Environmental Education Camps Near Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available throughout the year

Description: This is a wonderful opportunity to be involved with an award winning environmental, outdoors based education programme that caters for young people in the Cape Town area.

The Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (CEET) is a non-profit trust that runs 3 day/ 2 night camps for youth on the Cape Flats close to False Bay. Camps are outdoors based, educational and fun.

Most of the groups are primary school age with some high school groups as well as service groups such as cubs, scouts, guides, youth groups etc. Over 10,000 youths have benefited from 300 camps in the past 4 years.

The camp site is staffed with a Qualified Senior Field Ranger and up to 12 volunteers (6 male, 6 female) and the programme is overseen by a project manager.

The project tailor makes environmental education camps together with teachers and leaders of local school and community groups. These are mostly from poorer communities. The project takes responsibility for the environmental component while the client group leaders & teachers take responsibility for mealtimes, free times as well as any input they might want to include in their programme (E.g. AIDS education).

Volunteers assist as guides and educators in charge of small groups of youth for a 3 day/2 night period. The environmental information is mostly straight forward for younger children and can be learned in a short space of time. Information in the form of books, information/worksheets, and prepared power point presentations is available. Other skills such as dragon boat handling etc are learned on the job.

Wherever possible, new volunteers coming into the programme will be mentored by volunteers who have been with the project for some time. A local teacher/leader from the client group is usually also allocated to assist the volunteer. When your team is running a camp, you will eat with the campers and full meals will be provided.
When you are not running a camp, you will stay with a family in the local community who will cater for your meals. This is a great opportunity to experience local family life first hand.

The project is based on the banks of South Africa's largest freshwater lake, an area rich in flora and fauna that provides an important breeding ground for a wide variety of birdlife. The area supports over half the water bird population of the Cape Peninsula. It supports over 240 species of birds, 33 amphibians, 29 reptiles and 17 mammals, including a family of Hippos. Ostrich, Bontebok and Wildebeest are also being re- introduced.

Qualifications: No previous experience is required as all training is provided.

Cost in US$: $1,140 for your first 6 weeks, $110 per week thereafter

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in and an opportunity to let your friends and family know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* Your first weekends' accommodation at AVIVA House in Cape Town, with self-service breakfasts.
* Transfer and introduction to Zeekoevlei on Monday.
* Accommodation at a family Homestay for the duration of your project.
* All your meals during your project.
* A donation to the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (payable by AVIVA).
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our free booking service for all attractions and events.
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to the Zeekoevlei Project.

If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week, the following will also be included:

* An extra 7-night accommodation at AVIVA House with self-service breakfasts.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa's recent political history before and after Apartheid. Includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa's second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical AVIVA volunteer... ...is open to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from around the world. ...is tolerant and respectful of others, no matter what their beliefs or background. ...looks forward to broadening their horizons and exploring new lands. ...is flexible and adapts well to new situations and environments. ...is self-disciplined with a sense of independence. ...sees that volunteering provides them with a rewarding way in which to develop their own personal qualities and character while giving something back to the planet. ...is pro-active and looks for opportunities to experience their new surroundings. ...acknowledges that South Africa in many ways is still a developing country and thus will provide them with a wide range of new experiences.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-6

Application Process Involves:

• Other

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing you with a positive, life changing experience in South Africa. We believe that volunteering promotes self-growth, cultural understanding, and provides you with a unique opportunity to really experience a country first hand. We work with grass roots projects that have evolved to meet real needs - so you can be sure that you will be contributing your time to a worthwhile and rewarding cause. From 16 year old students to 70 year old retirees, we have hosted volunteers from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, and our dedicated support team (the largest in Africa!) are here to ensure that your volunteering experience not only matches, but exceeds your expectations. Like many previous volunteers, you can open your eyes to new adventures, new friends, and an experience that will capture your heart and mind... Come and join us, we would love to see you in South Africa soon!

Year Founded: 2002