After a busy week of orientation our new crop off Grade 8s arrived at school on Friday morning abuzz with excitement for the traditional Grade 8 Camp Out and Leadership Course.
Even though the boys had been briefed repeatedly during the week it was very clear a few had had their bags packed by mom or dad – and thus arrived looking equipped for a four day camp.
After registration in the AJ Human Room the boys changed into their practice kit and headed to Top Field for the Leadership Activities. This is the second year that we have combined the traditional camp and braai with an extensive programme presented by Spirit of Adventure.
At 08h30 the staff from Spirit of Adventure arrived and briefed the boys on the programme for the day. The group was divided into teams and they rotated through the following activities: mind muncher, various leadership exercises, Pool Olympics, and time trials and tug-o-war championships. All activities were specifically designed to enhance group dynamics and team work.
Despite the heat of the day, all the boys gave the activities their all and their enthusiasm for the games was extremely high.
At 14h30 the SoA programme concluded and the boys were briefed on the activities for the afternoon. The boys then pitched their tents and for many this was their first experience of camping. The Prefects, Mentors and other Grade 12s eagerly assisted the new boys.
After this there was a period allocated to games and in no time the field was full of touch rugby and football games.
Soon hunger set in and the boys were briefed on the braaing process. In true DHS form, the boys cooked up a storm and it was again encouraging to see boys taking the lead and working together to make sure everyone’s meat was braaied to perfection. The process of braaing and eating was interspersed with more games and a cool dip in the pool.
At about 8pm the braaing finally finished and the boys were taken to the main field stands for War Cry. Ably lead by the War Cry Leaders, the Grade 8s once again showed their excitement and enthusiasm for their new School, and quickly learned the words that will resound throughout the school for the next five years. By the end of the session there were more than one or two boys with hoarse voices. Then it was lights out in preparation for an early morning on Saturday.
Morning came and with it the task of packing up the camp. The boys were treated to a very tasty breakfast provided by Peppers & Pans after which they showered and changed. After a final war cry session the boys moved off to rehearse for their Bell Ringing Ceremony under the watchful gaze of Mr Cele.
I would like to thank the Prefects, Mentors and RCL members for their input into a successful 2020 camp, as well as Messrs Cele, Van Wyk, Botha, and Surtees, and Ms Nagiah, Ms Joshua and Ms Browne for their assistance with and interest in the camp.
Ian Lewis
Head: Leadership
