OUTDOOR EDUCATION & SPORTS CENTRE INFO LEAFLET
Make the outdoors your new classroom!
Youth – Adventure – Fun – Leadership – Sport WELCOME AT DUIN IN DIE WEG OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND SPORTS CENTRE
DUIN IN DIE WEG Who we are Outdoor education - Sport - Accommodation - Conferences & functions DUIN IN DIE WEG is a guest farm with an established Outdoor Education and Sports Centre, catering primarilly for the school going youth. We also offer excellent accommodation and programmes for various groups, tourists, and have facilities for conferences and functions. Our aim is to please each of our guests with an unforgettable experience by the time they leave us. Where can you find us? DUIN IN DIE WEG is located along the Orange River, 2 kilometers from the N10, between Upington and Groblershoop. The name is derived from our particular environment, being one of the few places where the Kalahari dunes and the Orange River meet. In the earlier years, after windy conditions, sand was blown over and covered the roads in the area, hence the dune in the road. The farm encapsulates all the contrasts of the beautiful Northern Cape – from the Kalahari dunes to the great green belt along the Orange river. This is a truly unique place where different ecosystems come together. What we do Being located on a privately owned farm that comprises over 2000 hectares, it is the perfect destination for outdoor education. Our outdoor educational and sport programmes are appropriately designed to fit different groups and focus on the environment, adventure, fun, leadership and sport. We cater for all grades, schools, teams and other groups. An unforgettable experience! Come, join us on an adventure, leave only footprints and take away lasting memories. HISTORY
Duin in die Weg used to be the family farm of the Van Heerden family. In 2004 Cobus and Carine van Heerden, both school teachers in Upington, converted the farm to an Outdoor Education Centre with a focus on outdoor educational programs for the school going youth. They were joined by their in-laws, Fef and Pauline le Roux, who later took over the youth centre activities while Cobus and Carine continued to focus on the farming activities. Fef also established the nearby Academy for Environmental Leadership, an accredited tertiary academic environmental institution after which the Duin in die Weg programmes were also aligned with the environmental theme. Hence a fullblown Outdoor Educational Centre with an environmental focus for the primary and secondary school going youth. Here they can from an early age learn more about the environment, its wonders and the challenges arising from an abuse thereof.
OUR VISION
We strive to make the world a better place for young people by instilling in them an appreciation for their surroundings and knowledge to deal with it.
BECOME PART OF OUR VISION
DUIN IN DIE WEG is a place where people learn, train and enjoy what the Kalahari environment offers. We also want to inspire people to become familiar with their natural heritage and to treasure, protect and enjoy it through programmes and experiences that are designed to make their times with us unforgettable. I hope we will have the privilege of spending time in the Kalahari with you!
Alie Brand
Chief Executive: Educational activities
ON THE RIGHT TRACK - OUR PROGRAMMES
“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and the flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of real education.” David Polls
Assisting traditional classroom based training, we use the outdoors and adventure to produce lasting change through experiential learning programmes and enjoyment. We aim to respect the importance of our environment and to sensitise our visitors around the dire predicament of future generations if we do not turn around the way we live and the ongoing environmentally destructive practices that we observe every day. We cater for school and sport groups from all walks of life. Come and stay with us, enjoy our hospitality and participate in our programmes and events. We believe that each individual is unique, with us you have the opportunity to discover yourself.
THE DUIN IN DIE WEG EXPERIENCE - Adventure activities in the outdoors - Exciting school and sport camps with a difference - Sport tournaments and coaching camps & clinics - Personal programmes to develope body, mind and soul - Undergoing group dynamics and assessing the priorities - Learn how to lead and how to follow / Know when to lead and when to follow - Test your own limits - Learn how to live positively - Have fun! PROGRAMME OPTIONS
We provide various customised programmes and courses, but groups are welcome to arrange their own bouquets. Programmes are based on experiental learning principles, which means learning takes place through goal orientated activities. It is presented in Afrikaans, English or duel medium as requested. Typical programmes and courses are: - Leadership courses for schools: All grades, both primary and high school, with our crown jewel the annual High School Leadership Conference for Grade 10 and 11 learner council members in December. - Camps: School camps for all grades ranging from class orientation to fun camps and include class camps, team building camps, environmental education camps, holiday camps, etc. - Sport: Coaching clinics, camps, tournaments, conditioning, skills, referee training. - Wild Quests / Journeys: (5 - 7 days): Wildernis Trails, Matric Quest, Eco Quest (theory /practical) - Nature and bush courses ( (5 - 7 days): Nature photography; Birding in the Bush; Tracking in the Bush; Geography and Biology Tours - Life Skills - Tours - African Adventure
ACTIVITIES:
Our general activites cover a wide range.
Sport coaching Sleeping under the stars Fun and games Bundu / Adventure Race Obstacle course Ice Breakers Night Venture course Boeresport Swimming Life Line Hiking trails Night walks River rafting Nature quiz Campfire concert Nature Trails Astronomy / Star Gazing Movies Ultimate frisbee, soccer, Navigation / Braai Marshmellows / baseball, table tennis, put-put.. Treasure Hunt Stick bread Camp Craft & Cooking Min – To – Win It Motivational DVD’s Olympics Farming project Community project Mind games Potjiekos- competition Nature drive Fishing Map reading / And many more…. Venture Race
The above activities serve as examples of our activities. We are open for any discussion should you require a tailor made program.
We reserve the right to change the programme, schedule or the facilitators as deemed necessary to ensure the maximum value to the programme and students.
MEET OUR TEAM AND ASSOCIATES Chairman: Advocate Fef le Roux SC
BA. LLB (Stellenbosch University). Former Attorney, Conveyencaer and Notary. Retired Senior Advocate. Former Chairman of listed company Curro Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Founder and Chairman of the Academy for Environmental Leadership. Director of Duin in die Weg.
Chief Executive: Educational activities - Alie Brand
- Higher Diploma in Education, a BA and MPhil degree (Stellenbosch University). - 15 years teaching experience at schools and at Boland College, where he filled the positions of Project Manager, Campus Head, Sports Manager and Superintendent. - Founded and managed Stellenbosch Rugby Academy for 15 years. - Responsible for: Management, programmes and activities.
Chief Executive: Hospitality and Administration - Annemarie Brand
Higher Educational Diploma in Commerce from the former Cape Technicon and US. Qualified teacher and lecturer. Previously Financial Manager at Stellenbosch Rugby Academy. Passionate about Community development. Responsible for: Reception, office administration, catering, student- and guest accommodation.
Operational Manager: Facilities – Frans Marx
More than 40 years experience in building and maintenance projects. Responsible for all operational aspects of Duin in die Weg, including buildings, grounds, gardens and sport facilities.
In association with:
Kobus van Heerden
Started with outdoor education at Duin in die Weg 20 years ago. Former teacher with 23 years experience, incl. Head of Department at Oranje - Noord Primary school in Upington and principal (acting) at Wilgenhoutsdrift Primary. Involved in Outdoor Education; Hospitality; Leadership development and farming since 1999. Manage own farm, as well as our other farms.
The Academy for Environmental Leadership (Uizip, near Upington)
- Professor Leopold van Huyssteen - Head of the Academy and Former Chief Operational Officer and Acting Rector of the University of Stellenbosch - Advocate Fef le Roux SC - See above - Gys Botha - CEO of the Academy for Environmental Leadership and former CEO of Plexus Wealth and Zebro’s Foods - Dr. Matthys Strydom - Ph D (Stellenbosch University), Natural Scientist and full-time Head of Academic Programmes - Marco Pauw - MSc in Conservation Ecology (Stellenbosch University). Took part in research projects in the arid parts of SA for the SA Environmental Observation Network. - Dave Pepler - Co Founder and Lecturer; Lecturer Extraordinary: School of Public Leadership, University Stellenbosch
OUR FACILITIES
Our facilities are great! It include :
Reception and office Beautiful campsite Accommodation for 240 learners Convenient sleeping units with bathrooms, hot and cold water, airconditioning Dining areas and meals Multi-purpose hall Swimming pool, tuck shop (cash), braai areas, parking Sports fields Hiking areas Mountain climbing areas Game viewing areas Orange River fishing possibilities Orange River rowing possibilities Bird watching possibilities Grass games Obstacle courses Harvesting of crops in season Secured access Resident Head on campus.
Staff (teachers /coaches) are well taken care of during their visit, as we know it is time they have to spend away from their homes and loved ones. Our accommodation is convenient, clean and airconditioned.
DUIN IN DIE WEG is also a Conference and Functions venue for corporate, private, state and semi-state events. We are able to cater for your specific needs and make memorable events.
There are various types of accommodation - from overnight rooms to self-catering units. Facilities include a swimming pool, braai area, parking, wi-fi, dining hall, conference facilities and sports fields. All sleeping units are equipped with air-conditioning. Braai facilities and wood are available as well as a beautiful campsite with good ablution facilites and hot water uniquely situated under Camelthorn trees.
WHY DREAM WHEN YOU CAN DO - REGISTER NOW!
LOVE IT? NEXT STEPS… 1. Info: Contact us for more information (see contact particulars below). You can also come for a nice cup of coffee or tea to discuss your needs and expectations. 2. Ready to register? Please complete the Booking form as fully as possible. We will use this information to send you all the information that you require for a possible booking. We will not share your information with anyone. 3. Last step! Once we’ve reviewed your form, we will be in touch to let you know the outcome.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMMES COST? We guarantee a reasonable tariff and affordable service to every group without compromising on quality and safety. Our game is not be about numbers but about service and passion. Our cost structure is based on the size of the group and the needs of the individual client. Our practice is to provide a quotation first, based on your requirements.
COME AND HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!
We believe that there are certain non-negotiable aspects to any camp or sport event to ensure its success. The program, facilitation, menu and facilities need to be excellent, and this is what we offer. We strive to make a difference in the lives of all our customers, young and old. We subscribe to high moral and ethical values and apply them without compromise.
If you have any questions, contact me and I'll be happy to assist.
Kind regards,
Alie Brand HEAD / Outdoor Education Centre
(T): +27 (0) 54 741 0167 or +27 (0) 83 303 7769 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.duinindieweg.co.za Address: Duin in die Weg Guest Farm N10, Perseel 131, 8822 Gariep, Upington, Northern Cape