Gr8 Surviviors!

From the 9th - 11th April, Global Leadership Academy was proud to take the Grade 8s on their very own ‘Survivor’ themed camp, hosted by Off Camber in Elandsriver. With a jam packed schedule awaiting them, the Grade 8s left school on Wednesday afternoon and headed out to the campsite.Upon arrival they were introduced to the staff and campsite area and quickly assigned groups. With only 5 mins to gather a few of belongings for the evening, they headed off into the bush to ‘survive’ the night out! Along the route, there posed a number of obstacles including building a stretcher to carry their own firewood and food items up a very steep hill for a number of kilometres. With night fall approaching the rush was on to be the first group up the hill to choose a good campsite for the evening. Although there were some difficulties and slips along the way, all team members eventually made their way to the top, where an amazing sunset and view across the valley awaited.

 

The next challenge of building their own shelter was looming before them, and off they scattered to gather wood, branches and materials to build a shelter to protect them from the elements. An assortment of structures slowly took shape over the next few hours and it was with joy that we eventually headed over to eat dinner together. Settling into our sleeping bags that evening, the groups were excited to sleep out under the stars and watch the lights below in the valley. All the groups were quite cosy in their home-built shelters and stayed warm and dry throughout the night. Come sunrise the next morning, campsites were quickly packed up and after some morning workout routines, the groups headed back down the hill to the main campsite. A beautiful cool swim in the pool and breakfast was eagerly appreciated by all! 

 

Throughout the day the groups were pushed to the limit with different challenges and activities which encouraged them to learn more about teamwork and listening to one other. A few highlights included more swimming in the pool, building a trampoline and setting up their own tents that evening. 

 

We were blessed to receive two guest speakers that evening to share with the boys (Hennie van Vreden) and girls (Maxine Botha) and a great night was had by all! The students were challenged in their own walk with the Lord and had an opportunity to pray for each other around the campfire. 

 

The following day began with group activities in the dam and a wrap up session, with a number of students receiving awards for Iron Man- Steven Scheepers,  Iron Woman- Nicole Kritzinger, Endurance- male (Chris Coetzer) and female (Danell Harmse), and the Grade 8 camp survivor awards went to Bianca Bredekamp and Christopher Du Plessis. Thank you to all the camp staff at Off Camber, GLA staff and the students themselves who made the camp a wonderful time of bonding and making new friends.