Sacred Heart & St. Stithians Girls - TPA

The Presidents Award

Chameleon Adventure Academy Bronze Level Exploration report

Mountain Sanctuary Park 

EXPEDITION

Client:

Sacred Heart College, and St.Stithians Girls

Venue:

Bergheim

Area:

North West province

Date:

17-18 September 2011

Delegates:

Dheshanth

Govenders

Cailtlin Johnstone

Rehomile Disero

Waseem Jadean

Zarna Patel

Lungile Mtembu

Daniska Mohan

Darren Blackenste

Tyler Subrayan

Clair Lowry

Dylan Barry

Trent Correa

Sarah Nathanson

Emma Buckland

Potlako Ngoasheng

Facilitators/Guides:

1) Jo-Anne Glen

2) Otto Wipplinger

Purpose / Outcome

1) Explore the adventure world of the Magaliesberg

2) To complete their Bronze exploration within the given time allocated

Route:

The Area:

The Magaliesberg are among the oldest mountains in the world, almost 100 times older than Everest. They stretch for 120km from Bronkhorstspruit Dam east of Pretoria to Rustenburg in the west and separate the highveld grasslands to the south from the bushveld savannah in the north.

Sheer quartzite cliffs face south, overlooking a wide valley and a smaller ridge similar in shape and structure to the Magaliesberg. Water runoff from the mountains has created deep gullies and wonderful kloofs, some more than 100 metres deep, with perennial waterfalls of crystal clear water spilling from the heart of the mountain.

With its variety of habitats, the Magaliesberg provides the ideal setting for over 130 species of trees and a magnificent collection of flowers, ferns, grasses and fungi

Kloofing:

This is one of the most challenging activities. The deep gullies carved through the gorges, creates a scene of real adventure. There are a number of obstacles, from boulders, to fallen trees, and deep water pools though which you have to move.

We had quite long and hilly trek to the start of Fern Gorge. At the top we got a moment to swim in the rock pools, before descending down the dark gorge.

The group seamed to really enjoy this activity- in the beginning. But as the day got longer, energy levels started to drop. A quick lunch stop, and some jokes helped to keep their spirits alive.  This activity further bonded this very tight and caring group. It was per say- a real Team Build.  A steep walk down got us back to camp site.

From here it was fighting for THE Spot. Pitching tents, and cleaning up before supper. Learning to use a Storm cooker (alcohol cooker) and preparing supper.

This was a great time to social around the pots. Tasting a bit here, and there.

Orienteering:

The second day saw us armed with a compass, and couple of coordinates; the stage was set for something interesting. After splitting the participants into two groups, the race was on. Who can find all the points and finish the course the fastest? Well, one group came up with a very innovative motivation: to steal the custard (reward at last point) from the other team! Well done everyone, you really showed some skill.

Incidents:

No incidents recorded.

General:

I believe in the value of Experiential learning, and I believe in the power of the wilderness. You could, in only two days, see what effect the environment had on the participants. If we can facilitate life-long change within the participants, over a constant time, one would reach great outcomes. This is where the Presidents Award programme is so strong.