Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town arranged annual Camp Cape Town which was wrapped up after an inspiring and action-packed week at the scenic Zandvlei Resort in Muizenberg. The 2025 edition of the camp brought together 73 promising young participants from the Youth Afterschool Programme of the City of Cape Town who have shown their leadership potential.
The camp was held from Monday, March 31, 2025 to Friday, April 04, 2025 and offered participants of age between 14 and 17 a transformative experience of personal growth, leadership assessment and meaningful engagement through outdoor activities. While all the 73 youngsters attended the Camp Cape Town, and only 36 were selected to continue with the Recreation Leadership Development Programme (RLDP).
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that this is more than just a camp, it is an investment in future leaders. The Camp Cape Town brings together a diverse group of youth, encouraging teamwork, resilience and a deep sense of purpose. They are incredibly proud of the energy, maturity and creativity that is shown by the group selected this year as their leadership potential is undeniable.
Moreover, the camp forms a part of the selection process for the City of Cape Town’s RLDP, which is a flagship initiative focusing majorly on developing youth through recreation, leadership and community service. The main purpose of the Camp Cape Town is to identify the one who are best suited to the RLDP journey. As it remains a cornerstone of the broader Youth Afterschool Programme of the City of Cape Town.
As per the sources, it is in its 11th year, and Camp Cape Town continues to play a vital role in equipping the young people with the skills to become positive role models in their communities. The RLDP programme fosters an appreciation for nature, promotes active lifestyles and provides alternatives that steer youth away from negative influences.
Throughout the whole week, the participants took part in a wide range of activities, from leadership workshops and team-building challenges to nature hikes, fitness sessions and creative learning experiences. The highlights from the 2025 camp includes a break-dancing workshop, a LEGO Serious Play session focused on problem-solving and outdoor sport to strengthen the teamwork and leadership skills.
Camp Cape Town concluded with a formal evaluation session, where all the participants were assessed on their leadership potential. Those who demonstrated the strong capabilities will be selected for the RLDP. Participants also had the opportunity to share their passion, reflect on their values and receive mentorship from facilitators who once stood in their shoes.