South Africa 2018 Information Evening Aim of this evening is to give you information about this exciting trip Give to an opportunity to ask any questions Outline what the next steps are if you decide you would like to join us
Programme Flight to South Africa Travel to OBSA Acclimatisation Expedition Water activities Community Project Cultural aspect
Flight details Unknown at the moment but need to book asap. Heathrow or Birmingham dependent upon carrier Twelve hour flight approx. May be direct maybe via a hub. Ideally into Cape Town then drive to OBSA Or via Johannesburg then onto George or Port Elizabeth Short to drive Willow Point
Return details Travel by coach from Willow Point to Cape Town via Hermanus May break journey with over night stay in Riversend Two night stay in Cape Town Accommodation in hotel Long journey by coach approx 5 to 6 hours Fly home from Cape Town
Documentation All students will need a passport with at least 3 months until expiry date two clean pages Recent regulations means that I will need your written permission to take your son/daughter into and out of South Africa Will also need a copy of their birth certificate and a copy of your passport All students are insured as part of the schools policy but there maybe an excess for preexisting conditions. These need to be notified before hand
Dates These are still to be finalised and are dependent upon flights and numbers. Looking at leaving so we are in Africa for the last week of term and returning 15 days later so somewhere July 18 th and then returning at the start of August. These will be finalised asap
What we will do Tried and tested programme Been going since 2005 Not a holiday very tough at times Physically hard.. need to be fit Emotionally very challenging Need to be resilient
First few days.acclimatisation Only one hours difference in terms of time so no jet lag but will be tired due to travel Sleeping in tents so will take a while to get used to this. Will be cold Winter in the southern hemisphere Twelve hours of light- goes dark very quickly Series of activities to get students working together Up early PT followed by jog and dip for all Traditional Outward Bound
Expedition Physical challenge very tough 10 km walk along the beach Camp at Municipal site Cook own food Return to Willow Point by foot Carry all equipment Rucksack provided plus Kari mat and tent Travel light
Water activities Everyone will take part in some form of activity on the water Either canoes/kayak or whaler large rowing boat Safety regulations followed including a capsize test Will also do Morning Jog and Dip if not too cold!
Community Projects One of the main reasons we are going!! Two projects. Two primary schools Rondevelei have been a partner since 2005 and Ruigetvie since 2013 Even though school has closed we still support the community Community concert and tea Help in classrooms, reading and speaking English plus sports activities and working on play ground and in garden Both schools together at Willow Point then for a day.
Cultural section Visit to Game Reserve African dancing and drumming Robben Island weather permitting Table Mountain weather permitting Penguin colony Café Africa African banquet and African drumming and singing Shopping in Kynsna and in Cape Town
Equipment Will be cold particularly at night Old, warm clothes that can be left or thrown away. Good foot wear boots best Waterproofs, wet shoes, swimwear Rucksack for travel Small Cape Town bag for end of trip Can borrow exped rucksack from OBSA Head torch
Equipment Need warm sleeping bag plus fitted bottom sheet to cover mattress. Sleeping bag liner Need plastic plate/ mug/ dish / Knife fork spoon Large bin liners plus everything in plastic bags Must be able to carry rucksack / case!! Not rely on wheels
Finances 2,200 max to include Training weekend and all entry fees hopefully less Includes all travel, meals,activities, insurance and events. Optional evening meal out in Kynsna Pocket money little opportunity to spend- suggest no more than 100 in rand. Good rate!
Finance Will set up monthly payment schedule Can use Parent Pay Need 300 deposit by Friday 13 th October to secure place (if successful). Non returnable unless covered by insurance Final balance by end of June next year No profit OBSA not travel company
Training Programme Weekend next spring Avoid clash with DoE After school meetings Several parents information sessions to keep you update
Fund Raising Will encourage students to fund raise Some opportunities within school Good for students to be involved with raising or even earning the money.
Medical Information Best to consult GP Advice differs Need to ensure tetanus up to date Rabies up to you but advise in general - no Not a malaria area so ne need for medication but need to be careful in terms of biting insects longs and insect repellent Near to medical facilities and private hospital
Medical Information Need to bring own first aid /medical kit particularly pain killers Water comes from lake so only to be used for washing Safe to drink but not recommended drinking water will be provided Outward Bound style food
What next? Short letter of application saying what they would bring to the trip Why do they want to go If successful First deposit on 300 by Friday 13 th October Application letters by 3.30pm Friday 29 th September Next meeting after half term Flight details out as soon as booked
Final thoughts Not a holiday life changing experience Real insight into a totally different culture and way of life Very different not wrong!! Re think how you view life, possessions and what you take for granted At times it will be very tough but it s that out of comfort zone experience we are going for Enjoy and remember
Future events Email me at any time if you have any questions sbailey@arthurterry.bham.sch.uk Thank you for coming!!