The annual Cannons Creek Grade 11 Leadership camp took place 19 – 21 July at Wortelgat outside the beautiful town of Stanford, close to Hermanus. Although the weekend started off with cold heavy rains and wet roads, it did clear eventually. Wortelgat remains a favourite spot for their Leadership Camp. The accompanying staff members ran five different sessions covering topics like ‘Everyone is a leader’, ‘Pyramid of values’, ‘Followership’ and ‘This is us’. Inbetween these discussion sessions, the Wortelgat staff presented a few physical activities as well ranging from icebreakers to duster hockey, toxic waste, kayaking, archery, and arts & crafts. The fireplace in the hall definitely helped with the cold, as well as toasting some marshmallows. “There seems to be a strong sense of unity amongst our Grade 11s and we look forward to welcoming them as senior leaders of our school.” – Mr Billy Palk, Senior Phase Head.
Some comments from Grade 11 pupils:
- “My Camp experience was very enjoyable as I got to learn new things about myself and spend time with friends.” – Mohamed Khan
- “This Leadership Camp opened my mind even more to leaders and their role in humanity. It broadened my view and aspect of being a leader by adding new qualities while understanding the role a follower/followership has in the equation. The teachers went out of their way to make this exciting and engaging camp and their efforts are to be thanked.” – Ahmad Khan
- “The Grade 11 Leadership Camp was inspiring and full of amazing memories that I will never forget. It has taught me that everyone is a leader in many different forms and it showed me what kind of leader I am. This Camp has taken me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to grow as an individual.” – Jemma Ross
- “My Camp experience was great , I was not sure what to expect but from the moment I arrived, my peers and I was welcomed with open arms and immersed in a supportive community that encouraged my peers and I to step out of our comfort zone and to challenge ourselves making it a memorable experience.” – Juliana Eliakim
- “I have been to every single Cannons Creek camp since Grade 8, but Leadership Camp has definitely proven to be the best. We spent our days enjoying a wide range of activities such as archery, kayaking and even making our very own bracelets and necklaces. Each activity allowed our grade to put our differences aside and cooperate effectively and complete every challenge we were given. The late night discussions about our role as the new leaders of the school were insightful and engaging. Everyone contributed with enthusiasm due to the comfortable family atmosphere. My favourite discussion was our Matric banner design process. It was so beautiful to see every single one of my peers give their opinions with such confidence and excitement. This camp has strengthened our grade’s bond and reminded us of our unconditional care for one another. I could not be more grateful for the teachers who organised it, the camp staff, and my peers for making this weekend so memorable!” – Reese Rumble
- “I thought the Camp was well-organised by the teachers in charge and had the impact that it was aimed to have. Among all of the fun times enjoyed, each pupil was able to learn something that can be used in everyday life.” – Shahaan Ho Kim
- “The Leadership Camp was fantastic, I’m really glad that I went. The lessons that we learnt as a grade will be of high importance in our Matric year.” – Isabella Baker
- “Overall I loved the Camp, even with its rainy weather. Coming back from this Camp, I learned a lot, from my peers, teachers, camp guides and myself. I believe that our grade has become even closer than we were before. – Plamedi Mpiana
View more photos here. Click here to read about Leadership Camp in 2023.
