Camping it out for character development

Delta Primary School
Bertha Tobias



The importance of upright character in the average Deltarian is evident in the lengths gone to by DSSW to help cultivate it.

Character cannot be developed in an easy and calm way.

Only through real experiences of trial and tribulation can the soul be strengthened, ambition be inspired and success achieved.

This quote by American author and political activist came to life for many of our Grade 9 scholars at this year’s Character Camp, which took place from Sunday, 12 February until 18 February.

The annual operation is designed to help Grade 9 scholars strengthen their character and send them on the ultimate journey of self-discovery.

When asked what her expectations from the camp were before they departed, Twapewa Mungoba, a Grade 9 learner, said that she simply wanted to have fun in addition to getting to know her peers better.

Mungoba says that all the lessons that she hopes to learn from the camp, she feels, will definitely be applicable in the future. “I think that this camp will be extra special for me because I am going with my friends and I always do the craziest things with them,” Mungoba says.

The camp, which was aimed at revealing the skills that the bunch possessed and help them get to know themselves a little better, proved to be a great success indeed. Relationships were made and most importantly, character traits were discovered!

Operations of this nature are a crucial element for individual development and need to be considered by schools all over the country.

The benefits that come from activities such as the ones that are often done at the camp breed co-operation and fruitful interaction amongst learners.

In an interview, Mr Andre Ross, the camp facilitator, says that working with the distinct group of Deltarians has helped him be open to paradigm shifts and to realizing that there are always different points of view.

Ross emphasizes that the programmes are designed to push individuals past the limitations that they set in their minds.

“These camps help one to discover the endless possibilities within,” Ross says.

DSSW has taken the initiative of not only stimulating their learners intellectually, but also of playing a role in helping them understand that they are capable of more than they could ever imagine.

School principal, Mrs Angelika Jacobie, stresses that the point of the camps is for the learners to have tons of fun, but above all, to find themselves. The parents can make the process easier by giving their children space to grow as individuals with an innate desire for suitable social companionship. “I have received positive feedback from the teachers and I wish that the learners would give me some feedback as well,” Jacobie says. The camp has helped many learners open up and realize that with the right attitude, one can accomplish great things and even build a few meaningful relationships along the way!