The Jungle Pirates

The camp was a hub of activity as the two teams prepared to venture into the forest; the boys - decked out in a comical rainbow of rags, humourous tattoos and eye-liner – were dressed as pirates, whilst the girls – transformed into mighty Amazonian warriors – finalized their war paint and tested their makeshift bows and arrows.

We were about to begin the long-anticipated ‘Challenge 24’; a charity battle royale between the sexes; 24 challenges in 24 hours – and all to raise money for the local communities that we at GVI work alongside.

However, a dark rain cloud and rain shower had dampen our spirits, the mood was tense and the reality of the situation hit us – we were going to be in for a long, wet and cold night. But as we prepared, the sun temporarily reprieved us from the shower and we gathered on the edge of camp for photographs and last minute councils of war.

“Pirates!” the judges called out, “Are you ready?”

“YAAAR!” we bellowed

“Amazonians, are you ready?”

“Oo-Oo-HAAA!” they chanted.

“Then go for it!”

And with that the first teams scattered into the jungle to complete the first of our many tasks – the rest of us (the relief teams) awaited for their return; preparing the supplies and equipment that we would need for the next 24 hours (and boiling a fresh pot of tea to fend off the evening chill).

The first team have just returned and now it’s my turn; clocking in at 10pm and continuing on till 4am the next morning! This blog is, in fact, one of the challenges and I’m frantically scribbling away as my teammates quickly organize the next event.

Wish us luck!

Owen Morgan, volunteer

The Jungle Pirates