Grade 5 Trip to Baynesfield: 6 - 8 May

Our Grade 5s set off for their first camping trip of the year on Wednesday the 6 May. We travelled in a large Maharaj bus, which was, for some, a first and special experience.

On arrival. Tikey O’Dell and his team of facilitators from ‘The Farm’ were standing ready to welcome us to camp. We tumbled out the bus and were helped to find our luggage, off-load it and carry it.

We introduced ourselves by playing ice-breaker games. Routines and a few camp rules were established and then it was time for the ‘How to pitch a tent’ demonstration. Another excellent skill learnt; we pitched our tents, made our beds, and organised the placement of our bags. Teamwork. Lunch was earned, served and enjoyed.

The location of this beautiful campsite next to the Baynesfield Big Dam set the scene for lots of water activities. We fished, canoed and went for rides in Tikey’s boat. Every child was given the opportunity to drive the boat. The nervous exhilaration, followed by ‘I can’t believe I just did that!’ was a thrill to witness.

As the sun started to set the children were taken on a walk to collect firewood for the bonfire. Tikey sold the idea that collecting firewood was an adventure, and sure enough that was what it became. Competition for the biggest log, longest branch or the most twigs became a game and everyone participated.

Showers, warm, dry clothes, a seat around the fire and supper followed. Again, the games, laughter and chatter filled the chilly but beautiful Baynesfield night.

The fishermen were up at sunrise the following morning, eager to catch those elusive fish. One fish was caught which proved to the rest of the hook and lure wheeling gang that there was another one with their name on it.

Day two’s main activity was the obstacle course. Some children go for the challenges with focus and determination. They have a personal goal to beat the obstacle. They love a challenge. Some of the boys and girls are not sure whether they will have the physical and mental strength, but they have grit and they push themselves. Their classmates cheer, high-five and shriek with admiration and support. Some are nervous, ‘What if I can’t? What if I fail?’ The facilitators ask ‘But what if you can? What if you succeed?’ The group morale is huge as they watch their friends. Every success is a success for our Grade 5 team. This shared experience and challenge fostered deeper bonds and empathy among our children.

That afternoon the yellow fire engine arrived. Another highlight! We learnt about how to fight fires, and of course how to aim at our friends and teachers and spray them with the firehose.

Day three came too soon for many and just at the right time for a few. We packed up camp and boarded the bus. We drove the short distance to the Baynesfield Estate. Tikey and his team came with us. We were taken on a tour and learnt the history of our pioneering ancestors in KwaZulu Natal. We had an old-fashioned butter-making demonstration in the historic dairy. A smear of the home-made butter on a cracker and a sip of buttermilk was a delectable treat. We then went next door to Joseph Baynes’ house. We went from room to room learning about how people lived way back then.

With that, our trip was over. So, we shook Tikey’s hand, made a ‘Thank you’ speech, had a final photograph and boarded the bus back to Clifton.