Quick Facts

Mission Global Camps Africa changes the lives of South Africa’s vulnerable children and youth by providing HIV/AIDS prevention education and training through a high-impact residential camp experience and continuing education, equipping young people with the life skills that will support them in becoming safe and productive adults who have hope for the future.

Founder and President

Veteran U.S. Camp Owner and Reston, Virginia Attorney Phillip Lilienthal

History

  • Established in 2003 --  Global Camps Africa is incorporated in the United States and received its 501(c)(3) exemption
  • First residential camp program held in 2004 in South Africa -- Camp Sizanani.  Sizanani means ‘to help each other’ in Zulu 

Facts and Figures

  • Since 2004, up to six camp sessions have been held per year at Camp Sizanani, a rented site about an hour from Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Coed and single gender camps serve South African youth, ages 11 to 16, mostly from Soweto
  • More than 4,600 children have attended camp; up to 150 per session
  • Thirty five counselors per session with 3-4 days pre-camp training; counselors include South African staff and international volunteers who pay their own transportation, room and board
  • Seven 1-hour classes each day with critical life skills woven into each component in addition to special life skills classes
    • HIV/AIDS prevention education
    • Nutrition
    • Sports
    • Swimming
    • Theater, storytelling, dancing and drumming, poetry
    • Arts and crafts
    • Adventure and Teamwork
  • Evening programs include campfires, skits, games, and issues discussions
  • Follow-up provided via biweekly “Kids Clubs” held on Saturdays, year-round at several locations around Soweto. Between 650 and 1,000 children attend each of the 23 sessions held annually
  • Leveraged success by training and partnering for four added camps: KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo provinces and Cape Town in South Africa, and Children of Grace Camp in Uganda
  • 100% donor-supported; funding comes from more than 1,500 generous individuals, as well as from foundations and businesses; donations cover costs associated with camps and Kids Clubs; no charge to participants