- Camp Director's Message -

Dear Parents,

Thank you for visiting our website and learning more about Camp Genesis, the best youth camp in South Africa, and all that we have to offer. We are very proud of our programs, our staff, our facilities, and we are committed to provide an enriching, fun, and safe camp experiences for all campers.

Camp Genesis places the highest priority on the health and safety of our campers and staff. Our policies and procedures create a camp environment that protects both the physical and emotional safety of the children in our care. As a parent myself, I understand that your children are your lifeblood. It is my commitment to you that the Camp Genesis team will provide a safe, healthy environment for your teen during their camp experience.

I would encourage you to review our website, including our FAQ, and if you have any questions, concerns, or would just like to chat, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. You and your family are always welcome here.

All for one, and one for all!

Jarrod de Jong
Founder/Director

Meet Our Leaders

Talia Hughes

Managing Director

Talia Hughes is a vivacious individual who possesses a high level of drive and vitality. Her flowing presence and demeanor have had a great impact on the lives of many.

Talia is a multifaceted businesswoman with a vibrant artistic background. She graduated from the National School of Arts with a degree in Fine Arts and Art History, and her career has taken her from being a key account manager at one of South Africa's top advertising agencies to working as a production designer on notable domestic and international film productions.

Talia's primary focus, however, has always been on holistic wellness. Understanding a holistic approach to life that takes into account all facets of wellness led her on a journey of self-discovery that culminated in her certification as a life coach. To pursue her aspirations, she has received credentials in business coaching, art therapy, confidence coaching, transformational therapy over the last couple of years, and recently became a licensed international Secret Sunrise facilitator. Talia believes in the transformational power of community, that education is a source of strength, that learning is a lifelong pursuit, and that one is never too old to learn.

As a co-founder of The Awakening Network, she authored the 90-Day Awakening Journal and takes a holistic approach to everything she does, assisting our young leadership campers in identifying their strengths and weaknesses, areas for growth, setting attainable goals and objectives, with an emphasis on accountability, in order to achieve their highest goals and dreams. Talia considers family and friendship to be a cornerstone of her success and a necessity for her survival. As a mother, wife, sister, and daughter, she understands the importance of conserving, navigating, and developing her family through times of change, difficulty, and joy.

Her objective remains to foster a pleasant, supportive environment in which young adults can express themselves freely and fully connect with their unique identities.

Jarrod de Jong

Camp Director

Jarrod has been in the media business for over twenty years. As a successful producer and writer in the film industry, he used his media studies degree from UNISA to break into the profession. He is well-connected and has media clout. He has produced a number of notable television shows, feature films, and short films. He has steadily shifted his focus over the last few years toward international co-productions, developing and promoting local projects with international distribution potential.

However, Jarrod's aim has always been to build a leadership camp for rising high school seniors that incorporates the community, role models, and examples of leadership, as well as the most engaging holiday camp activities.

His mission was to guarantee that each camper learned something new, developed their talents, felt good about themselves, discovered previously untapped potential, and had the finest camp experience possible. His objective remains consistent — the best staff, professional activity instructors, a blend of classic and non-traditional camp experiences with an emphasis on leadership development, and much more. Jarrod's dream of establishing an exceptional leadership camp has come true.

For Jarrod, the mission of Camp Genesis is to provide every camper with the resources and experiences necessary to reach their full potential. That's why he went to great lengths to guarantee that Camp Genesis offers a wide variety of activities for campers. It is because of his passion for youth development and desire to assist teenagers in discovering and developing their unique skills that Camp Genesis was founded. It is a secure haven for teenagers to discover and develop their full potential in a healthy and supportive atmosphere. In this setting, teenagers will form long-lasting friendships and flourish in a variety of fields, allowing them to realize their full potential.

A one camper at a time, Jarrod believes, can alter the world. He adores the wonderful impact that camp has on the lives of children.

David Boyes

Program Director

David is a distinguished author and filmmaker hailing from the vibrant tapestry of the Cape Flats, boasts a career steeped in the art of storytelling. As a native Capetonian, each of David's narratives resonates with a profound personal connection, viewed through the lens of raw emotion.

For David, stories shape us all – a sentiment reflected in his belief that filmmaking is a potent conduit for sharing these narratives. His passion for storytelling, nurtured since his early years, finds expression in his dedication to designing and creating, tapping into his inherent creativity. "We all need to be aware of life and its surroundings," asserts David, advocating for authenticity.

In 2023, David joined Camp Genesis as a facilitator, drawn by his profound love for youth development, community engagement, and his firsthand experience as a parent of three teens. Armed with a commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by today's youth, he embarked on a journey of continuous learning and self-discovery. He undertook multiple courses in leadership and social development, outcome-based education, and innovation. Additionally, his qualifications extend to being a certified trauma counselor.

His trajectory at Camp Genesis has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a camp facilitator, he swiftly ascended the ranks to assume the role of Director of Program Operations. Fueling this ascent is his unwavering passion to effect positive change in the lives of young individuals.

As a parent, he recognizes the importance of a secure haven for teens, a space where every camper is motivated, uplifted, and inspired to become a leader and changemaker of tomorrow.

In this shared journey at Camp Genesis, we aspire to create lasting memories, forge genuine connections, and instill a sense of purpose that will resonate throughout a lifetime.

More About Camp Genesis

At Camp Genesis, we believe in the power of youth leadership and its role in the development of young individuals. We strive to empower teenagers by helping them analyze their strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and cultivate the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities needed to achieve those goals. Our programs also focus on equipping them with the skills to establish support networks, actively engage in their communities, and create positive social change. Additionally, we aim to foster their ability to guide others, influence opinions and behaviors, and serve as inspiring role models.

Camp Genesis is a unique, American-style overnight camp experience located in the Western Cape, catering to teenagers aged 11-18. We offer a range of programs including 3-day school sessions and one-week holiday sessions. Our diverse programs encompass learner development, leadership training, self-discovery programs, environmental awareness, and a variety of exciting outdoor adventure activities. We proudly welcome campers from all over the country and are not affiliated with any school, organization, or religious group. Our primary goal is to provide a safe and inclusive environment where campers can have fun, feel a sense of belonging to a larger community, and grow both in their hard and soft skills.

DOWNLOAD OUR FULL TRAINING BREAKDOWN

Camp Genesis focuses on fostering essential life skills, creating opportunities for making new friends, and offering a range of thrilling activities that leave a lasting impression. We warmly welcome campers of all genders, races, orientations, and religious backgrounds. From the moment campers arrive, we greet them with a heartfelt "Welcome Home," emphasizing our commitment to providing a place they can always return to.

Mission and Vision

Vision

At Camp Genesis, our vision is to empower and transform the lives of both teenagers and adults through an enriching camp experience.

Values

Knowledge Sharing: We are a collective of professionals who believe in sharing our knowledge and experiences to empower teenagers through learner development and leadership training.
Inclusivity and Diversity: We celebrate and embrace the uniqueness of every individual who joins us for the camp experience. Our team and programming reflect the diversity of our participants, fostering a sense of belonging and a sharing community.
Environmental Stewardship: We deeply value and cherish our world and the people who inhabit it. We instill in our campers a sense of responsibility towards the environment, encouraging them to contribute positively to its preservation.
Personal Growth: We believe in the potential of every individual to make a meaningful contribution. Through our programs, we inspire personal growth and help campers develop the skills and qualities needed to navigate their lives with purpose and integrity.
Community Impact: We recognize that our organization and the individuals we work with have the power to make a difference. By setting a positive example, providing opportunities, and teaching valuable lessons, we strive to create a lasting impact on the youth we serve.

Mission

At Camp Genesis, our mission is to ignite the spark within every camper, empowering them with transformative resources and unparalleled experiences.

Contribution

At Camp Genesis, we recognize the profound impact that the camp experience has on the development and education of every child. As a trusted authority in child development, we actively contribute by promoting and advancing our leadership programs. Our commitment extends beyond individual campers to positively influence their families, communities, and society at large. We empower participants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, fostering a ripple effect of positive change.

People

At Camp Genesis, we wholeheartedly believe in the potential of every teenager who attends our camp. They are at the heart of our existence. We empower them to embrace their uniqueness and understand their essential role within the broader community. By fostering excellent child development and fostering collaboration with parents, we create an environment where respect and growth thrive.

Through our programs, we instill in teenagers vital skills such as self-esteem, character, courage, responsibility, resourcefulness, and teamwork. We recognize that high-quality camp experiences play a crucial role in nurturing the emotional and social well-being of teenagers, equipping them with the essential skills they need to mature into resilient, compassionate, and capable adults.

The World

At Camp Genesis, we embrace our role as stewards of both the natural and man-made environments. We believe that each of us bears a critical responsibility to preserve and protect our planet. By nurturing an appreciation, respect, and deep concern for the natural environment in young people, we help them grow into responsible and environmentally conscious members of society.

Through immersive experiences and educational activities, we inspire campers to develop a genuine connection with nature. By fostering a sense of wonder and understanding of the world around them, we empower them to become agents of positive change. We encourage campers to explore, appreciate, and protect the beauty of our planet, creating a lasting impact for future generations.

End Statements

Our Passion. Your Potential: Join Camp Genesis, the epitome of premium camp programs, and unlock a world of possibilities.
Changing Lives, One Camper at a Time: Discover the transformative power of Camp Genesis, an unparalleled experience like no other.
Empowering Youth, Shaping Futures: Camp Genesis, where dreams become reality through an extraordinary and exclusive journey.
Inspiring Leadership, Igniting Success: Experience the pinnacle of excellence at Camp Genesis and embark on an extraordinary journey.
Creating Memories, Building Leaders: Camp Genesis - where lifelong skills, lasting friendships, and an exceptional experience converge.

Testimonials

Jessie Ngerageze, Cape Town

The experience at camp taught me what it truly means to be a leader by understanding my peers in order for me to be understood and that failure doesn't define me if I do not give it power over my situation. Loads of love to the Camp Genesis Team for allowing me to have this awesome experience.

Samantha Lee, Cape Town

A wonderful team of inspiring people creating opportunities for young adults to build the skills they need for navigating a complex world.

Shené Aucamp, Alberton

This was JUST the thing my kids needed to get them over the depression that the COVID lock down caused. Thank you Camp Genesis!

Harold Khumalo, Parow

Not only had an amazing time but grew so much too. Pushed me to challenge myself to the best of my abilities.

Kim Barnard, Durbanville

For me, the number one benefit is my kids being in the outdoors for a week. They’re completely immersed in nature, and they’re removed from screens, phones and televisions.

Benefits and Anticipated Outcomes of The Best Youth Camp in South Africa

Social Skills Development

Leadership
Friendship
Communication
Participation

Self-Respect & Character Building

Confidence
Responsibility
Resourcefulness
Resilience

Community Living / Service Skills

Caring
Fairness
Citizenship
Trustworthiness

Our camp experience will enrich your child's life and positively impact the world. Do you require additional convincing? Download a comprehensive study of the benefits of sending your child to camp.

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