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Grade 10 Camp
By Rodwin De Klerk (Camp Master)
On Wednesday, 25 January, 73 excited grade 10
learners arrived at Parklands College before the
crack of dawn. All geared up and ready to go, we
departed the college just after 6 am and arrived
at Bonamanzi and 8 am.
The learners were welcomed by the friend-
ly smiles of the Bonamanzi staff who gave the
learners a quick overview of what to expect.
Learners were then given an opportunity to settle
in and prepare for the activities of the day. A short
while later, the grade 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 group that went rafting
on the river were bussed to Nekkies (the start-
ing point of what would feel like a never-ending
rafting journey) and were given a quick tutorial
as well as a safety briefing. A short while later
the group started their 12.6 km 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 direc-
tion. Along the way, we had a few stops, where
learners were able to swim in the river and have
something to eat. With about 3 km left to paddle,
it seemed as if the sun was affecting some of the
paddlers (Especially Mr Greenland and Miss de
Mink). These two teachers decided that it was
too quiet and started a karaoke session on the
river. The learners soon joined in and before we
knew it, the Parklands College Breede river choir
was established. Those subjected to the music
(or noise depending on how close you were) sud-
denly found the extra energy to paddle faster. It
was no surprise that we saw no more wildlife on
our way to camp.
The learners who remained at camp for the
team building activities were faced with numer-
ous 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. After supper, the
whole grade was invited to go on a night walk.
On the night walk the learners were informed
about termites, rocks, stars and the local wild-
life. This was a very interesting walk that was
enjoyed by all.
Day two started with a visit from Mr and Mrs
Naicker, who decided to stop in to surprise Ti-
yana on her 16th birthday. They surprised Ti-
yana and the grade by providing cupcakes for
everyone. This was a very special moment en-
joyed by all. On day two of the camp the groups
were swapped and the activities were repeated.
Once all activities were complete for the day,
the grade was given an opportunity to do their
class rep presentations as well as practice the
grade war cry. After supper the learners hosted
a talent show with amazing performances. The
acts included singing, dancing, freestyle rapping,
role-plays and an emotional poem presented by
Alex Jacobs (leaving many learners in tears). A
bon fire followed the talent show, where learners
could roast marshmallows on a stick and enjoy
their last evening together as a grade.
On the morning of day three, the boys found
themselves held hostage in their tents due to a
rainstorm. Once the storm had settled the learn-
ers were able to have breakfast and clean the
campsite. Once all the learners were packed and
ready to go, the camp guides did a quick debrief.
This was followed by a vote of thanks to Bon-
amanzi by our learners. At 10 am the busses
were boarded and we were on our way home.
All the learners enjoyed the camp. The learners
expressed that this was the best camp that they
have been on in their time at Parklands College.
Sadly, at 12 pm we arrived at Parklands College,
and camp was over. The learners disembarked
the busses, hugged one another and then went
home. The grade 10 learners learned many life
skills on camp that will help to overcome many
obstacles in their future. More importantly, they
learned how to work in groups effectively in or-
der to achieve objectives. The value of teamwork
and the life skills will serve the learners well for
the future.
Grade 9 Camp
By Bianca Botha
The Grade 9 Matroosberg Adventure Camp,
lead by Venture Forth, was an awesome experi-
ence. We departed on Wednesday 25 January at
6:45am and were all half asleep, but still buzzing
with excitement.
We arrived at our campsite full of energy and
ready for the adventure ahead. After dropping
our bags off, we all gathered in a huge circle to
play some group games. After the games we
were all split into 5 groups of 16 and had the
chance to come up with a group name and a war
cry, which we presented later on.
Day 2 consisted of two out of the five group activ-
ities, which all the groups did in alternating order.
Our group first did Raft Building, but our raft, like
all the others, sank almost instantly! After lunch
we headed towards a forest area for Bush Craft.
We chopped fallen branches into fire wood the
‘correct way’ as well as learnt how to build and
light a fire in the stages of kindling, tinder and
so on.
The last day, I went on an optional 5:30am 5.8km
run on a very scenic route by the mountains with
Mrs Meyer. When we got back to the camp it was
time to complete the last 3 activities. The first was
abseiling down a very rocky 25m high mountain-
side. The second was a very fun opportunity to
learn archery and how to shoot targets with pellet
rifles. The last activity was high ropes, which was
an obstacle course 9m-12m in the treetops. After
completing the activities we all headed back to
the camp to practise our grade war cries.
We left the next day and the bus ride back was
filled with snores mixed with some laughter.
This camp was one to remember. We learnt that
teamwork goes a long way and we forged new
friendships and strengthened others. We also
want to thank the teachers who came with us;
Mrs Meyer, Miss Chetty, Miss Marillier, Mr Lose-
by, Mr Melliar and Mr Flanagan.
Grade 8 Camp
By Bernard Biermann (Camp Master)
The Grade 8 Camp was a great success. The
main aim of the camp was to get the class to
bond and grow together. Once the Grade 8s
were separated into groups, each group had to
come up with a name that included three different
South African languages. These names ranged
from “Die Legends of Ubuntu” to “Die Hayibo
Jelly Vissies”. So began the long roster of chal-
lenging, yet tremendously fun activities. Activities
included obstacle courses, team building, swim-
ming, hiking, and war cries.
Camp 2017 was an amazing experience, filled
with lots and lots of laughs and fun. As a grade
they learnt new things about each other and be-
gan to trust one another. We want to thank all the
teachers who organised the camp and the amaz-
ing team of facilitators from Lead4Life.
Grade 7 Camp
By Craig Fortuin (Camp Master)
All aboard for Witzenberg! Every single learner
in grade 7, without exception, boarded the bus-
es by 07:30 on Wednesday 27 January for the
camp at Witzenberg. After a smooth journey, a
quick stop at the campsite was allowed so that
everyone could change into swimming costumes
and shorts for the Ceres Zipline experience and
a swim at the nearby rockpools. For many, the
Zipline looked very daunting but everyone took
the opportunity to enjoy this exhilarating experi-
ence! Lunch at the rock pools made the day an
event to remember.
The evening was filled with games and gags
organised by Lead4Life, and everyone went
to bed tired but happy, at about 10:00 pm. On
Thursday, a full programme was started with
some morning exercises, breakfast and shower.
Thereafter followed a range of activities for each
‘Tribe’ of 12 learners, that included team-building