Year 6 Camp To Big Oak Adventures – Student Feedback
On Wednesday, 26th to Friday 28th February, the Year 6’s went on camp to Big Oak Adventures.
The Year 6’s had lots of fun. They worked on their teamwork, communication and leadership skills. They did a variety of difficult activities, but the Year 6’s were determined to accomplish all of them, and they did.
They did activities such as cliff jumping where they had to jump off a cliff into a river which helped them realise that they could accomplish anything they put their mind to no matter how scary.
We ended the camp off with an exciting group concert. Everyone came out of their shells and performed like they’ve never done before.
-Saumya Maharaj
Snippets:
What we learned on camp that we can apply in our daily lives:
Learning about leadership and applying it in our daily lives was Big Oak Adventures Task and they succeeded. I am sure to apply responsibility in the life ahead of me. Kindness will be my daily task and leadership will follow me for the rest of my life. They taught us a lot but friendship was probably the most important to me.
-Maia Davies
I learnt to respect other people’s personalities as a leader and use their talents for specific tasks, to get to know people you don’t really know because maybe they could be nice and good at things you can’t do and to communicate and to be patient with your team.
-Aiden Brandt
I could learn to respect other people and to listen to people’s opinions in a better way.
-Ian Scrooby
Year 5 Camp 2019
On Wednesday, 20th November 2019 anticipation filled the air as the Year 5’s headed off to Worcester to enjoy in the exhilarating camp at High Africa. Songs, cheers and pure excitement was felt on the 2-hour bus drive from BIS to Worcester. Games were played and conversations were had to pass the time.
On arrival we were met by our highly energetic camp leaders who welcomed us to our new headquarters for the next three days. We were warned of the pesky mosquitoes, the cluster of spiders lurking in the night and the potential dangerous snakes out there in the fields. NOTHING was going to stop us from having a good time, not even the 32-degree Celsius weather that greeted us on arrival.
We scaled up 12 meter climbing walls and jumped 5 meter heights off the ground. We ventured into the veld and built bridges with just the natural wood planks laying around. We offered words of encouragement, a helping hand when needed, a shoulder to cry on and hugs of motivation. We had pure fun playing in water and getting our hands and feet dirty. All the pleasures of being a child.
Camp has taught many of us how to be team players and how to persevere even when we really want to give up because the satisfaction of trying is far more rewarding than being an onlooker.
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated” – Maya Angelou
Nadia Mahomed
Year 5 Teacher
Year 11 Leadership Camp
Written by: Katherine Lott (Year 11)
The year 11 class recently went on their leadership camp at the Big Oak adventures, camp Karmel, in Franschhoek, from the 18th to the 20th of November.
Over the 3-day camp, the class embarked on various team building and adventurous activities, including water activities, cliff diving, blindfolded activities, an extensive obstacle course, and many others.
Through these activities, learners were challenged to get out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, practice teamwork, as well as, of course, have lots of fun! Activities tested the class’s ability to work together, learn more about each other and allowed for self-development and growth.
Accompanied by Mr. Harrison and Mrs. de Villiers, the class also received guidance and skills from their teachers, and needless to say, it wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Being an adventure/leadership camp, the students were able to prepare and practice skills for their matric year 2020 ahead.
Year 4 Bonamanzi Adventure Camp 2019
The year 4’s had their camp at Bonamanzi Adventures Camp this week. They all had an amazing time taking part in each of the team building activities.
Bonamanzi is found on the spectacular Breede River and their fantastic team and facilities make the experience that much more wonderful.
On Monday the 18th of November the very excited Year 4’s hopped on their bus and made their way to Bonamanzi. They arrived and were instantly greeted by friendly smiles and enthusiastic team leaders. The students had the opportunity to go on the river and had a great time splashing in the cool water on a very hot day. They also took part in many team building activities and even created their own team war cries and flags. They went on an educational night walk and observed many interesting parts of nature. A termite mound, beautiful plants, the starry sky and even a few scorpions which shine a yellowish colour under a UV light.
On the last night the students took part in a bonfire and braai. They sang camp songs and really came together as one team! This was a wonderful way to end off the year and has solidified the bond of the group, which is a beautiful thing to see.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” – Ryunosuke Satoro
Brittney Hakime
Year 4 Teacher
Year 6 Leadership Camp 2019
Last week, the Year 6’s traveled to the beautiful valleys of Franschoek where they forged many valuable memories at Big Oak Adventures.
Jumping into the river, climbing the mountains, and playing some intense dodge ball were just some of the activities the Year 6’s were excited to try. They put their fire-making skills as well as their “braai-ing” talents to the test for some delicious burgers. Another great activity taught them how to guide each other while one of them was blindfolded.
It is evident that many valuable leadership skills were acquired in the misty mountain camp.
We would like to thank everyone at Big Oak Adventure Camp for making our experience such a memorable one.
Written by:
Marisa Esterhuizen
Year 6 Teacher
