Grade 8 Camp 2020
Kayleigh Wessels • January 23, 2020
The grade 8 orientation camp was the perfect start to our high school careers.
As we all arrived at school on the first day, the excitement emanating from the group was palpable, and admittedly edged with a little trepidation over what the following two days held in store for us. And once the camp began, so did the challenges!
The first of our labours was the hike; the distance stretched before us as we trekked to Ludwig's Roses and beyond. Just as we started to think that the journey would never end, we came to a clearing in the trees where we were rewarded with rest, KFC burgers and ice cold drinks. The view of the campus below where we would start high school was breathtaking, although the 13.7 kilometers that we had just struggled through probably contributed to the shortness of breath! With our spirits buoyed by this astounding accomplishment, we moved to the next daunting item on the agenda - meeting the Matrics!
What started as something akin to fear quickly changed to reassurance as we realized that the Matrics are willing to accept and even guide us if we show them the respect that they deserve. As Miss De Swardt taught us, respect is earned, and the Matrics certainly earned ours, as I hope we earned theirs.
Having met our new Matric buddies, we headed to the magnificent bonfire that lit up the entire area with its golden flames. Here we spent time learning more about each other, and of the necessity of hard work if we want to be successful.
Despite the looming 6AM wake-up, we were up at 2AM to sing all of the songs that we had learnt the day before. It was a terrific experience that strengthened friendships old and new!
The early morning walk before breakfast was a sure way to work up an appetite! We arrived at Braza where we had a delicious and nutritious breakfast, which was followed by ice cream at Aroma to give us a little extra boost for the walk home.
The next few hours were filled with excitement on the slip and slide as we repeatedly charged into the wall of foam and bubbles to emerge on the other end and land in the small pool. I now know that this was the calm before the storm of the last of our challenges - the treasure hunt running exercise. It was a grueling event, but just when I had given up any hope of surviving, it was over!
Our parents arrived at 18:30. They enjoyed a bring and braai while we made a potjie under the supervision of the Matrics. Finally we all headed home, exhausted and longing for bed, but also happy in the knowledge that we were now part of the College family.
Kayleigh Wessels
Proud Grade 8 pupil
Tyger Valey College
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