By Rebekka Stredwick
Can you imagine the thrill of kayaking for the first time, the rush of adrenaline from abseiling, or the buzz of excitement during a teamwork challenge?
That’s exactly what 12 amazing children from three South African schools in the Valley of 1000 Hills experienced at the annual Spirit of Adventure leadership camp, which took place from the 13th to 15th of November 2023.
For most of the 5 boys and 7 girls aged between 12 and 14 years old, it was their first time away from home. The camp kicked off with breakfast hosted by the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust SA at their centre in Hillcrest, KZN, which was a fab way for the students to get to know each other. Then it was off to camp for the experience of a lifetime!
The annual Spirit of Adventure camp is funded by the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust UK and is organised by Pemla Mtshali from the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust SA. The students are accommodated in cabins and participate in group outdoor activities.
But the event isn’t just about physical feats and cosy campfires. From navigating obstacle courses to scaling rock walls, every activity fosters camaraderie, confidence, problem-solving and resilience.
Experienced facilitators help the children to reflect and learn essential life skills, self-confidence, and leadership qualities, and through the power of teamwork, new friendships are forged.
This incredible experience wouldn’t be possible without your support! Thank you to everyone who made the camp a success.
“The Spirit of Adventure camp is an amazing and helpful program that enables the students from rural areas and disadvantaged backgrounds to do well at school. This is because the camp gives the learners leadership and life skills. It was the first time the learners attended the camp, and some activities were very challenging. But as a team they encouraged each other and the facilitators were always there to support them.” – Pemla Mtshali from the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust SA.
Can you imagine the impact of more experiences like this? Donate today to create life-changing, educational adventures for the rural South African children we work with.
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Photo credits and copyright: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust UK
We are a registered UK charity raising funds to support children impacted by HIV and AIDS and rural township schools. All money raised goes directly to the projects.