Moving out your comfort zone

Mariselle Stofberg
Mahedago xoagus

A weekend in the wilderness!



From 16 to 18 January, the grade 11’s attended a team building camp at Stolzenfeld Saloon campsites. Due to these learners being the first group on the new curriculum, the aim of the camp was centered around building team spirit, adapting to change and, of course, easing the minds of many terrified learners.

To begin, fear and uncertainty was all that could be seen on our faces. “What if I do not make it to grade 12?”, was a common question that many asked themselves. However, this all changed when we arrived at the campsite. Fear was replaced with excitement and eagerness as we prepared to eat. Mr Myburgh, the rector, joined the grade 11s for lunch and answered any questions they had about the new curriculum. As the blazing sun began to set, we went on a “treasure hunt” along the riverbed and eventually hiked up a mountain as well. For dinner, we roasted boerewors and conversed around a bon fire.

On the second day, after some lovely top score porridge for breakfast and Bible studies, they all divided into teams and began the day’s activities, which included: obstacle courses and psychometric evaluations. “This camp definitely taught me how crucial it is to work in unity with your teammates,” Joyce Iyambo admitted. Later in the day, each team had to make their own oven made from a box, aluminum foil and hot coals, in order to bake muffins. As they waited for tehir muffins to bake, they held a talent show for every team to perform their special “talents”. Moreover, the night was filled with laughter as different groups acted, danced, sang and rapped.

Finally, the day that we all dreaded had arrived. As they were busy putting down their tents learners began sharing their experiences. “I was put in a team with people I never thought I would speak to,” Wilma Ndalikokule began, “It definitely took me out of my comfort zone but taught me how to adapt to change “, she ended off. “I loved how there were no mirrors and no Wi-fi. Nobody cared about how they looked; we all just enjoyed themselves!” Xena Martins exclaimed. To end off, the learners arrived back in Windhoek with positivity radiating off of their faces .Thanks to our wonderful teachers that helped make the camp a great success, many grade 11 learners have a positive outlook for the year!