For many children, spending a week in the bush offers an opportunity to step outside their everyday routines, discover new interests and learn in an entirely different environment. For the Scouts participating in Thornybush Community’s Scouts Camp, it is also an opportunity to build confidence, develop practical skills and deepen their appreciation for conservation.
Hosted at Jackalberry Lodge, the headquarters of Thornybush Nature Reserve (TNR), the camp is run in partnership with Conservation South Africa and brings together conservation education, outdoor activities and personal development.
The programme targets 80 – 100 children annually, with two groups of 10 Scouts participating in each camp. Participants come from local communities supported by Thornybush Community, neighbouring both Thornybush and Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. By creating these opportunities, young people have the opportunity to explore, experience and connect with the natural environment right on their doorstep.
The camp forms part of Thornybush Community’s broader commitment to youth development, recognising that developing future conservation ambassadors involves more than teaching young people about wildlife. It also means equipping them with the confidence, awareness and life skills to contribute positively to their communities.
Learning Through Experience
The bush provides a natural classroom, with activities designed to encourage observation, curiosity, teamwork and an understanding of the environment. Through tracking exercises and animal identification, Scouts are introduced to the skills involved in interpreting signs of wild as well as understanding animal behaviour. Game drives offer opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats and discover how different species interact with their surroundings. By engaging directly with nature, participants can connect conservation concepts with real experiences, helping make learning more accessible, memorable and relevant.
Developing Confidence and Life Skills
While conservation is central to the camp, personal development is equally important. Group games, journaling and shared activities encourage Scouts to work together, express themselves and reflect on their experiences. Gratitude circles create space for participants to consider what they value, while campfire storytelling, singing and dancing help build a sense of belonging among the groups. These moments are an important part of the Scouts Camp experience. Learning to collaborate, communicate, appreciate others and participate in a group can strengthen skills that extend well beyond the camp itself. Time spent away from familiar surroundings also gives young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, become more independent and discover what they are capable of achieving.
In Their Own Words: The Scouts’ Experience
The impact of the camp is best understood through the experiences of the children themselves. Their reflections can offer insight into what they learnt, what challenged them and how the experience influenced their understanding of conservation.
“My favourite activity of the camp was the game drive because I got to see a variety of animals, including elephants, rhinos, hippos, hyenas and giraffes. I was also happy to see animals that are part of the Big Five.” — Kurisani Ngobeni, Gotternburg
“I learnt how to make blankets and keep a fire burning for a long time. I also learnt that lions can call for backup from as far as eight miles away and that animals when they want to catch prey” — Khanya Mbowane, Hluvukani
From the Facilitators’ Perspective
Facilitators play an important role in creating an environment where young people feel encouraged to participate, ask questions and learn through experience. Their observations can help demonstrate the value of the programme and highlight changes in participants’ engagement, confidence and conservation awareness.
“One of the most memorable moments from the camps I attended was seeing the children enjoy learning about nature and become more curious about wildlife and the environment. Their excitement and eagerness to learn made the experience special.” — Fumani Ngomane, Thornybush Community
Connecting Conservation with Community
The Scouts Camp demonstrates how conservation education can extend beyond formal lessons and into experiences that shape how young people see themselves, their communities and the natural world.
Through the partnership between Thornybush Community and Conservation South Africa, Scouts have the opportunity to learn by doing, build relationships and develop skills in an environment that encourages curiosity and discovery. By prioritising children from communities neighbouring Thornybush Nature Reserve and Sabi Sand, the programme helps strengthen the connection between local communities and the conservation landscapes around them.
Be Part of the Impact
Creating meaningful conservation experiences for young people requires collaboration, resources and a shared commitment to the next generation.
There are several ways to support the Scouts Camp:
- Partner with us: Help expand access to conservation education and outdoor learning experiences for children from local communities by donating towards camp activities, resources, transport, meals and other programme costs.
- Share our story: Help raise awareness about the importance of connecting young people with conservation through your platforms and networks.
Every contribution helps create opportunities for children to learn, grow and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Interested in supporting the Scouts Camp or partnering with Thornybush Community? Contact us at community@thornybush.com or +27 83 570 0379 to find out how you can get involved.
