The Grade 9s of HeronBridge College have the chance to grow their skills and themselves thanks to a very special camp organised by their school, which lasted six days and seven nights.
The camp, first held in 2018, is called ‘the journey’ and aims to inspire growth and development in the children. During 2018, 101 Grade 9s from HeronBridge took part in the adventure and a total of 103 Grade 9s will now also have the experience later this year.
The journey sees the children camping at a spot along the Vaal River about 8km away from Parys and gives them the chance to learn about themselves while taking a break from routine and technology.
“The Grade 9s are sort of in-between the junior grades [of high school] and heading towards the senior years, which are Grades 10, 11 and 12,” explained Billy Beyneveldt, the head of accommodations and learner support at HeronBridge and an organiser for the camp.
“This camp was a chance for them to make friends and have new experiences.”
Aside from mastering the art of erecting a tent, the Grade 9s are also challenged through activities such as a 12km kayaking adventure, hiking, raft building and long walks to and from the base camps. But teachers and facilitators hoped for emotional and spiritual growth along with the mental and physical aspects.
“On day four they took part in a solitude camp – the children got rid of their luxuries and each set up a tent, alone, on a small island in the river,” Beyneveldt said.
“They stay on this island, alone, for 24 hours, and while they are there they read a letter that their parents had written for them. This letter includes times when their parents were particularly proud of them, when their hearts broke for their children and where they believe their children are going in life.”
After reading the letter from their families, the Grade 9s then have a chance to write back.
“I loved the journey,” said Justine Tomlinson, who took part in the camp last year and is now in Grade 10.
“It was a great learning experience. It was a chance to make new friends, have new experiences and the letters from our parents were particularly moving.
“I’d encourage the Grade 9s going this year not to stress about the trip, as it really is so much fun and a chance to interact with [classmates] you may not know too well.”
Beyneveldt added, “For me, I do want to think that the kids learn self-discipline from the journey. You learn a lot about yourself and your thoughts, and also how to endure and how to have fun in nature.”
The next batch of journey-takers will be heading off on their adventure in November, and this year’s camp will
last 10 days.
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