour around the lake on the paddle boats. After they returned to dry land, we ate our packed lunches and waited while the canoes we had arranged to use were towed into shore.
Once on the water, we organised a race between the boys. From one bank of the lake to the other side and back. Gary, Ross and William quickly took the lead, and steadily opened a sizeable gap between themselves and second place. It was no coincidence that all three boys had the most experience in our own canoes.
In a vain attempted to close the gap, Aaron stood up to get more leverage on his paddle, sending Jacob, John and himself tumbling into the water. But the leaders were quickly on hand to offer assistance, instructing the other boys to raft the remaining four canoes together alongside each other. This allowed us to lift the now swamped canoe out of the water and drain it, so that the boys could get back in.
With our time in the canoes up, we paddled back to shore and headed for another mode of transport – the surf bikes. A cross between a surfboard and a bicycle, these contraptions proved to be rather unstable – with only one of the boys managing not to fall in during our allotted time. Having got used to the water, we moved along to a small beach area in the corner of the lake. The boys and leaders were free to swim and mess about under the supervision of a lifeguard.
Having had enough of the water in the lake, one group headed off to the indoor pool while another decided to try out some the drier activities on offer. Unfortunately it was too late to begin a game of minigolf, with the campsite activities closing at 7:00pm. However we consoled ourselves with a quick race around a track on some pedal go karts.
Back at the camp
After an energetic day full of activities, it was time for a well earned meal. Jonathan fired up the barbecue for the sausages, while Ian and Tommy heated up pasta and sauce on the gas camping stoves. After eating their dinner, the boys settled down to listen the final Bible talk of the week. Continuing our theme of True Christian Manliness, Jonnie talked about the subject of pornography – something which teenage boys are likely to be exposed to in today’s society. He explained what the Bible had to say about sexuality and man’s attitude towards women, and how pornography does not fit with these teachings.
Hoping for a better match than the night before, some of the group headed back to the rec room to watch France v Germany. The rest of the group spent the evening playing in the park. After another full day, we climbed into our tents for the final time and got some sleep.
