GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — After much planning, organising and purchasing of necessary items, a very excited Union Grade 6 group left for Kirkwood late in August.

They arrived at African Imprint Outdoor Centre shortly before lunch time and the children enjoyed a picnic-style lunch around the trampolines and braai area.

After being informed about all the do’s and don’ts, they settled into their bungalows and changed clothes for the first fun activities.

In groups, they were put through their paces in a variety of activities including canoeing down the river, building a canon, braving an obstacle course, and many other physically challenging tasks which tested their balance, coordination and sometimes their courage!

On the second day, they awoke to drumming rain on the roof and very sleepy, quiet children. With outdoor activities not being possible, they arranged to bring their trip to the Addo Elephant Park forward by a day. They saw much beautiful wild life; zebras, kudus, wildebeest, warthogs and springbuck, but the elephants remained allusive. According to the guides, they hide in cold weather. Despite the disappointment of not seeing them, the learners were able to appreciate the other species and the vastness of the park.

The final day arrived far too soon and all the learners and teachers felt that they would have enjoyed an extra day in the countryside.

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