Connor Carey-Walker, a Gr 11 learner, said that during the camp the group was able to learn more about each other through heartfelt conversations, deep and meaningful moments, team building, bonding games and challenges. The group arrived at Klaserie Dam on the morning of Wednesday, September 27 where they were greeted with small showers of light drizzle, and began the mad scramble to unpack and pitch tents.

“Once the tents were pitched and luggage was unpacked, the cold, soggy leaders were gathered together in the boma and were told to split into groups and have discussions about the school’s vision and mission statement, along with a motto. “Once the groups returned and shared their ideas, the group was split again into smaller groups. The leaders were then given a game to play, and while they laughed, shouted, and slightly cheated, there was plenty of entertainment provided to the accompanying teachers,” he said.

“The leaders were then let off to do their own thing, and so, while everyone was relaxing in their tents, passing a rugby ball around or casting a fishing hook into a tree, you can imagine the surprise when they were called to meet by the fire pit. They were then split into two groups and given their next challenge,” he said. The 19 teenagers had to collect rocks and ran around wildly in search of it with some returning holding brick-sized rocks, and others coming back holding stones half the size of bricks.

Also read: Rotarians empower girls from Lowveld Academy

The two teams were then told that they had to cross from one point to the next using their rocks, without being allowed to touch the ground. “As the groups began it was clear to see that those with cinderblocks had an unfair advantage, yet neither of the teams was able to make it across. Only once the teams combined into one, were they able to make it,” he said. The first day of camp ended with an emotional discussion that brought many of the leaders to tears.

The next day the group engaged in running a gruelling course, a physically intense workout, and a Tall Trees leadership course, in which they were able to learn about themselves and everyone else. A ‘river-crossing’ event in which teams had to carry teammates, and be carried, across the water, inspired discussions, but ineffective communication scuttled the plans.

On the last day, the leaders discussed and planned the coming year. “They discussed fundraisers, finalised their vision and mission statements, along with their motto and logo, decided on the orientation for next year’s Gr 8s, and finally, voted for their head and deputy head boys and girls. “With that, it was time to pack up and depart, everyone in agreement that this would be a camp they would never forget,” he said.