ALLES Magazine Edition 57 2021

ENIZAGAM

Vol. 57

Experiences for the

next generation

Photographs: Front Page - Outdoor Educators, Dirk Calitz, Milla Preller, Rubin van Rooyen, Roag Academy Students, Alan Champkins, Adventures with Elephants, Simonsberg Christian Centre, Blyde Adventure, Schoemansdal, Hobbiton, H&H Adventures, Camp Zenith, Vuleka, Venterskroon Camp, Canva.com and all other camps that contributed to this publication Writers: Mona Preller, Contributing Advertorial Writers from within the camping community Special thanks to Milla Preller the ALLES Youth Ambassador, for all the motivational pages Links to contributions www.adventureswithelephants.com Your Aquarium experience starts here: https://www.aquarium.co.za/ https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/highlights-of-2020 www.weforum.org www.allesmag.co.za www.alles.org/za Alles is a free publication and may be distributed as needed.

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DO WE REALIZE WHAT VALUE AND IMPACT OUR PROGRAMS HAVE ON INDIVIDUALS BUT ALSO IN OUR COUNTRY? Written by Dirk Calitz L e t u s mirror ou r SA l an d s cap e and s o ciety a n d identify a f e w c ommo n p ro b le ms th at we s tru gg le with/ e xp er i en ce e very day : A f e w ch allen g es o f our d ay: Cr i me , v iolen ce , corru ption, frag me nte d and d ysfu n ction al fa milie s, ra cial te ns io n, s elfis h b e haviour, b a d d e cisio n s ta ken by our lea ders an d m an y other so ci e t y memb ers, d is torte d v a lue s, n o re s pe c t for other p e o p l e, de stro ying and v and aliz in g o f infra structure, a di s t or ti on o f what is righ t and wha t is wron g, de stroying, po ll u ti on an d lac k o f c are of the e nv ironme nt, an outcry f or po sitiv e c ha nge , l ack o f d ete rmin atio n, e ne rgy, hard wor k a nd creativity , a neg a tiv e attitude a nd an a pproach t hat s om eone els e mu s t p ro vid e for me (un willing ness to t ak e r esp ons ibility for y o urs e lf).

Do some of th ese s eem to be familiar?

- Let u s n ow s ee wh a t c o nte nt and o u tco mes th e c amping an d o utd oor indu s try offer th ro ug h the ir pro grams and if so me of the k ey e leme nts a nd outc ome s o f these pr ogr ams a re re le v ant in a dd re ss ing the n eed s of society an d our cou n try o f toda y ?

- Le t u s th en a s k th e que s tio n: Is o ur work imp o rtant?

C AM PI NG AND ED UC ATION A L PR OGRA MS IN THE OU T DOORS DO NOT ON LY A D VAL UE TO THE I N DI V I DUA L, BU T ALSO T O THE COMM UN IT Y AND TO OU R NA TION. Ou t d o or L ea de rs hip profe ss ion als are finding an i nc re a sing n umb er a nd wid er ra ng e of excit ing o p p o rt u nities an d a pplic ation in the field o f adventur e pr o g r ammin g.

Mo re a nd more peo ple are dis co ve ring th e benefits re l a t ed to pa rtic ipa tin g in o utd oo r exp e ri enc e s.

W i t h o u td o or ed uc ation the co re b us in e ss i s to help w ith th e e d u catin g a nd d ev elop men t of p e opl e, to e quip them for life.

By u si ng th e po we rfu l a nd e xc itin g “e d uc atio na l t ool” of ad ve nt ure and w he re th e lea rning ex pe rie nc es takes pl ac e main ly in th e o u td oo rs, it cre ates op po rtu nities out o f t he norma l w ay o f life whe re an in div id ua l can be ch al le nged , g row w ith in him/ h ers elf, reflec t an d to be op en t o pos itive c h ang e .

Programs in the camping industry can have beautiful outcomes that can: Change the lack of values and integrity which we see around us and that is currently embedded in society and in our leaders.

Help people to realise and embrace the difference between what is right and wrong; what is good and bad…to choose deliberately for the good and what is right, and to make it your own by living it out every day Guide a person to become a trustworthy and reliable person; to start living a life of honesty, to learn the value of responsibility and to take ownership for one’s own decisions and actions…a journey towards responsible citizenship Encourage a person to make healthy, good and competent decisions that will be based on the right values and not only for personal gain or what I will get out of it - to help individuals with critical thinking before making decisions Create a flame of hope in a world/ environment where hopelessness is often experienced as the only companion on a journey into the future; to help an individual to regain focus, to see potential and possibilities, to discover a vision that he/ she can passionately follow and that will lead to a fulfilled and positive life Help where dis-functional families and inter – personal relationships are the norm in many of our societies and families, to strengthen relationships and interaction between people which can be enhanced with the modelling of effective communication , cooperation, trust, problem – solving, conflict resolution in a program Bring forward and improve self – confidence, self – concept, and encouragement for personal self – motivation within many individuals.

Offer great opportunities to show the beauty, to enhance a love for nature, to foster an approach of responsible environmental ethics and respect towards nature (Environmental Education) Empower each and every individual to think different (in a positive way) about themselves, about their situation, the opportunities that they have and about their future.

Many individuals and groups realised that the limitation in their performance and life are not due to the restricting factors/ environment that they have to function in, but is due to how they perceive and see themselves and the challenges that they have to overcome. Many groups and individuals have become champions by changing the way they see life and their own unique situation.

In outdoor programs, people learn to work with each other, to respect each other, to trust one another, to care for one another, to be patient with each other. The outdoor learning experience in a well – structured program allows great opportunities to break down barriers of distance between people, for people to “find” each other, to realise the beauty and strengths in one – another, to embrace differences and uniqueness, to find synergy, to find common ground, to agree and embrace a common vision…to realise the value of working together and to bond.

Are these not some of the important building blocks and catalyst what our children, families, schools, our community and our country need to move forward? So how relevant are the programs and interventions that so many camps and outdoor professionals are offering not only to children, but also to the adults, to the families that the children go back to after the program and to the broader community of this country? It is our view that participating in outdoor education programs and camps should be highly valued by teachers, social workers, parents, the leaders of community and leaders of our country (it addresses some of the key difficulties and problem areas of society in an informal and friendly way of learning).

It is our opinion that each child should be exposed to these development programs and that such programs should be designed for the relevant developmental phase of children and that it should receive more recognition and to form an integral part of the school curriculum.

MAYBE CAMPING AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS HAVE A BIGGER ROLE TO PLAY IN RESTORING BALANCE AND HEALING OF OUR SOCIATY THAN WHAT WE THINK? SUPPORT CAMPING AND QUALITY PROGRAMS IN THE OUTDOORS…IT CAN CHANGE OUR FUTURE!

Dirk Calitz, Outdoor Educators Outdoor Educators

“Learning through experience” P. O. Box 1019, Hilton, 3245 Cell. 082 9386 662 info@outdooreducators.co.za https://www.outdooreducators.co.za cc.2002/088905/23

Description: Photos: Learning and appreciating of nature, environmental ethics, environmental education Reviewing of a learning experience brings forward the full potential and hidden value of activities We develop the most when we are out of our comfort zone and when we allow ourselves to be challenged Lessons in focus and concentration…what is important to aim at in life…

Imagine what we can achieve if we can all focus and channel our energy on the same goal Avoiding the potholes of life

Having fun while working together (FRONT PAGE FOTO) (Please note that photos where people appear without masks on, have been taken before Covid 19)

The seven core competencies every child needs In his book The Global Achievement Gap, Wagner identifies seven core competencies every child needs in order to survive in the coming world of work.

1. Critical thinking and problem-solving Companies need to be able to continuously improve products, processes and services in order to compete. And to do this they need workers to have critical thinking skills and to be able to ask the right questions to get to the bottom of a problem.

2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence Given the interconnected nature of the business world, leadership skills and the ability to influence and work together as a team has become increasingly important. And the key to becoming an effective leader? It's twofold, says Wagner, involving "creative problem-solving and a clear ethical framework".

3. Agility and adaptability The ability to adapt and pick up new skills quickly is vital for success: workers must be able to use a range of tools to solve a problem. This is also known as "learnability", a sought-after skills among job candidates.

4. Initiative and entrepreneurialism There is no harm in trying: often people and businesses suffer from a tendency to be risk-averse.

It is better to try 10 things and succeed in eight than it is to try five and succeed in all of them.

5. Effective oral and written communication Recruits’ fuzzy thinking and inability to articulate their thoughts were common complaints that Wagner came across from business leaders when researching his book. This isn’t so much about young people’s ability to use grammar and punctuation correctly, or to spell, but how to communicate clearly verbally, in writing or while presenting. "If you have great ideas but you can’t communicate them, then you’re lost," Wagner says. text

6. Accessing and analysing information Many employees have to deal with an immense amount of information on a daily basis: the ability to sift through it and pull out what is relevant is a challenge. Particularly given how rapidly the information can change.

7. Curiosity and imagination Curiosity and imagination are what drive innovation and are key to problem solving. "We’re all born curious, creative and imaginative," says Wagner. "The average four-year-old asks a hundred questions a day. But by the time that child is 10, he or she is much more likely to be concerned with getting the right answers for school than with asking good questions.

"What we as teachers and parents need do to keep alive the curiosity and imagination that, to a greater or lesser extent, is innate in every child."

Article shared from: 7 skills your child needs to survive the changing world of work | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

QUESTION TO SIMONSBERG CHRISTIAN CENTRE WHERE DO YOU THINK YOUR PROGRAM HAS CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO ANY OF THESE 7 LIFE SKILLS? Answered by Alan Champkins Program Manager Simonsberg Christian Centre Cell: 0718967109. Office 0218844527 Western CapeWritten by Adeline Palmerston

Every

life

skill

gained

plays

a

critical

role

in

the

development of the whole person. At Simonsberg Christian Centre we try to emphasis a good balance of the seven most important life skills and how we present them in our programs.

However, one life skill does stand out for us in the way we

"This year was the second year that our son, Troy went

run our programs and we take special emphasis on helping

to camp. Last year he was only in Grade 1 and I must

learners to 'make healthy connections’ with the camp

be totally honest and say that he, my husband and I

facilitators and their class.

were a little nervous or apprehensive to send my then 7 year old away on camp for 2 days. Right from the start,

Why is Making Healthy Connections important to us as a

the enthusiasm and passion with which Alan and his

team at Simonsberg Christian Centre?

team welcomed the learners was contagious and we drove awa y knowing he was going to have the best

Many camp venues offer amazing activities but if they

time. It actually brought back such fond memories of the

cannot find a way to connect and relate with the learners

old school type camps we had experienced growing up.

nor create connections between the learners then they’ve

Needless to say that he came home totally exhausted in

missed the true strength that we all grow best in a

the best possible way and feeling proud that he had

community that understands and values each other.

managed the 2 nights away.

The last few years have seen a massive increase in

This year, the anticipation of camp was totally different,

individualism and this coupled with the social distancing of

filled with excited preparation. Yes, he wasn't totally

the lockdowns has created an exponential growth in the loss

keen on the idea of being away from us for 2 days, but

of connections between people. People are becoming more

he

was

totally

keen

on

the

camp.

He

had

total

and more isolated divided, when what they really need is

confidence in the fact that he had overcome this last

healthy community.

year and had so much fun to look forward to again. He was

also

excited

to

know

that

the

same

camp

Camps can offer great activities but if they don’t focus on

counselors would be there. This alone speaks volumes

making healthy connections the program becomes about the

as to the bond that the children form through the

activity and not about the person. At Simonsberg Christian

activities with the counselors and their peers during

Centre we believe the person comes first.

time spent at camp. These kinds of experiences, which

Here’s a parents testimony to the difference that can make:

growth and development.”

are so lacking in today's times, are so vital to a child's

THE DIFFERENCE

ALAN CHAMPKINS

During a recent training workshop I asked the participants for their thoughts on what makes a good camp program?

They came up with a number of great suggestions for activities and all agreed that a good camp program must offer at least a high ropes course, a water activity and have a climbing wall or abseiling.

I then asked them to recall some of the best experiences they had had on camps and outdoor excursions they had gone on at school?

There were a few funny stories shared and how they felt about some of the activities but by far the majority of the experiences they recalled involved people and how they related to each other.

So whilst the thought high ropes, rafting, climbing and abseiling were the key aspects of camp what they remembered told a different story.

Perhaps the words of the poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, are key to the students why they remembered the people involved more than the activities experienced:

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

- Maya Angelou Her words have become a foundation for much of how I ‘work’ with people on camp programs over the years.

I used to believe that if we had the best activities we would be able to make the biggest difference in improving the lives of young South Africans.

We structured the camp, as most have, so that the physiological (food, shelter, etc) and safety (security, health etc) needs of the group would be met so we could focus on changing the upper tiers of esteem and self actualisation

As p rogram f aci l i ta t o r s we woul d watc h the l earn ers on th e a ct i vi t ie s an d how they in te ract ed w it h e a ch o th e r , t h ei r p eers and the a cti vit y its e lf . W e re se a rch e d and t hou ght up ga mes and act ivi t i e s th a t wou ld hav e the gre a test imp act . In o u r fe e dba ck we as k ed le arn ers w hich w e r e t h e bes t and wo rs t ac ti vities. I’m su r e ma n y o f yo u h av e done the sa me on yo ur ca mp p r o g ra ms.

Y et, what w e o b se rve d was d if f erent. T he c ampers tr uly ca me a l i ve , no t o n t h e a ctiv itie s, b ut when t he f a cil i ta t o rs pl a ye d soc ce r with t he m, or Uno, o r t h e Cu p g a me , o r w hen th ey ju st s at outside in a g r ou p a n d j o ked a ro un d or l et t he cam pers a sk en d l e ss q ue st i o n s try ing to gue ss their age o r a cce n t .

My ey es wer e o p e n e d a n d I b e g an to ch an ge t he w ay we ra n o u r p r o g r ams . Y es , the ac ti v it ies, and th e ir i n t en d e d ou tco me were still imp or tant , but the a ct iv i t y w a s o nl y t he v eh icle a n d not the mea ns t o th e e n d i n i ts el f .

F i ni s hing the act i vi t y wa s no l o n ge r a lway s the g o a l . We relax ed t he ‘ t h is is h o w i ts alway s b e e n done’ f ormu l a . W e m a d e mo r e effort to e n su re everyone w as i n cl u d e d, ev en if th ey ch o se not to do th e a ct i vi ty . We t r ied to be mo re inclusive a nd f l e xi b l e. W e to ok emo tional h e al th seriously. W e t o o k t he t ime t o lis te n an d n o t h ave all the a n swe rs . W e ma d e th e e ffort t o care and build c on n e ct i on s.

W e adopted Ted d y R o o se ve l t ’s q u o t e “Pe ople a re n ot int er est e d i n h o w mu ch yo u k now until t h e y know how mu ch yo u c ar e .” a s o u r m otto .

We applied the wi s e wor d s o f P e t e r B loc k to re mi nd us what wa s i mp o rt a n t : "Rel at ionship and c o n n e cte dn e ss a r e th e p reco n d ition for ch a n g e . E ve ry me e ti n g, eve ry p ro cess, every t r ai n i n g pr o g r am h as to g et p e o p le connect e d f i r st . Ot h e r wi se t he c o nte nt fal l s on deaf ears

We must establish a personal connection with each other.

Connection before content. Without relatedness, no work can occur.”

The true strength of a camp is not in it’s great activities but in it’s uniqueness of being able to bring a group of people together and create a temporary community that is different from the outside world. The strength of this temporary community is in creating connections, giving value to its members and building trust and understanding with each other through shared experiences.

No person truly grows into their best in isolation or in a broken community.

We need each other and we need a safe community in which we can become our best.

Su ch a commun i ty e n co u ra g e s un it y in div e rsity .

It encourage s p e o p l e t o be inc lude d. It e n cour ag es peo pl e t o st e p ou t of t heir c o mfo rt zo nes wit hout sh a me . I t va l id at es t hos e wh o try an d validates t ho se wh o a r e a fr ai d to try . It m a kes the ef f or t t o u n d e r st an d rath er th an ju dg e. I t se eks w h o le n e ss a n d res t ora tion ra th er th an exclusion a nd i so la t i o n .

C am p has t he po t e n t ia l to g i v e p eop le a ta ste o f w ha t a r e al co mmu n it y ca n be like . It’s in co mmunity t hat l i ve s a r e ch a n g e d. E ve n if that co mmunity is ju st a gl i mp se o f a b et ter re ality o r g i v e s t he part ici p a n t a t as te o f w ha t thing s c ou ld b e l ik e bot h for t h e m p e r so n a l l y a nd co rp ora te ly .

Th a t glimpse ma y b e al l th at is n ee de d to in spire h o p e and effort t o ch a n g e th e l a ck of co mmunity we see in t he wo r l d a t t he m ome nt .

S o next time yo u r g u e st s a rr i ve a t c amp, re member, you r f oo d, a cc ommo dat i on, ac tiv ities a nd safet y is v i t a l ly i mpo r t an t BUT i t is only the v eh i cle t o enab l e th e t r ue c ha nge whic h c ome s th rough th e po we r o f p o si t i ve co nnec tions .

Interact with yo u r g ue st s a nd l earne rs . Sho w th em t hey are va l u ab l e. Be f r ie ndly. Hav e c on vers ations. Sp e nd t i me wi t h t hem. Sho w an in terest in t heir liv es . Le ar n t h ei r n ames . E ns ure yo ur staf f (fa ci l i ta t o rs , ma i nt enanc e, k itc he n st af f , c leane rs, e t c) a l l h a ve a f ri e nd ly a ttitu de a nd don’t s ee th e g u e st s a s a ‘ p roble m’ or a me ans t o get a sa la ry. W a t ch yo u b od y la ng uage.

Give p eo pl e a vo ic e .

Se ek un ders tanding. L e t t h em t a l k. Ha ve fu n. Be kin d.

Be f air. These a r e t h e t h i n g s t ha t t ru l y matte r.

"Th ere is little do ub t h a ving fr iends is e xtrem ely im porta nt to children.

Frie nds h ips c ontrib ute s ignificantly to the de ve lop me n t o f s ocial skills, s uc h a s be ing se ns itiv e to another’s v iew po ints, le arnin g the rules of co nv ers ation , a nd ag e-a ppropriate b eh av iours . More th a n half the ch ildren refe rre d fo r emotional be ha vio ra l p ro ble ms have no frie nd s o r find di ffic ulty interacting with pee rs.

F rie nd s a ls o h av e a powerful influ en ce on a ch ild’s po sitive and n e gativ e sch oo l pe rformance and may a ls o he lp to en c ourage or d is co ura ge de via nt b ehaviours.

Co mpa red to c hild re n w ho lack frie nd s, ch ildre n with “g ood” friends ha ve h igh er s elf-es teem, act more s oc ially , can co pe w ith life stresses a n d tran sitio ns, and are also less vic timise d b y p ee rs .”

- Pau l Sch wa rtz

Ma ke it the goa l o f yo ur c amp t o c reate c o nnec tions and c ommuni ty and e ve rything e ls e will f all in t o p l a ce , bo t h n ow, and in the fu tu re . Value p eopl e an d n ot program s an d wat ch those yo u a re w or k i ng with co me a liv e. Ma ke th e effort to crea te friends an d wa tch th e di f f er e nce t ha t mak es to th e s oc ial and emo ti onal learning en v ir onmen t a t yo u r ve nu e a nd t he d ifferen ce it mak es in peopl e’s l iv es .

If e ver there wa s a ti m e w he n co n nec tio ns and c o mm un ity w as ne e d ed it is now . A y e a r of lost c o n ne ct i o n s a nd l o st com mu nity has c au s ed un told e m otio n al s tre ss and if we don’t make th e e ffo r t to re b uild tho s e c o nne ctio n s o ur s o c ial a nd e motional future will be b l e a k.

Ca mps are perf e ct l y p l ace d t o r e crea te tho se c o nne ctio n s. T h at is w ha t ma tters the mo st now and sh o u l d b e w h a t we d o b e st.

Our t im e has co me t o d o wh a t w e d o be s t.

I n a w orld whe re yo u can b e an yt h ing , b e k ind. E very one ne eds it.

T h at is ' T he Dif f e re n ce ’ we ca n mak e.

HOBBITON’S OUTDOOR EDUCATION DEVELOPS HEALTHY YOUTH, EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC Written by Tonya Burton

We are all aware of the significant benefit of letting children physically experience what they learn, rather than merely reading or hearing about it. Positive, enjoyable experiences not only help learners to understand new subject matter but also to retain information.

Hobbiton’s unique outdoor environment enables young

people

to

develop

creativity,

improve

memory, reduce stress and create wellbeing.

Learners experience joy through adventure and learning with others — a winning combination!

have been required to isolate themselves from others and have frequently resorted to electronic devices to find human connection and happiness.

Hobbiton

Outdoor

Educational

Centre

in

Hogsback, nestled in the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, was founded during the late 1940s

to

positive

enable

play

and

war

orphans

learning

in

to a

experience natural

hikes during which they develop an increased appreciation for the gifts of

Unfortunately, during the past year, many children

The

Learners are also taken on night

and

sight and hearing. We also offer solitary experiences at night which involve sitting quietly to identify the many

night

sounds

and sometimes even an owl or two! It is rewarding to observe the learners’ enjoyment

when

Through

our

In that same pioneering spirit, our daytime hikes

communicating

awe-inspiring

Afromontane Forest where the learners develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. School staff members can integrate the school curriculum into this experience thereby bringing the classroom to life.

their

share

dynamic

we

appreciating indigenous

they

experiences after these activities. activities,

through

running

streams or waterfalls, insects, frogs

stimulating environment.

meander

—

group

concentrate

the

ideas

of

on

others,

effectively,

and

resolving conflicting views amicably.

These experiences encourage selfcontrol and mutual encouragement and

support,

culminating

in

the

exhilaration of a task successfully completed

The high ropes course addresses our primal fear of heights and the realization that this fear created in our minds

can

be

conquered.

Participants

experience

abseiling from our 9m tower, the 100m zip wire and the 9m high trapeze jump. It is truly inspiring to observe the sense of achievement and elation experienced by the learners

upon

successful

completion

of

these

challenges.

All our activities are followed by debriefings so that learning is shared. We explore how these lessons can be implemented in future decision-making in the ‘real world’.

Some comments from past participants: The forest floor was soft to walk on and the air so fresh.

I was so scared but I felt supported and safe ‘cause my team were supporting me so I completed the course.

We need to plan and listen to each other to get the right solution and not just dive in.

I realized that my fears are limiting my possibilities.

The impact of these learning experiences can seldom be generated in the same way at home. Hobbiton believes that an outdoor experience in an exciting, supportive environment is pivotal to the development of a wellrounded person and a healthy society.

Contact: Tonya Burton, COO, Hobbiton-on-Hogsback, Eastern Cape Phone: 084 840 0617 / 045 962 1193 Email: hobbitons@telkomsa.net Website: www.hobbiton.co.za

CAMP HAS VALUE! Words from a programme manager Pre-Covid we did continuous leadership development for a High School in Phalaborwa.

Some sessions were run at the school and for others the learners came for a weekend to the camp. This gave us the opportunity to see children grow and develop into their roles from grade 8 through to grade 12.

One of our big focus points with all activities and especially with leadership groups is Communication.

Children often take it for granted and assume they are doing it well because they talk a lot, so we work a lot on all the various principles of communication. It was noticeable over the years to see how these kids developed their communication skills especially around problem solving and conflict resolution scenarios.

It was also very rewarding for us to get feedback from the teachers of the school regarding the positive development of the children over the years and how this improved their abilities and growth over time in their high school careers.

Hopefully we will soon be able to continue with this.

Deon J Breytenbach +27 71 480 9105 www.blydeadventurecamp.com

"At Camp we teach children effective communication"

H&H ADVENTURES

VENTERSKROON Camp Site

THE STORY OF ANKE Written by Hermien Coetzee & Tillia Kotze

As an adventure camp facilitator for twenty years I have learned not to let any emotion go unnoticed and not to underestimate the value of true connection. Children arrive wide eyed, excited and startled at every camp - mostly radiating a deep sense of disconnection.

This is how the H&H Adventures team met Anke Victor. After a twenty one hour journey from her school in the Western Cape she hopped off the bus wide eyed, excited and insecure - right into her duties as a chosen camp instructor at the Venterskroon campsite in the North West province.

Anke was by then only in grade eight herself - bullied and battered by classmates the hand dealt to her by her 14 year old family life. Her request to join our camp and face her fears was heard by our team. Anke would come and interact with the peer group of students that once made her hide her five-foot-eight stature and bright persona.

As part of the H&H Adventures outreach and

Anke’s story is that of so many children

campaign against bullying, she was our chosen

that hopped off of busses in the Vredefort

candidate. Anke requested in an open letter to

Dome next to the Vaal river to join an H&H

“connect” and the H&H team jumped at the

adventure camp. Many of our students in

opportunity to make just this happen.

the

back

row

at

the

archery

became

lawyers, the fearful ones at the abseiling After a few insecure moments of meeting the

became doctors. Each left us enriched and

campers she took on the challenge to help the

loved....even the naughty ones made to

qualified

instructors

archery.

She

clambered

connect

with

the

do

the

over

students,

brief

for

sleep outside on the paving for an hour or

obstacles

to

two...(-only true H&H detention graduates

safety double

checked

will know about this fun event!).

fastened life jackets, dished up food and made

We are so inspired by Anke, as she rised

pupils laugh.

up to become an advocate against bullying, took up archery and now helps others by

“The kids call me M’am!”she said with sparkling

instructing them arrow after arrow to keep

eyes the last night at the debrief of instructors

on a straight course. She spoke to us

around the campfire. Within two days of heartfelt

recently of her plans to become a facilitator

connections with students and taking on multiple

at the well known Summer Camps in the

challenges - from river rafting, to abseiling, night

USA and a degree in psychology as her

marching and more as their senior, not one of the

high school career is drawing to a close.

Grade 7’s at the camp realized that Anke was only one year older than them. She gained their

Here is a big old campfire booty-shake

confidence and respect - affecting her to this day.

cheers to Anke and every student that ever came to us and made the connection for

By taking on the challenge to restore self worth

life!

through

Speaking of campfires....do you know the

interaction

and

connection

and

by

making time for each and every child in this

story of “Afkop Anna”? No?

unique manner adventure camp facilitators fill a

Then come and join us at

role overlooked by many. Parents do not often

Venterskroon Campsite!!!

have the time and patience and teachers do not often have the privilege to interact with students on an adventure-play level. H&H Adventures camp facilitators do - and they see everything.

AH&H Adventures, North West and Western Cape Province.

0844005935

1

TALES FROM THE FOREST:

PAID FOR NOTHING? A very normal Gr6 camp.

With a very normal, over energized boy.

With a very normal stretched facilitator.

Like the saying goes; “Herding cats!”

All I needed to do, was get the 20 odd of them on the path out.

But like an over full suitcase, some of the cats kept popping out.

Finally, snap!!

Poor Luke. He just happened to think of something he needed.

And I, in all my, well actually, non on my best, let rip.

“Do you think you are the only person here?”

“Do you think that you are more important?”

I don’t actually remember the words, but it was not my normal.

Finally we were on our way.

7km Forest Walk.

With games and some education.

Final stretch along a road.

Walking 4 abreast.

Luke, who has been a pleasure, asks a questions.

“Stan, do you get paid for doing this?”

“Yes I do.” And slow me, goes into a short explanation.

Brushing aside all the adult stuff, the most endearing reply of my life.....

STAN DOUGMORE - FORESTWAY

AN EXEPTIONAL GROUP HOSTING THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED Written by Sandile Ndlhovu Camp Zenith is a camp-site located on the east of Johannesburg just behind Suikerbosrand, in Heidelberg. Camp Zenith has been running for over 10 years, hosting and facilitating a wide range of different groups from churches to schools to organisations and many more.

One of the most memorable experience goes to 2013 when we hosted and facilitated a blind group from Gauteng Department Of Social Development. There are many misconceptions and the stigmas surrounding blind and visually impaired people, but by experiencing these individuals at camp, has given us the opportunity to understand and respect their spirit to learn and be included into activities, one would normally exclude disabled people from.

In 2013, we received such an opportunity to encounter, experience, enjoy, learn and create the most wonderful memories around a group of blind guests at Camp Zenith. We learned valuable lessons from the blind group, like that when you loose your sight, you are still a complete person with all the needs to experience life, like fashion, beauty, music, writing, playing, adventure and being social and feel included.At Camp Zenith we will always jump for the opportunity to, again host such a significant group of people, that need us to give them the platform to see again through their experiences, to feel, to smell, hear and touch and through those senses, be able to “see” again.

We learnt so many valuable lessons from the group and realised that with some small adjustments and guidance, one can have an unforgettable program that ensures value and development, with the same outcomes that individuals without any disabilities get from a standard camp event.

Camps are the perfect spaces for the visually impaired to move around, partake in the activities and feel self-efficient and be seen by all as independent and as capable as people with sight.

All we can say about this very exceptional group that visited us, is WOW!The amount of fun we all had and the participation in all our activities, from hiking, to water balls, to bungee run, to obstacle course and so much more, was overwhelming! Without doubt they are the most loving, patient and wonderful people we have ever hosted at our venue.

So, our request to the outside world is to treat all people with kindness and love.

Camp Zenith Heidelberg Sandilen@campzenith.co.za 064 842 4508

2021!

CAMP DIRECTORY

EASTERN CAPE

FREE-STATE

GAUTENG

KWAZULU-NATAL

Phone Number: 031 777 1446 Facebook: www.facebook/Vuleka/ ACCOMMODATION AND CONFERENCING The conference centre is located in The Valley of Thousand Hills between Durban and Pietermaritzburg not far from Comrade Marathon half way mark in Drummond. On our 125 beds site sites we provide affordable accommodation to the province, as well as to guests from further afield.

Expanses of green lead on to comfortable rooms and communal places, lush gardens and a breath taking view. Behind our big hall we have a labyrinth that participants on trainings and guests find it useful for meditating.

It is here that people gather to be “awakened to a new way of living”.

We have 3 accommodation sites, and offer either catered or un-catered packages.

TRAINING COURSES Basic Human Relations is an experiential and process based learning course offered by Vuleka Centre. This unique learning experience aim at providing a holistic community development approach to youth from various communities. The course gained popularity in 80’s to a level that it became a signature course for the centre that is still impactful years later.

In the course youth get an opportunity to discover more about themselves and get equipped on how to play meaningful role in a group situation. As much as the setting is designed to enable engagement, a participant that engages more get the most out of the process as content include (but not limited to): How the group functions What to observe in a group?

Needs of an individual/group and tasks Creative ways of communicating and managing conflict in a group The course is residential and is conducted over the period of 5 days.

The center with its accredited facilitators is able to conduct tailor made trainings such as Enneagram, Leadership, Conflict management and Team building.

LIMPOPO

MPUMALANGA

NORTHERN CAPE

NORTH -WEST

WESTERN CAPE