This blog was written by Jason Peter Lizamore, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.
3 min read
The first time we saw each other was at the airport. It was really early in the morning and all of us were so excited. On our way to the campus our driver, Blessing, was the funniest guy we could ever imagine. We had two stops where we could go and grab some snacks and drinks. The people in the back enjoyed the drive, while the people in the front (like myself) had the time of our lives.
Blessing drove us safely to the campus. We arrived and I already felt like this is our time to become the best version of ourselves. The trainers welcomed us politely and introduced themselves to us. After that, Darryn said we had to do a lot of paperwork – the fun part. Then the trainers showed us our rooms. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the room on the other side of the campus, but now I kinda enjoy it because I have a place a bit away from everyone (if I need a bit of space for myself or to study). I enjoy the walk in the mornings to the dining room because I get time to prepare myself for the energy everyone already has.
The first night we sat around the fire while Rose was preparing our food, we told our stories to each other and got to know the trainers a bit better, made a few jokes and so on. Rose, our cook, makes the most amazing, delicious food.
The next evening she made her famous chicken pie (Darryn, Jason and Simone’s favourite meal).
During the week we got to know each other a bit more and made a bonfire every night. I can gladly say, we will become really good friends. Everyone respects each other and we are holding together as a team.
The trainers are really polite and fair. The way they teach us is more than I have expected. They go into very fine detail and go out of their way to explain stuff to us. Famous quote from Darryn: “We work hard and play hard.”
One evening, Meere, Jana (some of the students) and myself sat outside and had a nice chat and made some jokes. All of a sudden a porcupine came around the corner and tried to open the fridge. We chased it away and went to make ourselves some tea. I walked back to the shelf to get the cups (keep in mind, without a torch), I grabbed the cups, turned around and this porcupine stood right next to me, opened his quills and hissed. Ran back and Jana and Meere were dying with laughter.
The first aid course was challenging at first, but really interesting. I knew a lot of things already and I am really proud to say that all of us passed the course! Andrew is a really passionate man and all of us look up to him.
Our campus at Bushwise is really beautiful and is filled with amazing, spectacular wildlife all around us. Being out in the bush is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I think I can speak for all of us – it makes us feel alive and important. We can learn so much and better ourselves. We will have a massive impact on how people experience the bush and I can't wait to start my journey. This is, honestly, like a wish come true; to teach tourists about animals and what impact they have on our lives is going to be amazing.
I can't wait to have more experiences and grow together with Bushwise.
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