Mission for the future...

Sweat gathering on the forehead, sunscreen-smeared dirt on every visible surface of the body, a team of 70-odd keen (generally) young-uns brave the elements to erect a campsite which will be their communal home for the next two weeks. This band of enthusiasts were mostly unknown to each other before joining the "mission for the future" that is team Tidal River SUFM.

Each year a team of people hike down to Tidal River in Wilson's Promontory (The Prom) to run 10 days of holidays programs for fellow campers. The first day is a hard slog, with trucks arriving burdened down with sleeping and camping gear, tents and poles. A truck arrives later in the day with equipment that has been stored in a shipping container on a benevolent farmer's block during the year. Appetites are voracious, the sun is no less so, and at the end they all feel as though they've done a good day's work. A large marquee is up, happily situated centrally on the camping site, comfortably settled amongst two sleeping tents (one for girls, one for boys), and a tent to protect the food from the sun, wind, rain and roaming night creatures... Wombats love getting into the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Day 2 begins with the raising of the remaining tents. Teamwork is essential as people stand at all of the points of the tents, sledgehammers are flying through the air and ropes are being firmly tied. Finally, all the tents are up, and a subconscious sigh is emitted as everyone feels as though the "fun" can begin. Lunch is doled out, and everyone is given a little space in the afternoon to relax a little and tidy themselves up. Before you know it, they're all back together again, clean, slightly kissed from the sun, and wielding an innumerable amount of balloons, loud instruments, singing voices and cheery smiles. The Prom will never know what hit them... The team split up into smaller groups, tactically planning to somehow reach each and every campsite within walking distance. Kids come running out, familiar faces from earlier years are beaming as names are remembered, greetings are exchanged and promises of meeting later are made. That evening there is to be a great carnival for all the family to enjoy!

You'll find plenty of funny photos to be seen here!