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

Talia Hughes

Talia is a dynamic, driven individual whose presence has significantly impacted many lives. Believing in every young person’s potential, she transforms youth leadership and holistic wellness. As Managing Director of Camp Genesis and the Genesis Leadership Foundation, she ensures every child discovers their leadership potential within.

With a degree in Fine Arts and Art History, Talia initially made her mark in the corporate and creative sectors. Her roles as a key account manager at a top South African advertising agency and as a production designer on notable film productions showcase her diverse talents.

At Camp Genesis, Talia oversees programs that inspire teens to realize leadership comes from within. Through the Leadership Foundation, she extends this mission beyond campgrounds, breaking down barriers and providing teens with the tools, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. Whether through leadership training, confidence-building workshops, or community engagement projects, Talia ensures each child feels valued and empowered.

Holistic wellness is at the core of Talia’s approach. Certified in life, business, and confidence coaching, art therapy, and transformational therapy, she fosters an environment where young people flourish. As a licensed international Secret Sunrise facilitator, she brings a unique perspective on mindfulness and movement.

Family and community are pillars of Talia’s success. As a mother, wife, sister, and daughter, her personal experiences enrich her professional mission: to create supportive, inclusive environments where young people can express themselves freely.

Talia is more than a leader; she is a mentor, guide, and inspiration, committed to nurturing tomorrow’s leaders. She fosters a supportive environment where young adults can freely express themselves and connect with their unique identities.

Jarrod De Jong

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

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 counsellor.

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. Fuelling 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 instil a sense of purpose that will resonate throughout a lifetime.

Our Facilitators

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, owner of Aspire Coaching, specializes in MLNP-coaching, teaching stress and anxiety management at camp. Driven by compassion, she impacts youth positively, helping campers overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. She believes MLNP-coaching is one of the most effective models available.

Coyote

Coyote

Coyote, a seasoned facilitator, is passionate about empowering youth. With years of experience, she balances fun and discipline, using humour to uplift her team. Known for dynamic leadership, Coyote inspires others to “Discover your greatest potential and embrace your unique journey,” fostering growth and confidence in every setting.
Stark

Stark

Stark, a fun-loving facilitator at camp, excels in cultivating team spirit and engaging youth. Passionate about team sports, he ensures learning is fun and interactive.
Dedicated to instilling respect and core values, Stark fosters a positive and inclusive environment, making him a cherished team member.
Mega-Star

Mega-Star

Mega-Star is dedicated to human development, creating a comfortable environment for teens to learn and grow. Using academic knowledge of human behaviour, they foster creativity and interpersonal skills. With leadership experience, Mega-Star collaborates effectively with team members, ensuring successful, transformative experiences for all campers.

Nik-Naks

Nik-Naks

Nik-Naks is a dynamic coach and teacher renowned for engaging workshops at camp. Specializing in improving communication skills and addressing negative traits, he captivates campers with interactive exercises. His hands-on approach ensures all participants actively benefit from his high-impact presentations, making his workshops invaluable for everyone at camp.

Tigger

Tigger

Tigger is an invaluable asset to camp, known for her energy and proactive approach. Her commitment to engaging with campers and offering valuable advice highlights her compassionate nature. With humor and a knack for uplifting spirits, Tigger consistently elevates the atmosphere, contributing to the camp’s ongoing success and growth.
Nuke

Nuke

Nuke, a confident and principled young man, loves interacting with campers and building meaningful relationships. Eager to learn and experience new things, he is always ready to lend an ear to those in need. As a former camper and now a welcoming camp leader, Nuke embodies and believes in the values and successes of Camp Genesis.
Lorax

Lorax

Lorax, a dynamic facilitator at camp, is known for her infectious energy and ability to connect with campers. She makes every activity fun and engaging, motivating kids to step out of their comfort zones.
Always innovating, Lorax creates memorable camp experiences and embodies the spirit of Camp Genesis, making her indispensable.
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