Capetown Experiences/Africa Jam Day 1

Greetings from the Africa Jam camp in Capetown, South Africa. After twenty hours of flying, we arrived safely in Capetown and took a bus to the YWCA where we stayed our first two nights here. Our first venture was the morning after we arrived. Ellen Ruiters, the founder of Africa Jam and Gustavus Alum, decided to take us on a tour of the township, Khayelitsha. Our buses arrived with former Africa Jam campers (now leaders) as our tour guides.

The township was an eyeopener for us Gustavus students. Many of the homes in Khayelitsha are no bigger than our dorm rooms at Gustavus, and a lot are held together with tin or anything durable.


A Home in Khayelitsha.


Before getting off the bus our nerves were high, not sure how we would be received by the township's residents. However, we were happily greeted by the township youth who would be attending Africa Jam the next day. We all shook hands and gave out hugs. They were very happy to see us and very outgoing. It made it easier on our nerves to meet such nice and welcoming people.


They invited us into a small church (about 20 by 20 feet), and we watched them sing beautiful songs. Lifelines is the name of this group from Khayelitsha, and they really did bring life to the room. It was uplifting to hear their musical talent. When the kids were done, we were invited up to sing with them. Loyiso, the community leader for Khayelitsha, is great at getting everyone to come together and feel welcomed. We were there ten minutes and he already had us singing and dancing with Khayelitsha residents (A foreshadowing of what was to come at Africa Jam).


Singing and dancing in a get-to-know-you game.

After the Gustavus Student/Khayelitshan chorus, some of the youth residents in the area took us on a tour of their homes and surrounding area. My tour guide, Vincent, showed us where they buy electricity everyday, took us to a small shack where they sell what we would call fast-food, and then showed us his home.


Part of Khayelitsha from a distance.



The poverty these South Africans face was shocking to many of us, and it definitely makes us thankful for our privileges back in America. What was even more of a shock, however, was how happy the kids seemed even amidst all their struggles, and their spirit and passion is through the roof. They brought us a new perspective on life. Do we really need all of our privileges in America to be happy?


On our way back to the bus we told all the Africa Jam campers we would see them at camp. Some of the younger energetic kids were walking around outside our bus flexing their muscles and showing off. They were having a blast. Before leaving they taught some of us the South African handshake. It came in very handy when we were greeting the campers the next day.



In the evening, we climbed Lion's Head, next to Table Mountain. It was a challenging and treacherous adventure for a lot of us, but the sunset and the view at the top was worth the climb.


Finally, we come to today: the first day of Africa Jam camp. The views here at Rockland campsite are amazing. We are half way up a mountain with the rest of the hill behind us and the ocean out in front. We couldn't ask for a better view.


A view from the top of Rockland.


When we arrived, we were greeted excitedly by Africa Jam staff, and then we greeted the young campers the same way. It reminded me of the Gustie greeters when we first arrived at Gustavus Adolphus College for our first year. The 180 young campers got off the bus with giant smiles on their faces. Campers came from communities all over Cape Town: Khayelitsha, Atlantis, Elsies River, Lotus River, Macassar, Delft, and Belhar. Africa Jam picks them up and brings them all together for an amazing week.


Two South African community leaders show us a little dance/warm up while we wait for the campers to arrive.



The welcome party made everyone feel right at home.


Throughout the day, we met a lot of campers through games, handshakes and hugs. It's heartwarming to receive hugs from people we just met, and on that note, people who live thousands of miles away from us! Later in the day, we broke up into teams and created a cheer. Nobody was self-conscious about voicing their ideas, and everyone was willing to compromise in order to accomplish our goal.


One team shows off their cheer to the rest of the camp.


Team Kool Kats! Barriers were broken down by forming teams with members of different communities.


Later, the heat called for an afternoon of swimming. Some of the Gusties had previously been lifeguards, so they were called to their post. During the camp, some of the Gusties taught swimming lessons for the campers that were eager to learn.



Hanging out in the pool during swim time.


Gustavus students giving swim lessons to some fast learners.


After swimming we all went to the worship service. This experience, one of many services held throughout the week, was quite impacting. Many of the campers and leaders are extremely devoted to what they believe in, and they demonstrated that throughout worship. It was inspiring to see how passionate they are about their beliefs.


Worship service turns out to be an invigorating experience.

That night, we all regrouped and it was time for "so you think you can dance." Campers and leaders participated to provide a night of quality entertainment.