CAST announces fifth Boys 2 Men camp

CAST, the Church Alliance for Social Transformation, a concept part of the Westville Baptist Church, is proud to announce its fifth Boys 2 Men camp at Glenhaven campsite in Underberg from 3 to 6 October.

According to camp director, George Mwaura, CAST has seen about 300 boys go through the camp in the last four years. He said the camp is about giving boys a father figure experience and teaching them family values.

“The major aim of the camp is to break the cycle of fatherlessness. CAST youth development works with seven townships and their work covers sports and recreation, academic support, tutoring, youth mentorship and leadership initiatives. Eighty per cent of our participants don’t have fathers at home so the camp creates a platform to interact with older men and receive advice and discuss deeper issues which the boys are struggling with,” said Mwaura.

There are 180 boys and 25 girls involved in the day-to-day programme aimed at high school pupils. Due to the lack of funding CAST can only take 60 boys who have shown a need of a mentor or fatherly figure in their life.

“We try and make the camp a life changing experience and not just something fun. This year’s camp teaches boys to have a dream or vision in their life, which is derived from Proverbs 29:18,” said Mwaura.

Shaun Dladla (22), who is a graduate of the programme said the camp is a life-changing experience. “You have to be willing to put yourself out there and to get the necessary help, but at the same time it’s a good way to look at yourself and help you grow as a person,” said Dladla.

CAST is appealing for sponsorships of R350 for each boy to go on camp. They also need older men to volunteer their time to mentor these boys three to four hours a month. If you’re willing to help, contact George Mwaura on 079 596 7364 or e-mail: george@cast.org.za