In a nutshell this course is designed to take young people from a variety of countries, cultures and racial groups, place them in the heart of one of Africa’s last great game wildernesses with a team of men, each and everyone of whom, apart from being an expert in his field, has lived an enormously challenging, varied and colourful life. In the process we endeavour to instil in the participants a set of back to basic values that we hope and trust will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.
In a bush environment which reduces all to the same level the students will be placed in situations where they will have to interact positively with people from vastly different backgrounds, make decisions in a new and at times hostile environment and they will have to adapt to a constantly changing scenario in circumstances of mutual give and take. In a sense they will be rehearsing the skills that they will need to practice, albeit in a different form, in the real world.
The course is intense and taxing but apart from the character building aspect it is educational and those who complete it will leave extremely well versed in all aspects of bush lore, survival and contemporary Africa. We have little doubt that the successful student will be better equipped to make the transition from school to university or a business career.
Careful reconnaissance, research and planning underlies each expedition to ensure that the members are given a unique opportunity to face and overcome challenges outside their normal experience whilst developing new skills and self confidence.
The Course Objectives:
- To provide a unique method of leadership training.
- To conduct stimulating and thought provoking bush exercise.
- To provide a bridge building forum for different races and classes.
- To teach and nurture environmental awareness.
- To help students develop interests and hobbies for the years to come.
- To gain practical experience in motivation, self discipline, positive thinking and taking the initiative.
- To help participants experience a sense of personal achievement and accomplishment.
Course Activities:
- Hands on leadership training.
- Tracking and bushcraft.
- Bush survival.
- Game recognition.
- Bird recognition.
- Bush mechanics.
- Bush navigation and map reading.
- First Aid.
- Vegetation identification and uses.
- Weapon handling (for special groups only).
- African history.
- Assault course.
- Canoeing/watermanship.
- Abseiling.
- Potholing.
- Initiative tests.
- Radio/teamwork exercises.
- 4x4 off-road handling.
- Archery.
- Trapping to survive.
