The annual Cannons Creek Grade 11 Leadership Camp took place this past weekend (25 – 27 July) at Wortelgat, close to Hermanus. Despite the winter cold Wortelgat remains a favourite spot for the school’s Leadership camps with its tranquil setting next to the Hermanus lagoon and rustic limestone buildings. The accompanying staff members ran leadership sessions covering a range of topics – these included: ‘This is us’ (an activity that bonds the grade together in preparation for their year as the Matric leaders of the school) and ‘Followership – The forgotten part of leadership’, as well as the creation of a banner with the core values the Grade 11s want to inculcate in the school in their Matric year.

Between these sessions the highly skilled Wortelgat facilitators ran a variety of fun, and sometimes demanding, ‘ice-breakers’ and other activities including War-Cries, Amazing Race, Canoeing, Wall-Climbing and Mini-Olympics. The huge fireplace in the meeting-hall definitely helped with the cold, as well as being used for the toasting marshmallows. “The Leadership Camp always generates a strong sense of unity amongst our Grade 11s and we look forward to welcoming them as the senior leaders of our school in 2026,” said Mr James Currie (Head of Leadership).

Some comments:

• “Leadership Camp was an eye-opening experience. It allowed me to see my classmates in a completely new light, and it brought our whole grade closer together. Everyone discovered that we all can be leaders. The Camp taught us that a positive mindset, active involvement, and facing our fears are what make the experience golden. We were mentally challenged, but those challenges helped us grow and learn to work effectively as a team. The activities kept us engaged the entire time, and the food was delicious! I would highly recommend that next year’s Grade 11s attend. The experience would not have been the same without our entire grade there, and that is what made it so special and memorable.” – Amarachi Zondi, Grade 11.
• “It was a good experience. I feel like everyone made new relationships with different people. There were lots of opportunities for people to lead, and also chances for people who usually lead to step back and follow.” – Hannah Van Aarde, Grade 11.
• “It was a very good bonding experience for our grade. We got to work with people we don’t necessarily work with. We got to learn how to work as a leader, and with other people. Our connections got stronger.” – Simran Signh, Grade 11.

Alexander Boschoff soaring to new heights whilst enjoying the abseiling activity.

Imrah Bardien and Rania Osman almsot collide with Matthew Kelsey and Tristan Langlois, during their paddling activity

Grade 11s deep in discussion and thought, during a leadership workshop.