Rays of Hope Camps
Thank you for your life-changing camps!
For many children who have grown up in Alexandra township the chance for a weekend getaway is a dream they wish to see come true.
Rays of Hope, our outreach ministry partnering with the community of Alexandra for the past 28 years, was so privileged to take 205 children to camp in September from Rose-Act Saturday School and Ithemba Labantwana.
Ithemba Labantwana (which means ‘hope for orphaned and vulnerable children’) had the opportunity to take 105 teenagers and 10 caregivers to Hodge Podge Backpackers Lodge in Rustenburg. The children had a great weekend with activities around the theme ‘Knowing and Understanding Myself’.
It was a great opportunity to share the word of God with the children so they can know and understand themselves in the Lord.
“The children had an opportunity to do their own Vision Boards, a sacred time of self-introspection and setting their own goals and putting down steps they will take to achieve those goals. The feedback after the vision board session left all of us speechless. It was an incredible experience for the children.”
Bertha Maringi
Ithemba Labantwana Programme Manager
Discussions on Gender Based Violence with each group having a topic to discuss and presenting to the rest of the team gave the children the opportunity to talk about the burning issues affecting them and their community and how they can bring change in their own homes, communities and schools with regards to gender based violence issues and any other forms of violence. Hiking and a lot fun games made this weekend memorable.
Rose-Act Saturday School hosted its annual camp in Magaliesburg, with 100 students. This is a highlight in the Rose-Act calendar and children are invited to camp based on participation and performance during the year.
The theme was the Good Samaritan, paired with Celebrating your Heritage, and was a huge success, especially given the situation in South Africa at the moment.
A new experience to most was bridge-jumping. Those few who didn’t try it on the first day actually tried the following day and were so proud of themselves for having faced their fears.
Dressing up with their traditional clothing was a highlight of the gala night.
“We had a dance competition where the children learnt each other’s traditional dances. We also enjoyed several culture’s traditional foods including braaing chicken feet as starters!”
Louise Cameron
Rose-Act Programme Manager
“This was a very special camp as I am retiring at the end of the year after 16 years as Rose-Act programme leader. It was wonderful being able to celebrate Heritage Day on camp this year,” said Louise.
Rose-Act and Ithemba Labantwana would like to thank the Rosebank Union church and members for all the support and prayers.
