KINGS CAMP STAFF CHILDREN PARTY

For the second year running now I have, with the help of the staff members and guests at Kings Camp, given the children of the staff members a Christmas party.

the staff spent the festive season with their parents at the lodge. Most of the staff at Kings Camp resides in neighbouring villages but due to the remoteness of the camp, they live on the premises during working shifts. It is during their off days that they head back home to their villages. During this time, the children stay at home to go to school but visit the lodge over the Christmas period.

Most of these children live in rural areas with very little if any basic resources like electricity and running water. Most of them have never had a Birthday or Christmas Party in their lives. My heart goes out to these Kids and it was in 2006 that I decided to initiate the annual party. I purchased a selection of sweets, crisps, popcorn and cool drinks. Past guest, Lorna Mafata who visited the camp during 2007 very generously sent a huge parcel of books,pencils, toys and hundreds of goodies children would love.

The chefs contributed by baking cup cakes and Mirriam was made chief in charge of the party planning. Thomas Mhlaba was given the DJ duty of playing music with a real african theme.

The party was a great success with all the kids having a wonderful party to remember. To see the faces of the children light up with absolute joy is a picture I will savour forever. As they say, a child is innocent. It easily happens that one forgets about others during the festive season. Often we are so caught up in our own world that we forget that the basic things that we are surrounded with are taken for granted.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following people,

Lorna and Pisto Mafata – Guest 2007
Daniella Csar – AST Reisen
Julia and Rembert – Guests 2007
Melinda van Staden – Chef Kings Camp
Merriam Mkhatshwa – laundry supervisor.
Rachel and friends- Guests 2007