This year, Children in the Wilderness Zambezi hosted three camps – at Wilderness Davison’s in Hwange, Wilderness Ruckomechi in Mana Pools, and Wilderness Toka Leya in Livingstone.
Across the three camps, we welcomed 84 Eco Club students and 12 teachers from rural schools in Zimbabwe and Zambia – 28 students and four teachers at each site. Each camp ran for three nights and followed a shared theme: All About Mammals.
From the moment the children arrived, the focus was on learning through experience, connecting them to the natural world. During the camp, students explored what makes a mammal a mammal, learned about different feeding types such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, and discovered how these animals are adapted to live in the wild. The content was practical and engaging, making complex ideas easy to grasp and enjoyable to explore.
Campers were grouped into teams named after iconic African mammals: Hippos, Giraffes, Wild Dogs, and Baboons, which gave them a sense of identity and pride. Together, they created team songs and mascots, worked on group challenges, and supported one another throughout the camp.
The game drives and nature walks were often the highlight of the day. Many of the children had never seen these animals up close before, so the chance to watch giraffes feeding, spot baboons playing, or find real animal tracks in the sand was unforgettable. These moments helped connect classroom learning to the real world in the most powerful way. Each morning began with energisers to get everyone moving, and each day focused on one of our core leadership values, with Respect and Opportunity as the central themes. Through storytelling, group discussions, and small acts of kindness, the children reflected on what it means to be a good leader, both at camp and back home.
Evenings brought a slower pace and a chance to reflect. Around the campfire, students took part in the “burning of fears”, an activity in which they wrote down something they were afraid of and let it go in the flames. It was a gentle but powerful moment that many will not forget. By the end of each camp, the transformation in the children was clear. They left not only with certificates and small gifts, but with a stronger sense of self, new friendships, and a deeper connection to the environment around them.
To everyone who played a role – our mentors, teachers, Wilderness staff, and supporters – thank you. These camps continue to show how a few days in nature can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.
