GCA BOARD MEMBER TRAVELS TO SOUTH AFRICA
David Gallegos, a member of the GCA Board of Directors, is traveling to South Africa on March 17 to experience our transformative programs in person! For the next few weeks, follow along as David documents his journey to Camp Sizanani.
MARCH 16, 2026
On Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, I’m embarking on a three-week immersion in South Africa alongside Global Camps Africa and Camp Sizanani Life Skills.
I have been privileged to visit South Africa before, but this return will be a profoundly different experience. I’m not arriving as a traveler; I’m returning as a volunteer, a board member, and a champion for an incredible mission to elevate vulnerable youth.
My journey will take me from the vibrant energy of youth clubs in the townships of the City of Johannesburg to strategic meetings with leaders in the City of Cape Town to discuss expanding our impact. The heartbeat of the trip, however, will be my time at Camp Sizanani, serving as an international counselor and working directly alongside the children and staff who bring this vision to life.
Global Camps Africa equips young people with the essential life skills, confidence, and mentorship they need to lead healthy, empowered lives. It’s more than just a camp; it’s a safe haven where these children discover their own potential and begin to rewrite their futures.
I am thrilled to learn from the communities we serve and to witness the programs in action. Travel changes you, but I believe service transforms you. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a window into this journey - illuminating the resilient communities, the powerful moments of connection, and the hope being built on the ground. I can’t wait to bring you all along for this transformative journey.
Stay tuned for moments, stories, and the powerful work happening on the ground.
MARCH 21, 2026
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of the year-round youth clubs, and it was truly inspiring.
The facilities were warm and welcoming, the staff were organized and intentional, and the children were fully engaged - learning, growing, and having fun.
I continue to be deeply impressed by the work that Global Camps Africa and Camp Sizanani are doing to equip vulnerable youth with life skills, confidence, and hope for the future.
Tomorrow, I’ll be flying to Cape Town to meet with leaders from the Deparment of Social Development to discuss future expansion opportunities. I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.
MARCH 25, 2026
This week, we had the privilege of attending a session of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, where Minister Jaco Londt recognized the impact of Global Camps Africa and Camp Sizanani Life Skills and spoke to the importance of expanding programs like ours across the province.
Grateful and excited to be working with Minister Londt and his outstanding Department of Social Development team within the Western Cape Government to help bring these life-changing programs to more young people in the Western Cape.
March 27, 2026
We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with several Child and Youth Care Centers (CYCCs) in the City of Cape Town that provide residential care, protection, and therapeutic support for orphaned, abused, and vulnerable children. These visits were deeply meaningful as we explore partnerships that could open the door for more young people to participate in Global Camps Africa's life-changing Life Skills Clubs and Camps.
We were also excited to connect with other potential community partners, including the Khaltsha Cycling Academy, whose unique programs could help enrich the camp experience as we work toward launching in the Western Cape.
What stood out most was the shared commitment across each organization to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future. We are inspired by these conversations and energized by the possibilities ahead.
MARCH 30, 2026
Day 1 of Camp Sizanani was unforgettable.
We picked up the children and traveled about an hour north of Johannesburg to the place that is going to be our home for the next 8 days. What started as a bus ride quickly turned into something much more meaningful: the beginning of a week filled with possibility, growth, and joy.
The moment we arrived, the music started, the games began, and laughter filled the air. You could feel the energy shift as the children settled in, connected with one another, and opened themselves to the experience ahead.
And that was only the first day.