The volunteer managers take on the jungle.

The volunteer managers returned from jungle camp today after a challenging three days away. They were split into groups and sent off with a map and camping equipment and instructed to make their way to their various destinations and find a place to sleep. The teams faced heavy rain and despite having taken a tent with them, all four groups managed to charm their way into alternative accommodations, ranging from a church to a barn. The next day after a 4am start, the groups met up again to learn different techniques for crossing rivers. Then it was off the jungle where we learnt how to set up a jungle camp, where we learnt everything from using a machete safely to putting up a hammock. After a comfortable night’s sleep in our hammocks, it was another early start as we had to pack up and head back to field base. On the way back, we practiced carrying out a casevac, the procedure of evacuating a patient from a project site or trek in the event of a serious medical emergency. Medics Clint and Rich both gave Oscar winning performances as the patients, and were stretchered back to field base by the rest of their team. Tonight the project managers will be finding out which of the fantastic projects they will be working on and preparing to go on their project planning visits over the next couple of days.

The group at an old railway bridge, where they carried out a risk assessment.

Zoe having fun at the river.

Sheila making light work of the river crossing

Sarah striding across the river.

The huddle technique.

The whole group

Holding on for dear life.

Another huddle.

Michael and Ed feeling the strain.

Colleen making her way across.

Becca: glamour all the way!

Zoe finishing her river crossing.

David, Rich, Zoe, Sheila and Guy relxing at jungle camp.

Rich hamming it up.

Sarah and Sheila looking after their patient.