Thinking back to January Camp, the first thing I recall is the beaming face of Willy Woggles. We started chating on the long bus ride to Gerroa and he informed me that his favourite animal was the kookaburra, he had the laugh down perfectly. From the first day I was known not as Mad, but as Tree, he was baby Kookaburra and required carrying everywhere. One of the things I love about the Camps is the perspective you gain from them. Not all the kids like you but hey, that's life. Others, you can make a real connection with.

One of the boys and I got on really well, he was the oldest camper and acted with great maturity helping out the leaders and giving into the younger kids. But when we went to Nowra, we went on that 'Oh so crazy' bushwalk. He got pretty freaked out in the cave section (hey so did I). It was the best thing to see him tell Ruth he was scared, to know that in such a short space of time a bond of trust been built. The knowledge that we're all there for each other is so comforting. Lastly, I remember ducking downstairs one night to grab some washing when I heard crying in the granny flat where some of the kids were sleeping. I went in to check on them, both the younger ones were crying. I didn't want to leave them like that but needed another leader with me. Luckily Ruth appeared. It took about an hour, a few musical scores and the whole of America Pie (not a verse skipped) to calm the kids but it got done. Another example of the support that exists between leaders on Nano camps and how important it is to their sucess.

Now I've stated I could go on forever, cheeky smiles, fishing adventures, wild redhead, the inescapable monsters and the constant cry of "Have you finished my beads yet?". In short Nano Camps are wicked fun and teach you alot.You start out to do something for others but you get so much for yourself in the process.