The 2012 National Program Camp began on a early Monday morning, straight off the back of State Champs. Full of energy and excitement, all 35 athletes packed the trailer, boarded the 4 busses and headed off to Busselton for what eventuated to be a week that will be remembered for many years to come.
Upon arriving, Mikey set out the expectations of everyone and outlined some of the things he had already seen were ‘funny….but dumb’ – a theme that seemed to resonate throughout the entire camp. What also seemed to resonate throughout the trip was Mikey’s own disregard for his own rules….strange??
Taking ownership was the theme for the camp. This meant the athletes had to do everything for themselves. Dinner on the first night was a mixture of mushy white pasta and charcoal sauce…the athletes called it Spa-ge-ti?? Thankfully, each meal improved from that point onwards.
Personal training (with the flamboyant instructor), water polo (with Bec’s domination), caving (with everyone’s inability to be quiet), underwater observatory (with a unnecessary 1.7km walk), swim training (with the Busso crew and a possum), beach games (with apparently no rules), trenches (with the Arabs, ravers and independents) were just some of the activities that provided many classic times.
The favorite was clearly the midnight session. All athletes were woken up in the middle of the night to what seemed to be screaming military sergeants. They were given 2 minutes to be in their running gear and out the front of the reception of the holiday village. What proceeded was a physical and mental challenge of concentration as the athletes had to perform tasks like pushups, running in two straight lines, weaving in and out of poles, towing a 4WD; while getting absolutely annihilated by water and flower bombs. After the workout, full of sweat, flower, dirt and soaking wet, the athletes were instructed to have a shower and be in bed within 10 minutes as they had to be up early the next morning for swim training.
Mikey’s make-up, Bradley’s ninja moves, camp reminisce, cocky and you know it, optical illusions & double dream hands were the themes for the skit night… Words can’t really describe what went down that night, but let’s just say, the audience from the holiday village demanded an encore.
James celebrated his 15th birthday while on camp and in fine Arena style, he was set upon by all the athletes, held down, sprayed with whipped cream and sprinkled with 100’s and 1000’. James, being the very generous person he is then gave out free hugs for all. Feeling a little sticky, the athletes decided to wash off by doing back flips into the village pool.
Injuries are a part of every camp and this time it was the skate boards that caused most damage. Matt Meinema also managed to rip a decent chunk of skin off both feet, Luke Staffe hobbled around after a decent spear tackle Carey laid on him at the beach games, Maggie nursed a bruised knee after missing the steps completely and walking straight off the balcony and Brittany made friends with a stinger and decided to keep it in her bather top – she later found out that the stinger didn’t want to be friends after all.
All good things have to come to an end and after spending a week with some truly amazing people, it was a little depressing to say goodbye. Fortunately, the athletes knew they were able to see each other at training again on Monday and luckily for them, they are now able to use the great friendships they have made to help achieve their goals and dreams.
Michael Shaw – National Age Coach