REPORT: 

Our first Champ Camp of the year was held on the banks of the Orange River just outside Hopetown at a campsite traditionally used by hunting groups in the winter months. The 90 participants were drawn from the surrounding communities and ranged in age from their early twenties to late fifties.

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  • Filled with excitement and trepidation their first challenge after being dropped off was a 1.6 Km hike to the campsite as the sun set.

  • Much animated chatter filled the night air but eventually they all drifted off and were awakened early the next morning to start the day with an energetic PT session.On arrival the men were divided into groups, allocated an Outward Bound facilitator, provided with a meal and shown to their tents.

  • Over the next 2 days each group participated in 7 different activities requiring their full physical, mental and emotional engagement. The highlight was a raft across the Orange River followed by an abseil. Each activity was followed by a debriefing session focussing on elements of authentic masculinity and the NOEXCUSE message.

  • Stories, testimonies and emotions flowed during the discussion session facilitated by the 3 FAN trainers. Several men experienced breakthroughs in their personal lives.

  • After lunch on Sunday the men were led in the NOEXCUSE pledge and received certificates for completing the programme. Many described the weekend as life changing and vowed to bring positive change to their families and communities.

  • Filled with excitement and trepidation their first challenge after being dropped off was a 1.6 Km hike to the campsite as the sun set.

  • Much animated chatter filled the night air but eventually they all drifted off and were awakened early the next morning to start the day with an energetic PT session.On arrival the men were divided into groups, allocated an Outward Bound facilitator, provided with a meal and shown to their tents.

  • Over the next 2 days each group participated in 7 different activities requiring their full physical, mental and emotional engagement. The highlight was a raft across the Orange River followed by an abseil. Each activity was followed by a debriefing session focussing on elements of authentic masculinity and the NOEXCUSE message.

  • Stories, testimonies and emotions flowed during the discussion session facilitated by the 3 FAN trainers. Several men experienced breakthroughs in their personal lives.

  • After lunch on Sunday the men were led in the NOEXCUSE pledge and received certificates for completing the programme. Many described the weekend as life changing and vowed to bring positive change to their families and communities.

“This is what we as men needed.”

– Leon Olifant

WATCH A CLIP OF THE CAMP