POLOKWANE – The learners did their own navigation in the mountains as navigational exercises were done in the class in preparation for the big trek. The bus dropped them off and then they hiked a distance of approximately 10 km in their two allocated groups to their destination where they camped near Louis Trichardt.
The activities started the next day with a project focused on a commitment to the sustainability of the environment. Then the groups had some problem solving to do which involved building shelters to sleep in using invader plant species.
Later that afternoon, group one received their briefing for the self-guided mountain section. They had to plot the points on a 1:50 000 topographical map and work out the routes they would need to follow to get to their campsites. They spent three days guiding themselves in the mountain during which time any obstacles and challenges experienced had to be solved as a group. Group two stayed at base camp and were involved in activities including abseiling, visiting Bushman paintings and learning some bush craft techniques. They learned how to make fire with sticks, a magnifying glass and steelwool. Then they went out on their 24-hour solo experience.
After three days the groups swapped around with group two going out on their self-navigation adventure and group one back at base camp with activities and their solo experience. The last afternoon with all the trekkers back at base camp, the two groups had a review session followed by them putting together a performance of their songs for a special reward – a dip in the swimming pool and a delicious braai.
The whole group was invited to join the braai and had a small prize giving ceremony where they had to pick a boy and girl they thought benefitted the most from the expedition. They chose Ayesha Ayob as the girl and Juan Botha as the boy.
They returned to campus last Wednesday to share their experience with the rest of the school.
