Experiences at the Okkie Jooste Camp
The camp at Okkie Jooste was an amazing experience. I learnt to
appreciate the beauty of nature that surrounds me. There were lots of
activities that we did that were both educational and fun.
First day of camp was relaxed. We got to play games as
icebreakers to get comfortable with our group members. The hoola hoops were fun
and reminded me of my childhood. We went off to set mammal traps using peanut
butter and oats mixture as bait to capture small mammals. We had a Biodiversity
talk and learnt more about the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. After that my
allocated group, Blue, was on supper duty. At first I thought it would be a
drag preparing food for so many people yet it was fun working with my group
members as well as the chefs that were with us. The meals were all delicious!
The talent show on the first night was a great way to end off
the first day of camp. The performances were all entertaining. The highlights
were Enrico and Odwa’s performance, Kholo’s singing, Majola’s dancing, Mango
and Sam’s poem and Daylon’s act from the Sound of Music.
The days that followed after were enjoyable. We learnt about
river ecology where we observed different organisms that are found in fresh
waters as well as how to test the pH, concentration amongst other factors that
help us identify whether or not the water is healthy. We chilled by the pool
and took lots of picture. We went star gazing which was both relaxing
(listening to the frogs and the flow of the river close by) and interesting to
learn about the different stars and see the different star signs (Scorpio, Leo
& Capricorn).
The hike was tiring yet interesting at the same time. I learnt
about the different Protea species and how they germinate after fires as well
as observed different plant species. While hiking we captured different insects
which we identified later on using a Dichotomous Key method.
The frog talk we had grabbed my attention the most as I had
always thought of frogs as disgustingly slimy animals. Learning about frogs as
well as the different calls that they make was super cool. Listening to the
calls played for us was fascinating as I always thought that there was one call
for all frogs.
On the last night we had to present as the Blue group on all
the activities as well as talks we had during the camp. This was nerve wrecking
for me as I get stage frights at times. I enjoyed it none the less.
Overall being at the camp was a memorable experience especially
since I am studying Biotechnology. I learnt a lot of things that broadened my
knowledge on nature. Burning in the sun, making food for people and taking down
all those notes made being at the camp worthwhile.
