E-Newsletters

JUNE 2014


Sizanani Family Fun Day

On Saturday afternoon, June 14, over 60 Reston local residents and youth joined Sizanani Family Fun Day (SFFD) to experience a typical South African Camp Sizanani day.

Three of Camp Sizanani’s counselors (vochellis), Kutlwano, Lerato, and Bongani flew into town and conducted what would be a typical day at Camp Sizanani in South Africa. There were three sets of activities: life skills, adventure, and theatre. The adventure activity involved leading partners around the park with their eyes closed, and stressed the importance of decision-making abilities and problem solving skills and - most importantly - trust. The theatre activity conveyed to everyone how important teamwork and group cohesiveness is through African dancing. Finally, the life skills activity stressed the importance of clear communication and leadership. 

“The approach the vochellis used to lead this event demonstrated what Global Camps Africa works to accomplish in all its activities; genuine care, respect, and passion for improving the lives of children through good, old-fashioned camp fun,” said GCA Executive Director, Emily Crowder.

 GCA Founder and President, Philip Lilienthal, attended the Sizanani Family Fun Day this past weekend, along with several former volunteers of Camp Sizanani.

“What Family Fun Day provided was as much a replication of the Camp Sizanani experience as is possible without being there.” said Mr. Lilienthal. “Three of our superb South African counselors related beautifully to the children and adults who joined together to be campers at our 3-hour intentional camp, a camp where the life skills effect is the purpose and where the activities support that purpose.”

Many local supporters of GCA in Northern Virginia have donated and formerly volunteered with the program over the last 10 years.  Aside from camp fun, Sizanani Family Fun Day was an event designed to be informative and a way to give back to the supporters who have made all of GCA’s programs possible.

Judy Over a local Reston resident and former Elementary School teacher for 20 years had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Sizanani last December and was excited to attend the Sizanani Family Fun Day and see the Camp replicated in hometown.

“It’s amazing, the vochellis do a fabulous job. They make all the children feel like they are at home and they are special people,” said Over. 

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