Easter Camp Greenpop Reforest Fest

This Easter weekend was extra special for our children because we went to Greenpop’s Reforest Festival at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat in the Platbos Forest. We had the best time helping plant over 5000 trees, dancing to live bands, swimming in the dam and allowing the children to run free in the open grass – something they don’t get to do back home in Masiphumelele. None of this would have been possible without Nomad Africa sponsoring our transport and driving our kids safely to and from the festival in their epic overland truck. When Victor arrived to pick them up you should have seen their faces “is that for us!!” The excitement was real. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Our camp was a transformative chance for our children to spend time in nature and be part of an inspiring, conservation-focused community experience. They learned about various sustainable practises, land restoration, recycling, seed development and how to grow their own food as well as did a Qi Gong, yoga and woodworking class! The big Easter Egg hunt in the stunning wild mountains was a special treat, something we make sure to do every easter for them but its not every year where it is properly out in such a beautiful area. Thank you to all those who sponsored a child and donated towards their delicious healthy meals. It is amazing what can be achieved when we all come together for the common good!

At Bartosch Foundation, while sport draws children to us, it is not our main focus. We are committed to bringing more black youth and children from disadvantaged communities into the conservation space. We believe they are our future and we desperately need them involved and consciously aware of the state of our planet and what our Earth needs. Environmental education through our nature excursions and workshops is a key part of our program uplifting the youth from Masiphumelele township.

To end off an incredible Easter weekend we stopped to explore Walker Bay Nature Reserve. What an adventure! Visiting Klipgat Caves offers children a fascinating glimpse into the early way of life of Homo sapiens along South Africa’s coast. Standing inside these ancient shelters, they learn how some of the earliest modern humans lived—using the sea for food, making tools from stone and bone, and leaving behind clues of their daily survival. It’s a powerful experience to help children connect with their roots, understand the history of human development, and spark curiosity about the world’s shared past. Being there shows them that history isn’t just something in books—it’s beneath their feet, part of their own story.