Magazine 2017

The Grade 9 Camp of 2017 was a fantastic experience for all involved. After arriving at the Matroosberg Nature Reserve in the scenic Bokkeveld area, our learners began organising themselves into teams and inventing a creative team name and war cry and immediately got going on the first round of outdoor activities. These activities included a high ropes course, abseiling, bush survival skills, raft building and archery. With such a varied number of experiences they grew in character and abilities in different ways. Free time in between allowed for our learners to socialise and strengthen friendships. A favourite activity was a night walk under the stars on the last night before returning to school. By the end of the camp it was clear that new friendships had been forged, memories were made, and the group grew closer together through much fun and laughter. Bonamanzi was the destination for the Grade 10 camp this year. Upon arrival the group was divided into two groups with one group going rafting on the Breede River and the other group remaining at the camp to do team building tasks. The river rafting involves a 12.6 km paddling journey down the river. Most of the group managed to successfully learn how to paddle as a team with one or two teams struggling to find their rhythm. After some time everyone was paddling in the right direction. Along the way, we had a few stops, where learners were able to swim in the river and have something to eat. The learners who remained at camp for the team building activities were faced with numerous challenges that they had to overcome as a team. Some of the activities included a low-ropes course, designing and performing a team war cry and a volleyball challenge. On the night walk the learners were informed about termites, rocks, stars and the local wildlife. The last night the Grade 10s hosted a talent show with amazing performances of singing, dancing, freestyle rapping, role-plays and even a poetry recital. The value of teamwork and the life skills they gained will serve the learners well in their future. Grade 9 Grade 10 150 Parklands College, Twentieth Edition, 2017