THE DRUMBEAT - OCTOBER 2025
Global Camps Africa equips South Africa’s vulnerable youth with the tools and knowledge to lead healthy, empowered lives and make positive impacts on their communities.
REPORT FROM THE FIELD
Another session, another unforgettable experience! We just had another amazing session of Camp Sizanani, which came to an end on October 11. It was full of energy and excitement, with 139 children joining us for a week of fun, learning, and connection.
There were a few aspects of this session that made it particularly special. On the first day of camp, we held another Health & Wellness Drive, where medical experts from the Johannesburg community came to camp and volunteered their time and knowledge. They provided our campers with much-needed medical attention, all free of charge, including physical exams, dental exams, eye exams, HIV counseling, and more.
Another unique part of this camp session was the campers who attended. Camp Sizanani normally recruits campers from the townships in and around Johannesburg. However, this time, we were joined by 12 foster children from the Western Cape, an endeavor coordinated in conjunction with the Western Cape Department of Social Development. Watch the video below to hear more about their Sizanani experience!
Additionally, we had five international volunteers at this session: Laine, Mallory, and sisters Joey, Dylan, and Maddie, all from the United States. They lived and worked as vochellis while at Camp Sizanani, facilitating activities and living alongside the campers.
"We truly hope we were able to contribute as much as we gained from the experience," Joey said on behalf of her trio. "Our time at Camp Sizanani was incredible, and we came home with a new perspective and more life lessons learned (plus plenty of cheers and songs stuck in our heads) than we could have imagined."
"I cannot thank everyone at Global Camps Africa and Camp Sizanani enough for such an incredible and rewarding experience," Mallory said. "I cannot stop talking about it... I for sure want to come back some day!"
Finally, Camp Sizanani was visited by a group of donors from the United States. These donors got to experience the magic and energy of Sizanani for themselves, sitting in on life skills sessions, sharing lunch, and connecting with our campers and staff. "We had a fabulous, meaningful, and inspiring trip," said Deb, one of the visitors.
Interested in becoming a volunteer yourself? Click the button below to learn more about our various volunteer opportunities!
Study Finds Outdoor Fun Promotes Youth Development
Professor Smith with a group of Houston students on a camping trip in the Enchanted Valley in the Olympic National Forest. Credit: Bradley H. Smith
Fun is a powerful tool! A new study conducted by the University of Houston has established that outdoor fun offers significant social and emotional benefits for youth.
"Society often undervalues fun, especially in work or learning settings," says Bradley H. Smith, a professor in the Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences at UH. "However, experiential learning opportunities that are purposeful and challenging can promote positive youth development and character building."
Camp Sizanani embodies this philosophy by providing South African youth with meaningful outdoor experiences that foster growth, confidence, and connection. Through team-building activities, creative expression, and physical challenges, campers not only have fun but also develop resilience, empathy, and leadership skills that last long after camp ends. Our blend of play and purpose reflects the very benefits highlighted in the University of Houston study, showing that joy and learning go hand-in-hand in building stronger, more capable young people.
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