Feedback from the St John's College Community Service boys:

Jordaan Cutifani (St John's College, U4): July

Overall the camp was great, lots of fun while doing hard work.

I am glad that we were able to finish the vegetable garden, because at times it seemed as though it would take forever to complete.

The pulling out of alien invasion plants was a nice change and it gave us the opportunity to hack at things with pangas.

The camp has left me with a sense of accomplishment and a lot to think about regarding community service.

Nicholas Mc Laughlin (St John's College, U4): July

This community service camp was a unique opportunity for growth. I learnt the inherent value of community service and in turn provided life for a poverty-stricken family.

In addition I enjoyed the food, Steve's witty comments and doing manual labour with the sun beating down on our rippling muscles.

I learnt that there are many ways in which one can make a difference in someone's life!

:) :)

Matthew Lane (St John's College, U4): July

Through this camp I have grown as an individual. It has helped me to see that not only do the big things you do for other people make a difference, but that the little things count just as much. Digging a veggie patch will not only make a huge impact on the lives of the people living on this farm but also the lives of the people on the neighbouring farms, through their generosity. This will make a difference, but the little things like saying hello to someone also makes a difference.

On this camp we battled cold and blisters, but in the end we have all grown as individuals and made a huge difference in the lives of the people living here.

Christopher Sterley (St John's College, L5): July

There aren't many words good enough to describe my past five days at Kloofwaters. Thus, my reflection will be wrought by understatements, but I will try to do the best I can.

These past five days have been some of the best I've ever had. Good friends, great food and camp leaders who really know what's what: what more can a teen, or anyone, ask for? The camp wasn't only about food and people though; it has given me the opportunity to express myself in a positive manner whilst helping others in the process. For the past five days I have been allowed to be the person I really am. For the first time I could be myself without worrying. Kloofwaters has given me the opportunity to grow as a human being whilst still giving me helpful hints along the way.

Working in the sun was a complete bonus as well. Community service is made so much more gratifying when the people you are doing it with make you smile after every stroke of the spade.

I will always remember this week, as it has been the most rewarding week of my life.