E-Newsletters

SEPTEMBER 2016

CAMP Goes Global Program Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who made this summer's CAMP Goes Global Program a success.

A special thank you goes out to Gina and Bill Bouie, Maribeth Carroll, Theresa and Robert Goudie, Ann Granger, Kristen and Matt Hill, Nancy Risman, Sandra Safford, Keith Scruggs, Karyn Trader-Leigh and Fred Leigh, and Jen Wofford for hosting our vochellis in their homes while they volunteered this summer.

In addition to the successful programs implemented across Washington, DC and New York City, we hosted several events that allowed our vochellis to speak directly about their experience. Long-time supporters, new friends, and potential future partners were all moved hearing from our vochellis at these events in Greenwich, Lynchburg, Reston, and Washington DC.

Everyone who hosted, lent a hand, or simply made time to meet our vochellis made this summer a tremendous success, and Global Camps Africa is forever thankful for your support.

Report from the Field -  Camp Sizanani 71st Session Training

Camp Sizanani's 71st session is underway! The four-day vochelli (counselor) training was a time of learning, planning, and bonding for the 35 vochellis who are this session's leaders.  On Thursday evening, the team watched a film together that depicted the journey of a young Kenyan soccer player who contracted HIV, then passed it on to his girlfriend unknowingly.  Following the movie, Camp Director Kabelo Malefane led a discussion on the life skills themes from the movie. The conversation was lively and insightful, as vochellis discussed responsibility, resilience, teamwork, methods of HIV transmission and protection, and the importance of HIV testing. It was clear through their reflections on the film that they were prepared to share these important life skills lessons with the campers arriving on Saturday.  

Vochellis were also busy practicing the songs they will teach campers upon their arrival, including The Tidy Up Song. "Tidy Up" is sung after each meal to signal clean-up time and to teach campers how to keep a positive attitude as they work.  

We've included a short clip of the vochellis singing "Tidy Up." We hope you enjoy this small taste of life at Camp Sizanani.

Camp Sizanani Takoma Park

This summer we partnered once again with Making A New United People (M.A.N.U.P.), a local Takoma Park leadership organization, to hold the week-long Camp Sizanani Takoma Park for its second year. Led by GCA vochellis Dennis, Big Fish and Jabu, the camp offered a mix of fun activities and leadership skills like sports, games, dance, drama, arts and crafts, songs, empowerment, and life skills. The week culminated in a community wide celebration and potluck dinner with campers, their families, community partners and GCA staff.

Camp Sizanani Takoma Park would not have been made possible without the support of Jen Wofford, the City of Takoma Park, Takoma Park Recreation Department, Takoma Park Councilman Peter Kovar, M.A.N.U.P., and Adelphi Friends Meeting.

Fall Fete in New York

Please join Global Camps Africa on October 27 for an evening of celebration against the panoramic backdrop of New York City from the 55th Floor of One Penn Plaza, hosted in the offices of Mantis Marketing.

The event will feature an open bar, live DJ and entertainment, and a silent auction.

Purchase general tickets or upgrade to the VIP level to enjoy access to our South African Wine Tasting Room. All proceeds will benefit GCA’s programs.