BRISBANE QLD, JAN 1999, (600+ Campers)

Held to the north west of Brisbane at Samford Scout Camp. Heaps of rain during the first five days, but it did fine up eventually. Campers lived in lined bell type tents and ate in a dining hall at the top of a BIG hill. But the food was great with heaps of variety and assistance from over 64 volunteers just in the catering area alone.

What a Camp for varied activity! Overnight electives included: Four wheel drive adventure, Stradbroke fishing, Sea kayaking, Adventure sailing, Mapleton challenge (high ropes course), Extreme expedition, Wivenhoe challenge (canoeing down Brisbane River), Atkinson adventure (varied things at BBQ Campsite), Tour de Force (bicycle expedition).

The campsite’s hilly terrain catered for go-karts, assault course, abseiling tower, dam with waterslide, computer room and swimming pool. Seniors club, International tent and the DogHouse (canteen) completed the scene.

The 13th PAC was promoted by a mysterious dog called Blue, who featured on regular mail-outs prior to camp, “Blues Tails” (daily newsletter) and appeared as the camp emblem on badges, shirts and posters. To this day, there is still debate about Blue’s true existence!

This Camp certainly represented the coming of age for PA camps in terms of technology. It was the first Camp to have its own web site, used 15 PC’s to plan, operate and administer the Camp, sophisticated sound lighting and fog machines to enhance the church services and visiting acts, and used a high quality two-way system to co-ordinate events on-site.

Church services included a Big Band and extremely sophisticated production company from Kenmore Baptist Church enhanced by a “reggae” Christian Band, (“Yo Man” became an on going cry). Also, as PA Camps are international, a girl from BB Malaysia attended as a “boy”, completing her Pentapac award.

BB Queensland operated a very successful Camp on behalf of BB Australia. The Committee blended a mix of personnel with experience from previous PA Camps, new local Officers plus over 140 Volunteers who assisted in catering, program, security, canteen and general tasks. Thank you BB Queensland, for a great Camp!