Today dawned wet and rather cool but this was certainly not going to put a damper on the event.  The 10 delegates from South Africa were up bright and early waiting to meet their new friends at the Indaba Hotel.  These folk were very excited and could not wait for the bus to arrive from Johannesburg International Airport.  Of course they were thrilled to have been selected for the course.  According to these delegates interviews for selection were tough and challenging with some thought provoking questions being put to them but it was worth it and they were delighted to have made the grade.

Finally the bus arrived and out jumped 32 very excited and enthusiastic young people ready to experience a great wilderness adventure.  It did not take long before 42 eager teenagers from 12 different countries were chatting and making friends.  Comments from delegates were ‘’ very excited to be here’’, ‘’want to see your animals, trees and plants’’, ‘’excited but at the same time a little nervous about what to expect’’ and ‘’want to make lots of friends and have a fun time’’.  Despite a very long night flight half way around the world there was no hint of tiredness – it is all go, go, go, and let’s have fun! Wow what a week this is going to be …

After a warm welcome, a few speeches and a big thank you to the sponsor Cathay Pacific who sponsor the entire week and event, each delegate received a jacket, t-shirt and cap. Now came the time for some fun and much laughter as the delegates participated in ‘Icebreakers’ – activities used to introduce the children to one another and to get to know some interesting things about each other and themselves. These activities really got the kids talking to each other and created a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  Each challenge was met with enthusiasm and gusto.

Last order of activity before it was all aboard the luxury bus - kindly sponsored by ERM Tours - for Botshabelo Museum and Game Reserve in Mpumalanga Province, was to divide the delegates into four groups each with their own Environmental Education officer.  These officers, all from Ubungani Wilderness Experience are Hanneke, Myles, Lesego and Obeid.  They will be introducing your children to the wonders of our natural environment and sharing this once in a life-time wilderness experience with them.

After a 2 hour bus ride we arrived at Botshabelo Museum and Game Reserve, our home for the next seven days. The reserve is situated outside the town of Middelburg in Mpumalanga Province, east of Johannesburg.  The bus ride was a jovial affair giving the delegates’ uninterrupted time to continue where they left off with the all important Ice-Breaker activities. Naturally the children were very interested in one another’s cultures and the ensuing conversations were encouraging. 

After settling into dormitories it was on with the programme. Delegates from Pakistan and Malaysia set the ball in motion with their presentations on their respective countries.  Supper was prepared by the young people from Hong Kong who cooked a traditional meal of Fried rice and Chicken, followed with lemon tea.  Eating this delicious meal was a challenge as chop sticks was obviously the way to go ……. much giggling, laughter and soon mastery of The Chop Stick was well under way by one and all!  The evening closed with a video on Cathay Pacific Airlines.  Silence fell quickly and quietly on the camp as 42 very exhausted children fell into peaceful sleep under African night skies.