Magazine 2017

Secondary Faculty S port The Grade 7s travelled to Witzenberg for three days of fun and laughter. On the way there they stopped for the Ceres Zipline experience and a swim in the natural rockpools. What an exhilarating way to start the camp. The evenings were filled with games and gags and plenty of opportunity to get to know one another better. During the day each “tribe” of 12 learners participated in team-building games, hut-building, swimming and other fun activities. The group bonded together in working on a Grade 7 war cry for the competition back at school. The teachers also got involved. Mr Peters, dressed in his fancy Hawaiian suit, amazed everyone with his demonstration of how he could actually read Mr Nock’s mind! A highlight of the camp was a night hike. All the games and activities taught the learners that teamwork will always benefit you and they returned inspired for the new year and new adventure on a new campus. A whole lot of nervous new Grade 8s watched the rest getting ready to travel to the Waterval Campsite, not knowing what to expect from this outdoor adventure. Great was the surprise when they arrived to find they were to stay in five star tents equipped with luxurious bathrooms, showers and comfortable beds - and on top of that, air conditioning. After being separated into smaller groups, each group was challenged to come up with a team name that included three different South African Languages. Some of the creative names included ‘Die Legends of Ubuntu’ and ’Die Haibo Jelly Vissies’. Throughout the camp the groups were challenged with fun activities like building various objects with our bodies (e.g. tea kettles and washing machines), using a toothpick perched between our teeth to pass on a jelly baby, as well as playing a soccer game that required the entire grade to work together. Free time was spent playing pool, table football, swimming and completing an adventurous obstacle course. Everyone loved the scenic hike with the beautiful rock formations and towering mountain ranges on the horizon. After a crash course in fist aid, we were put to the test requiring us to work together to get an “injured” teammate to the finishing line. All of these experiences set the Grade 8s up for a great year ahead. Grade 7 Grade 8 The Parklands College annual grade camps take place at the start of the year. This has been tradition since the early days and past learners still regularly refer to memories from these camps when they visit us. The aim is to let learners and staff interact in an informal way in a situation outside of the comfort zone in order to bond as a group. We make use of professional and registered service providers to ensure that our learners are safe and comfortable while experiencing the outdoors and at the same time equipping themselves with new skills. 149 www.parklands.co.za