The Importance of Camp

Jane Henderson (Head of English at Southdowns College Preparatory School) • April 10, 2019

A person is roasting marshmallows over a fire.

The camp experience is recognized by child development professionals as valuable in helping children mature socially, emotionally, intellectually, morally and physically. The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning and contributing. The camp experience offers unique opportunities for children to succeed in these vital areas. At camp, children learn to problem solve, make social adjustments to new and different people, learn responsibility and gain new social skills to increase their self-esteem.

Development of social skills:
Most activities on camp involve team work, which is great to strengthen established friendships and also to develop new friendships by connecting with children they don’t regularly talk with at school. Through bonding activities, children develop supportive relationships not only with different children, but also with their teachers. Whilst on camp, children have the opportunity to learn about acceptance, caring and understanding. They learn that their relationships benefit from investment, and that the team benefits as a whole when individual relationships are strengthened. Contributing to the success of the group is empowering to each individual.

Development of independence and resilience skills:
For many children, school camp is often the first time away from family and home for a few nights. While more and more our culture allows people to seek out what’s enjoyable and avoid what’s unpleasant, camp nudges children to move out of their comfort zone. So, while our conveniences make life easier in so many ways, there are experiences missing that provide growth, strengthening our values, confidence and development for times of adversity. Camp experiences grow confidence and develop good decision making skills – especially when times are tough. Their confidence grows as they accomplish a task that seemed impossible and this accomplishment is empowering. They also learn who to accept guidance from, in a world that is, at times, filled with some pretty bad advice on TV, in movies and among some friends.

Development of new skills:
Whilst on camp, children are exposed to a range of new activities that they may not have tried before. They display a willingness to try new things by being adventurous and to test their limits and decision making to get through various situations. Living in a cabin / tent / dorm, climbing ropes and overcoming obstacles are life accomplishments young people can develop that build strength of character, courage, determination and focus on something bigger than themselves. Children who only accept comfortable situations find themselves limited in confidence, courage and flexibility. Through new experiences, children are pushed into positions to grow in life and when that happens, they accumulate understanding of what it takes to be a productive, independent adult.

Whereas schools often applaud good marks, camp acknowledges and rewards a broader range of accomplishments. It creates an environment where every child can feel valued for their contribution.

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SDC Open Day: Showcasing the Best of the Best

By Anoyolo Ndzamela • October 6, 2025

Southdowns College’s second open day of 2025 was an absolute success! Various departments of the school came together to showcase the excellence that the school provides and highlighted the values of integrity, hard work and humility that the school stands for. All the newly elected SEC members provided tours of the campus and explained the environment in which the future pupils will be in - one conducive for growth. It is a difficult task to encapsulate all the school has to offer into a few minutes, but the prefects went above and beyond to ensure that parents were left with a sparkling impression. The teachers invested their hearts and soul into their mini exhibitions, experiments, decorations and (most importantly) explaining what is offered in their respective subjects to the parents. Simultaneously, the Sports and Culture departments put together performances and workshops, to display the wonders and talents of Southdowns College. Not only did the wind blow strongly through the trees – the parents’ socks were blown off! A job well done, College!

What Does it Mean to Wear the Black Blazer?

By Rofhiwa Sipho Tshikhudo • October 6, 2025

At Southdowns College, the rust blazer unites us all. It is the symbol of belonging, of being part of something bigger than ourselves. But for the Black Blazer? It’s not just uniform, but a statement. The Black Blazer is earned – it isn’t handed out for show. It is a commitment to service, leadership and discipline. Wearing it doesn’t elevate us above anyone, it places us under the everlasting pressure of great power and greater responsibility. We don’t wear the blazer for status: we wear it because we chose to serve, and because the school community expects us to deliver. We serve the blazer, it does not serve us. Every morning when we put it on, we are reminded: “We represent more than ourselves. Our peers look to us for guidance; our teachers trust us to carry the values of Southdowns, and our actions reflect on the entire SEC.” That is no small weight... it isn’t supposed to be. The blazer demands respect – not because of its colour, but because of the responsibility stitched into it. It is a promise to lead by example, to stand firm when it’s easier to sit back, to make tough calls, and to act when silence would be easier. It is a challenge to work harder, listen better, and to push ourselves further. The Black Blazer does not make us special. What makes it special is that it holds us accountable every single day. It demands humility, pride, and strength. It reminds us that leadership isn’t about being seen – its about making a difference, even when no one is watching. This is why we wear it with conviction. This is why it matters. The Black Blazer is not about privilege. It is about service. It is about being the best version of ourselves.

The Black Blazer – A New Chapter Begins

By Jayden Paulse • October 6, 2025

There are a few moments you will never forget during your high school career: your first day in grade 8; the first test you failed; your first crush. However, few shine as bright as the moment being inducted into the Student Executive Council (SEC) of 2025/2026. On 3 September 2025, the new prefect body’s blood, sweat and tears were finally acknowledged as they were cheered onto the stage by peers, teachers, parents and their predecessors (the SEC of 2024/2025). The road to acquiring the black blazer is never easy: rounds of voting, hours putting in the extra work to prove yourself, while trying to cheer on your friends and competing against them at the same time, is no easy feat. None of the new SEC members knew their portfolios or the role that they would be playing for the next 12 months before being called upon. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation and bitter-sweet moments: while not all the prefects got the role their hearts desired, every one of them knew what a privilege it was to be walking the stage and exchanging their rust blazer for their black one. Amongst the nerves were moments of pride, tears and joy as the school community watched parents beam at their children’s accomplishments, signing their declaration to the school and taking their seats. The crowd also cooed at the cute childhood photos that were sported proudly next to their current school photo. The adorable kindergarten faces and poses simply won over everyone’s hearts! To our new SEC of 2025/2026: CONGRATULATIONS! We know that the journey has not been easy and is far from being done. We look forward to seeing your vision for Southdowns College come to fruition and seeing what story your lanterns will tell!