Early on the morning of 17th June our group of staff and youth settled into the COLT Educare bus and headed off to the first overnight stop of their trip – Poplar Grove Stoep Retreat Centre in Colesberg (± 800km).
However, it had all started the day before, on 16th June with a group of volunteers preparing and packing food and beverages for the stops along the way. That night Teacher Nushfeekah and the children slept over at the Educare so that an early start on Monday morning was guaranteed. There was such a happy vibe in the bus with everyone singing and chatting, even the freezing Karoo air could not dampen the cheerful mood. Margie and Antony Osler at the Poplar Grove Stoep Retreat Centre gave them a very warm welcome when they arrived, after being on the road the whole day. The next day was spent exploring the Retreat Farm, taking long walks and climbing to the top of the hill to experience the birdlife, Karoo veld, and that invigorating Karoo air. At night, they could experience the silence and a sky filled with brilliant twinkling stars. On their second and last night at Poplar Grove their time with Margie and Antony came to a close with a special satsang in the main shrine room.
The next step of the trip was to the Sarva Dharma Ashram in Welbedacht, where they were hosted by Swami Ramkripananda. The evening satsangs inspired our youth to spontaneously join in the joyful singing with some of them dancing as well, especially when Sho Sholoza was performed! They thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the uShaka Marine World in Durban where they were mesmerised by the performing dolphins, and other beautiful fishes in the Aquarium. They also spent time on the beach building sandcastles, eating pizza, and of course ice-cream. The following day they could be heard talking about the outing, even remembering the names of the dolphins. 21st June was International Yoga Day and our youth participated in the special program at the Ashram. And then, far too soon, it was time to leave Sarva Dharma Ashram – with full hearts and so many wonderful memories.
Margie and Antony Osler from Poplar Grove sponsored their last night which was spent at the Forever Resort at Gariep Dam. The dam and natural beauty of the resort provided everyone with perfect rest, before the long drive home on the 25th.
For the children the Youth Camp was an experience of abundant love, awe, adventure, and friendship that will be carried in their hearts forever. A big Thank You to our donors who made the Youth Camp possible. We could not have done it without your generous support!
