Do you need to ask something else?
We are addressing our most commonly asked questions from parents before coming to camp!
Our office is open Monday through Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 to answer any of your questions, and tell you more about our leadership programs and camp philosophy. Webinars will be available for you to live chat with our staff prior to camps for any immediate follow up questions as you review the FAQ.
Phone: 064-231-2129
Email: admin@campgenesis.co.za
What is Camp Genesis?
Camp Genesis is a unique, American-style overnight camp for teenager’s ages 11-18 (grade 6-12), offering 3-day school sessions and one-week holiday sessions.
From leadership programs, environmental awareness, to outdoor adventure, we offer a variety of activities for campers to unleash their potential. We are not affiliated with any school, organization or religious group and welcome campers from all over the country. Our goal is to create a safe environment where campers can have fun, feel part of a bigger community, and grow in their hard and soft skills, which is why we create programs around our four pillars: values, ethics, integrity, and character.
Camp Genesis focuses on building life-skills for children, making new friends, trying new & exciting activities and having an experience they will never forget. We welcome campers regardless of gender, race, orientation, or religious background. We say “Welcome Home” the minute campers arrive because we want campers to know this is always a place they can come back to.
Where is Camp Genesis located?
Camp Genesis is based in the Western Cape! Our two fantastic locations are situated close to Villiersdorp and Stellenbosch. Both locations are surrounded with picturesque environmental beauty – offering magnificent views, and just over an hour’s drive away from Cape Town.
Where do campers sleep at Camp Genesis?
Depending on the campsite, campers are housed in army tents on bunk beds or in dormitory style accommodation with bunk beds, corresponding to their age and gender. Cabin spend time for campers are in the morning for clean-up and inspection, “down time” (rest hours), and before bed. The campsite is led by four Head Counselors and each team with a maximum 20 kids is led by a Program Coordinator. These experienced staff members’ main priority is camper well-being, and they work to promote safety, inclusion, and fun in between activities.
What do campers do at Camp Genesis?
During the day, campers will do between three to four different activities from our different activity departments. We offer leadership training by renowned international motivational speakers, education excursions and essential life skills. Each night we have a different evening program, such as Talent Shows, Capture the Flag/Lantern, and so much more.
Our leadership development program is the culmination of action based learning in which we focus on building key aspects of leadership such as Empathy, Communication, Motivation, Leadership and above all Team Work.
We provide an outcome-based program which enhances the importance of teamwork by building relationships through shared experiences on camp by accomplishing various tasks in a highly motivated environment.
We also encourage a sense of belonging by becoming a part of something bigger than the individual. Through our personal development approach, we will unlock the individual’s self-awareness helping them to fully understand their ability.
Who works at Camp Genesis?
We hire program coordinators and counselors, usually between the ages of 19-25. Many program coordinators and counselors are former campers, and most are in the education field. We complete interviews and background checks for the applicant’s before coming to camp. All staff complete intensive staff training prior to the beginning of camp. We are lucky to have a full-time team of directors, facilitators, and facilities to continue to create the best programming for all of our campers.
What is the food like?
Camp Genesis strives to offer a variety of nutritious and wholesome meals. We can accommodate diets including, but not limited to vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free diets. One of the forms upon registering asks about dietary needs, and each day we share with our kitchen what accommodations need to be made. On opening day, our staff will seek out the campers and with dietary differences and discuss with them their plan for meals for that session. For updated information on our catering items available for Camp Genesis, please email: admin@campgenesis.co.za
My children have never been away from home. How do I communicate with them?
We understand that being away from home for the first time can be difficult, so we try and make it as easy as possible for you and your camper. While we do not allow campers to have cell phones during daily activities and programs, however, we do allow them access to their cell phones in their down time for daily communication with parents. We think that being unplugged is a great way for our campers to really learn about themselves and their interests! We also create a WhatsApp group for parents with information daily about camp activities with plenty of pictures to allow you to see what fun they are having here at camp.
If any family needs to contact the camp or their child because of a personal emergency, we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We recognize that, as loving and caring parents, you miss your children, but we have found that, often, telephone calls are counter-productive to the camp experience. One of the major benefits of camp attendance is for your child to gain independence. This can only happen when there is some separation between parent and child. Being in constant contact with your child will inhibit this. The leadership staff at Camp Genesis are always available should you have any questions about your child’s camp experience.
How are medications handled?
For the protection of campers and staff, all medications are required to be submitted to our medical staff during camper check-in. No medications in our cabins- with the exception of inhalers and Epipens. Medications are kept under lock and key in our Camper Care Center and are only accessible by authorized personnel.
We stock many over-the-counter medications to relieve parents of the responsibility of having to bring common, non-prescription medications. However, if there is a very specific and/or unique over-the-counter medication your child is used to taking, please feel free to bring it. All prescriptions will be followed according to physician’s orders; any deviations from those orders must be approved by a physician. Medical staff maintains a medication log that campers are required to initial when taking medications. All medications are returned to you at the end of the camp session.
What are the COVID-19 regulations for Camp Genesis in 2023?
All staff is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Western Cape Education Department has also issued the following information regarding the latest directive.
- Establishing social distancing is no longer required.
- A person who has tested positive but shows no symptoms does not need to isolate.
- Persons who have tested positive and do show symptoms should isolate for a period of 7 days unless a medical practitioner recommends a longer isolation period.
- A person who has been in direct contact with a positive case does not need to isolate unless symptoms are experienced.
In the event that your child is feeling sick, or has been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, in the 7 days leading up to Camp, you will contact Camp staff. Be on the lookout for symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
The wearing of masks is not compulsory. However, it is compulsory for kids who have tested positive but shows no symptoms to wear a mask at all times.
Is it required that my child has to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
No, it is not compulsory to be vaccinated against COVID-19; however we do recommend that our campers be vaccinated. If campers are not vaccinated, they and their households will be asked to limit their exposure with the general public when at all possible for at least 7 days prior to their first day of Camp and screen themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.
What are your transportation procedures?
Transportation to and from Camp is provided. Parents/guardians are not permitted to drive their children to Camp.
Camp Genesis contracts charter buses to transport campers from Cape Town to Camp. Our service provider is Eljosa Travel & Tours, and all buses are fitted with bucket seats and seatbelts. These buses are equipped with restrooms, air conditioning, and luggage compartments. All drivers have been background checked and are certified to transport school-age children.
Locations for Bus Departure and return times will be sent via email to families who have completed all forms, documents, and have a zero balance 14 days prior to their enrolled Camp session.
At departure, families will check in with the Registration Coordinators. If the camper has medication, it will be turned in at the table to staff.
During the return, anyone picking up a camper must be listed as one of the camper’s emergency contacts and must be prepared to show ID. Failing to follow these procedures will result in significant wait time for the person picking up as well as the camper.
Transportation must be provided by the parents/guardians of campers to the bus departure location. Please ensure that campers are on time and arrive at least half an hour before departure time. Should your camper need addition travel arrangements, e.g. flights to and from Cape Town, airport collection and transfer, or any other transportation needs that may be required, special arrangements should be made in advance with our registration coordinators. We can under no circumstances assist in the transport of any camper if arrangements have not been made with us within due time.
How do I know my camper is ready for Camp Genesis?
It is our goal to partner with parents/guardians to work together to determine if Camp Genesis will be a positive experience for your camper prior to their registration. Safe participation requires certain physical, mental, emotional, and social health abilities, and our staff is not specialized in serving those with special needs including certain mental, emotional, social, or behavioral difficulties. These requirements are not intended to be exclusionary, but to provide a safe and positive environment for all campers and staff. As each camper’s ability to participate is unique, decisions to accept a participant are made on an individual basis. As such, if your camper meets any of the following, you must contact us prior to enrolling:
- Have had any physical health concerns that could impact their time at camp (illnesses, broken bones, mobility issues, recent surgeries, etc.)
- Have had any mental health concerns in the last year, including anxiety, depression, etc.
- Has been diagnosed with any learning or behavioural disabilities (ODD, ADD, CD, etc.)
Please use the following criteria as a guide to assess your camper’s readiness for camp. A baseline for participation in our programming, without added accommodations, entails the following:
- Have had any physical health concerns that could impact their time at camp (illnesses, broken bones, mobility issues, recent surgeries, etc.)
- Have had any mental health concerns in the last year, including anxiety, depression, etc.
- Has been diagnosed with any learning or behavioural disabilities (ODD, ADD, CD, etc.)
We want to make sure that we are right for your camper and family and that your camper can participate in our leadership programs and activities. If your camper currently takes any medication for mood or focus, please do not take them off it.
Camp Genesis is a big transition for everyone, and we do not want to change anything that could make it more difficult. We expect all campers to abide by our community agreement.
Any camper whose behaviour disrupts their fellow campers or program will be dismissed without refund.
What is the weather like at Camp Genesis?
The weather varies considerably at Camp with days being mild to hot (15-28 degrees) and mornings and evenings being chilly and/or cold. Be sure to provide your camper with warm layers. A packing list will be sent to you before your child’s camp experience begins.
Can I visit the Campsite?
Due to the Camp’s remote location and our need to maintain the safety of all campers, visitors are not allowed.
Does my child need spending money?
A tuck shop is available for general refreshments. Campers can pay via card or cash at the tuck shop.
How do I register my child/how much does it cost?
If you are ready to register, click HERE .
You can always call our office for help creating a profile. Camp costs vary depending on the camp/retreat you choose to attend, and if you join a Teen Leadership Camp, a Teen Discovery Camp or an Eco-Leadership Camp. You can learn more about our prices and variety of discounts by visiting our general info page,
What forms of payment do you accept?
We do not accept any cash, EFT, or money orders. The only form of payment is via our PayFast Payment Gateway. PayFast is South Africa’s trusted payment gateway for secure instant online payments from anywhere in the world. No Monthly Fees. Free Registration. Merchant & Buyer Support. More Payment Methods. Transparent Pricing.
What if I need help filling out the online application?
Please feel free to email camperapplication@campgenesis.co.za for any questions as this email is checked very regularly. We will also offer drop-in Zoom meetings with the Manager of Camp Administration to get help completing the application, forms and documents.
The links are under "Register for Camp" and below are the dates:
- Digital Pathfinders Camp (ages 11 – 19): Friday, September 20th 2024 to Saturday, September 28th 2024.
- Film Boot Camp (ages 16 – 24): Wednesday, December 11th 2024 to Friday, December 20th 2024.
- Eco-Leadership Camp (ages 13 – 18): Friday, March 28th 2025 to Saturday, April 5th 2025.
- Teen Leadership Camp (ages 13 – 18): Monday, June 30th 2025 to Tuesday, July 8th 2025.
What is the refund policy?
The "hold-your-spot" fee of R300 is non-refundable for any reason. Refunds of any remaining funds paid will be allowed up to 14 days prior to the beginning of your camper's session. If a camper is not able to attend Camp due to symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the start of the session, families should contact Camp Genesis immediately. Every effort will be made to accommodate your camper in another session (when appropriate), and refunds will be given on a case-by-case basis.
No refunds are given if: families cancel with less than 14 days notice before a Camp begins, camper(s) does not show up for Camp, or if he/she is sent home from Camp for any reason.
I have a more specific question - who do I ask?
For more questions, call our hotline at 064-231-2129 or email admin@campgenesis.co.za