Today we completed the food shopping for the Kids Bushcamp - and as always it was a 5 hour round trip.

A couple of weeks ago we did a lesson at one of the schools that came to Bushcamp back in April, after which I had the opportunity to chat with the teachers in the staff room ( a small shed like structure). The teacher who had joined the children at Bushcamp commented that for a few days after camp when the kids were back at school they looked so much healthier, and their skin and eyes brighter. It has everything to do with them having access to running water to shower and wash, and is also especially due to them being fed 3 meals a day whilst they are with us. When we go into the school and show the children pictures of the camp to help them prepare for bushcamp, there are 3 aspects that really excite them:

1. playing games;

2. sleeping in a bed (it's the first time they ever have, so the orientation when they arrive at camp includes practising making a bed); and

3. the food, especially having meat

Very positively, in this area there is a feeding programme at the schools, so that the children all receive a lunch meal every day that they attend school. It's typically samp (maize) and beans for most meals, with meat on occasion. It's making a huge difference, and when the children return to school following the school holidays it's noticeable that they have gone without that daily meal.

So whilst 5 hours to do the Bushcamp shopping is hard work, it's worth it to see the resulting enjoyment and benefit for the children at the Bushcamp.