Situated just 20kms outside Pietermaritzburg, in the Otto’s Bluff area, Camp Solomon hosted the 48 learners from St Dominics Newcastle. The learners attended the camp, which is run by a company called ‘Challenge is for Champions’, from April 7 to 14. According to trip organiser and St Dominics Newcastle teacher, Gary de Jager, Camp Solomon has been the Grade 10 camp location since 2018. “The camp trip gives our learners the chance to be challenged in a safe, technology-free environment,” explained de Jager.

“Here, they can learn so much about themselves and others… They attain an enhanced sense of responsibility and the realisation that they are accountable for their own actions.” Along with de Jager, the school’s Scott Anderson and Karlie Nieuwenhuizen also joined the camp. “For the learners, the biggest challenge of the camp was being away from technology and the comforts of home. They had to do everything themselves – from making their own food to assembling their tents.” Compounding the challenging atmosphere was the constant rain learners had to endure: “We were luckily safe, but the weather was not ideal and made the already challenging camp even more challenging,” said de Jager.

A typical week at Camp Solomon

Once the learners arrived at camp, they spend the next three days hiking up the mountain to the 2^nd base camp and back. Days five and six were spent participating in team-building activities. Day seven was a ‘workday’, where learners worked the field of the farm. “The learners found it very tough in the beginning, but they eventually realised they are stronger than they think they are!”

Learners have their say

Jacey Filipe: “It was a very good experience. It was very hard but rewarding in the end to know that we can do all of that and survive.” Lesedi Gofamodimo: “The camp was most challenging but at the same time, most exciting camp I have ever had.” Abonga Mngomezulu: “It wasn’t the best experience in my life, but at least I survived and lived to live to tell the tale of it!” De Jager fully believes the camp experience is something learners really need. “It is something I would recommend to any learner because it gets you out of your comfort zone and teaches you to grow,” he concluded.