A place to be yourself.

CAMP SIZANANI IN SOUTH AFRICA

Lisa Wilson and I spent two weeks volunteering at Camp Sizanani in March 2010. We were vochelis (the South African term for counsellor) and swim instructors. This session at Camp Sizanani provided a safe, fun, and educational camp experience for 140 girls. Lisa and I decided to volunteer at Camp Sizanani because of our experience in camping and our desire to make a positive contribution. We also strongly believe that all children should be given the opportunity to attend camp because of the important life lessons they learn and friendships they build.

We were both thrilled to learn that the basic principles of camping are universally applicable. Many aspects of Camp Sizanani were very similar to what we are used to at Oconto. Regardless of culture, nationality, ethnicity, and language, kids just need to be kids. The campers at Sizanani have largely been robbed of their childhood. Confronted with serious problems, they are forced to grow up way before they should. Camp Sizanani gives the campers a chance to be kids and also teaches them important life skills that will enable them to tackle the difficult challenges they face.

As swim instructors we worked with a team of three other vochelis. We had five one hour teaching periods per day. Approximately 30 campers came to swimming each period. For many campers this is the only chance they will ever have to swim. They do not live near an ocean and public pools cost money. Learning to swim has benefits on many levels; it is empowering, it encourages goal setting, and it teaches the campers to face challenges. Most campers have never been in the water before. They are keen to learn and so excited to be in the water! For safety reasons, all the girls start off with lifejackets on. Many girls could swim in deep water without a lifejacket by the end of the camp session. The camper's dedication and hard work was impressive.

For donors, Camp Sizanani is an incredible initiative that allocates its resources to the areas of greatest need. Camp Sizanani is sustainable development at its best; the staff are hired locally and programming is culturally appropriate. Administrative and other costs are low which means that the donation you make will go directly to programming and thereby create positive change in South Africa. If you would like to learn more please follow the link below: http://www.worldcamps.org/

Thank you for your interest in this wonderful initiative!

Bronwyn Wilson