Annual Report Youth Portfolio

By Peter Konigkramer

Work undertaken in 2010 has leant toward achieving the 2 primary "youth" objectives, which were identified in the early part of the year, namely:

1. Promoting the Association and it's ideals to the youth within our neighbourhoods
2. And to nurturing an appreciation of the broader principles of biodiversity and conservation through experiential adventure-based wilderness activities.

In making a concerted effort to reach the youth, conservation education has been interwoven within current Youth Development Programmes. With youth attitude, behaviour, self- discipline, self-control and environmental ethics becoming the core focus.
Educational Work undertaken in 2010
In acknowledgement of common purpose, strategic partnerships where formed with one of the Association's members, Dave Padbury. Dave remains actively involved in youth development programmes in the Upper Highway area and has a wealth of experience upon which to draw. His underlying educational philosophies remain adventure based, outdoor orientated and founded upon a firm belief in the power of nature and the natural world.
Much of this year's successes are attributable to a combined effort. To a willingness to share ideas and work toward a common goal of instilling in our youth a profound appreciation and fondness of what Mother Nature has to offer. Feed back from the courses of which the Association has been a part has been overwhelmingly positive. And galvanized resolve that more of the same is required! The Association extends its sincere appreciation to Dave Padbury and his committed team of instructors.
It is hoped that in the future our combined efforts, toward furthering the goals established for youth development, will bare as much fruit as in 2010!

Training camps:

• . HCA Grade 7 Survival Challenge (15 to 18 March 2010)

Group: 48 x 12-13 year old boys and girls

• . Wilderness Training Programme: Hunting and Associated Skills Orientation (2 to 4 July 2010)

Group: 8 x 20-25 year old men and women

• . Waterfall College Grade 11 Survival and Environmental Programme (7 and 8th August 2010)

Group: 28 x 17-18 year old boys and girls

Lectures and presentations:

• . HCA Grade 6 Lecture, "An introduction to conservation & wildlife management in Africa" (11 August 2010)

Group: 36 x 11 year old boys and girls

Compilation of training guidelines: Youth development programme

Guidelines have been developed covering 2 key programmes:

• . Youth development for kids 7-12 years
  • . Youth development for young adults 12-19 years.

    Summation of 2010 achievements

    Total number of youth learners trained: 76
    Total number of youth leaders trained: 8
    Total number of youth lectured: 35
    Overall youth participation: 119
    Youth development guidelines prepared: 2
    Youth training camps attended: 2
    Youth leadership camps attended: 1

    The future of hunting and conservation in South Africa rests firmly in the hands of the younger generation. So take some time to chat, to exchange ideas thereby reinforce the foundation upon which the Association was built!