At the beginning of December, the annual Junior Ranger Camp was once again successfully held for more than 200 children from our Junior Ranger and Aflatoun Clubs. Over a period of two weeks, groups of 20 children at a time, together with two of their Re Jala Peo trainers and two teachers, were picked up from Maun in the mornings by three safari guides in three game viewers. They enjoyed an initial, extensive game drive through NG32 before being brought to their mobile camp.
Lunch was already waiting for them upon arrival. After everyone had settled into their tents and drawn pictures of their first wildlife sightings, the afternoon called for the next exploration drive.
The following morning, after breakfast, the children gave short presentations before returning to Maun. Once back, most of them complained that the experience had been far too short and shared how much they had enjoyed their time in the bush, often for the first time in their lives.
This year’s special focus, alongside conservation and respect for the wilderness, was “migratory birds and their habitats.” The children had already learned about this topic in Term 3 and presented it at the EA Conference. During their time in the bush, they enjoyed many wonderful bird sightings (e.g. pelicans, carmine bee-eaters, secretary birds, fish eagles, etc.), allowing them to experience firsthand what they had learned in the classroom.
In addition, short video messages were produced for Junior Rangers in Germany, as a budding friendship has existed there since the very beginning of the Junior Ranger Program in Botswana in 2017. This connection is to be further strengthened next year and, eventually, developed into a visit between the children.
Our special thanks go in particular to Okwa Sarefo (Okavango Walking Safaris), Pat Malatsi (Okavango Bushlife Academy) and their fantastic teams, as well as to BK and Ednah (who herself was once a Junior Ranger, then received a one-year scholarship from the Knyphausen Foundation to train as a professional safari guide, which she successfully completed, and who is now a shining role model for the Junior Ranger and Aflatoun members.
