Cannons Creek Independent High School learners and staff recently returned from their annual Adventure Week programme. The aim of Adventure Week is to develop grit, cement friendships, and build camaraderie amongst peers in the group. It is the highlight of the year for many learners. This year, the first group to depart on 12 February were the Grade 9 boys who spent 10 days on a coastal walking journey from Palmiet to de Kelders. “It was incredibly humbling to see the challenges that the grade nines faced, and how they did them with such incredible strength, unity and teamwork. I’m very, very proud of them. Thankful to be part of it.” – Mrs Tracy Ingram (Grade 9 Adventure Week).

Grade 9 girls pose for a group photo on Day 6.

Grade 9 girls about to embark on their paddling leg of the journey.

Grade 7 pupil Farah Phoplonker testing her balancing skills during a teambuilding exercise.

The Grade 7’s went to Rusticana Estate where they did several team-building activities. The Grade 8’s paddled down the Breede River, “What was really a highlight for me was seeing how many of our Grade 8’s were so willing to jump in and help others, especially without us even having to ask them. Also, just watching the Grade 8’s getting along and really enjoying the social time together as well as having to struggle down the river often against reeds, trees, and other sorts of debris. But overall, it was exhausting, but absolutely life-affirming.” – Ms Bronwyn Harvey (Grade 8 Adventure Week).

Grade 8s ready for a day of paddling on the Breede River. 

The Grade 10’s and 11’s hiked in the Cederberg. The Grade 12s spent three days paddling the lower section of Orange River although the usual starting point in Namibia was amended to begin paddling from Hopetown (Northern Cape).

Matric learner ready for their Orange River adventure.

Grade 12 learner Scott Wilkins and Reese Rumble ready to give it horns.

Grade 12 learner Shahaan Ho-Kim proudly holding a fish that he caught on the Orange River, which was released back.

Grade 12 learners, accompanying parents, and two staff members show their excitement for their trip

Comments from some of the learners:

• “Adventure Week was definitely interesting. It was fun. I learnt a lot of things. It was harder than last year, and it really put me up to the challenge.” – Amarachi Zondi (Grade 11).
• “It was good. I have to say though, it was one of the more physically straining camps because we had to hike a lot – a lot of inclines, a lot of declines – but overall it was really nice.” – Naledi Siswana (Grade 10).
• “Overall, it was a wonderful experience. We’re very grateful for all the guides and the wonderful teachers.” – Abigail Odendaal (Grade 7).
• “It was fun. I enjoyed it. The hike was good. The [Wolfberg] Cracks were absolutely stunning. The views were absolutely amazing, and I feel like we bonded a lot, which is always a good thing.” – Sophia Stamatiadis (Grade 11).
• “I really enjoyed Camp this year. It was really fun. I definitely learnt a lot more patience and perseverance.” – Shazana Camroodien (Grade 8).
• “Adventure Week was amazing. It was a lot tougher than expected but honestly it just made everything so much better looking at all the views and places we’d walked.” – Na’eem Hendricks (Grade 9).
• “It was such a great experience. It was just so beautiful spending time with my friends and making new memories. The highlight was definitely the sunsets.” – Sadie-Mia Ronne (Grade 9).
• “I really did appreciate it because I got to know people a lot better. I just really appreciate the school for giving us this time, and it was actually really exciting.” – Kai de Kock (Grade 9).
• “It was long, but it was honestly a life-changing experience. We hiked a lot, but we stayed positive and we made it.” – Qaylah Omar (Grade 9).
• “Even though there were a lot of tears, a lot of sweat, and quite a bit of blood, it was fine because we all did it together. We all struggled with the same things, and we all made it in the end.” – Kiara Puccini (Grade 9).
• “It was exciting. I loved all the activities that we did. We got to see Zebras and Springbok up close as well. It was really exciting for me.” – Dannika Hendricks (Grade 7).

“It was really good. Initially as a hiker, I was quite disappointed that we weren’t hiking again, but the paddling was actually really enjoyable. I think my favourite part had to be how bonded our grade became. Even in the moments where we were setting up tents in the rain or just boiling in the really hot bus for like twelve hours, we found a way to make each other smile, and I think that’s really special.” – Reese Rumble (Grade 12).