The Genpei War
Annual Overnight Camp 2007

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When: Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 October 2007
Where: Camp Simon, Roleystone

This 2-day Annual Bush Camp was a rousing success, with over 100 people involved in the days events there were plenty of bodies on the ground to provide clan vs. clan action. The members were broken up into two clans competing to see who provided the best espionage action for their prospective Samurai clients.
Starting off with warm-ups then teamwork exercises, the clans soon developed a competitive edge, especially when they had to defend their Clan Leader from the opposing side. After a light refreshment break the clans headed off to learn the basic skills that were going to serve them during the night exercises.
With a whole day of exercises behind them, pausing for the catered lunch & dinner, the participants weren't given the chance to slack off. The night exercises had come! Sensei Paul Reed & Renshi Trent Mitchell headed a  group of senior members acting the role of Samurai Guards who could haul luckless Ninja's off to temporary imprisonment. The Ninja's had no chances of fighting back, just stealth and invisibility. Co-ordinated by their Clan Leaders (Renshi Mark Micallef & Renshi Sharon Morgan), teams were sent out to collect items or gather information. By midnight many tired and dirty Ninja's returned to their dorms for sleep.
All too early for many people the sun had risen and clans were gathered for a morning stretch and meditation. Breakfast refuelled depleted bodies then more exercises in weaponry, wrestling, striking targets in crowded bush environments and storming a defended hill! All before lunch.
Then the Genpei War began. Two clans gathered and, in lieu of deadly edged weapons, foam pool noodles were handed out. Sensei Paul and Renshi Trent explained the rules of engagement then war began. Flags were captured, positions held then lost and people ran like madmen for an hour before a good natured draw was declared.
Parting with good memories and vivid experiences, all the participants weren't going to forget this weekend for many years. Already there are enquiries about the next Annual Bush Camp (Annual Bush Camp 19th October 2008).

Here are some pictures of the two days of Genpei War:

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