Magazine 2019

98 This essentially epitomized the camp 2019 experience. It was a medley of new experiences, new and renewed friendships, and the sharing of a sacred space of growth and the journey of self-discovery. The excitable, incessant chatter refused to relent even after the ‘lights out’ announcements which produced a few victims - the bleary- eyed teachers. It seemed as if every second was a precious commodity to be savoured to its last drop. Essentially, that was the most beautiful sight to behold as our learners were taking a bold step, making lasting, nostalgic memories. GRADE 11 KLEINMOND The Grade 11 camp started with an excited group of Grade 11s travelling to Kleinmond on two buses. This year the main difference to the camp was learners having to bring their own tents. On arrival at camp their first task was to set up their tents, and after some very humorous moments, it was pleasing to see that every learner had a place to sleep! The camp was divided into a rotation of three days of activities. The first day included an 18 km hike from base camp to Palmiet River Lagoon and back. At the lagoon learners had lunch and took time to swim, rock jump and abseil. The return walk was a scenic route along the beach, with sections through the beautiful Kleinmond boardwalk. The second day featured a trip to the Botrivier Lagoon, where campers/ learners had the opportunity to go tubing and knee boarding behind a ski boat. For many learners this was the highlight of the camp. In groups of 3 learners they were pulled on an inflatable tube at high speeds behind the boat. Needless to say there were some epic wipeouts and many laughs and screams accompanied by many laughs! The third day included two different sessions: a kayak down the Kleinmond lagoon and a FlowEvolution team building session. The kayaking session definitely had its challenges as the winds came up and learners were forced to ‘dig deep’ and paddle through the choppy waters. The team building session was a welcome break from the physical activity and learners were taught principles of team building, leadership and reducing stress and anxiety. In the late afternoons and evenings learners were given time to socialise, present their class representative speeches and practise their grade war cry. The last night was especially fun as learners were given the task of working in teams to cook their own potjiekos, which they all did excellently! GRADE 12 ORANGERIVER The Grade 12 camp started with a gruelling 15 hour journey, including an early morning Namibian border control stop, lots of naps and lots of snacks. Upon arrival at the Bundi campsite, learners had a few hours to get their bearings and prepare for the next three days on the river. In that time, they had to strategically pack their barrels and cooler boxes with all the essentials for the next few days and tie them to their boats. After a quick breakfast and safety talk, they were on the river, starting their 45 km journey. The first day started off fairly easy as they made their way down the river. They stopped at a large rock formation where they had the opportunity to jump into the river from high above. During the lunch stop, some took the time to swim in the river, fish for some yellowfish or simply just used the time to relax. After lunch, paddling had to continue headfirst into an extreme wind. This was mentally as well as physically challenging, but everyone managed to complete the day’s paddling. At the campsite that night some slept in tents and others opted for a night under the stars. Spectacular! The next day many discovered for the first time what it was like to wake up with the sunrise. After an amazing breakfast they were back on the river for a very pleasant day of rowing enjoyed by all. The day was filled navigating many small rapids on the river. In some places the water level was quite low and resulted in many getting stuck on the rocks and needing to be rescued by the guides. The Grade 12s also experienced the nappy run, in which one wears a life jacket as if it were a nappy, and float down the rapids. That evening the learners enjoyed some swimming and fishing after setting up camp. For many it was the first time catching a fish. After a while the fishing bug bit and many spent a large part of their afternoon and morning fishing. After supper most quickly fell asleep under the incredible Namibian sky, while others stayed up enjoying each other’s company. On the last day on the river, the winds changed direction allowing once again for an easy downstream journey. It was extremely hot and many used the pleasant weather conditions to hop out of their boats and cool off in the river. Shortly after lunch, they arrived at the pick up point. Back at base camp everyone had a well deserved shower and packed their bags. After a lovely steak dinner and apple crumble dessert, everyone hopped back on the bus and headed back home on an all-night journey. While everyone had a different experience on this camp, with some not wanting to return, and others not looking back, it is safe to say that this is a trip the Grade 12s will always remember.