The National Junior Squad training camp took place last week in NSW. The 26 strong group also included some members of the newly formed Junior Development Squad, for talented 15-17year olds. The camp started on January 1^st with a bit of R&R at the beach near Nelson Bay, since most kids had already competed in the Christmas 5-days race in Newcastle. Wednesday started with a 3000m time trial on the athletics track, and some afternoon agility and beep tests. Thursday saw some tough technical training at the famous North Stockton Sand dunes and an afternoon of putt putt golf and sand boarding on the nearby dunes.

The camp then moved to Belanglo forest for some more intensive technical training and advice from some of Australia’s top elites. Sprint, relay, middle and long distance practice races left the juniors very tired by Sunday afternoon. Each night there were talks on orienteering technique, training methods and sports psychology. Julian Dent, Rob Walter, Dave Shepherd, Jo Allison and Kerrin Rattray attended some of the camp and provided invaluable information about Orienteering in Sweden, in particular Gothenburg where JWOC 2008 will be held.

Thank you also to National Junior Coach Nick Dent, and Manager Hilary Wood for organising the camp, and to Roch Prendergast for his assistance.