Practical Skills and Farm Fun for Youth at Catchu Kube
- Amanda Bekker
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
As the March school holidays approach, a local farm just outside Parys is preparing to host a four-day outdoor experience designed to get children away from screens and into the dirt. The Kids Farm Camp, running from 29 March to 1 April 2026, focuses on a blend of practical life skills, physical activity, and traditional farm pastimes.
The programme is hosted at Catchu Kube on the Kopjeskraal Road. Led by Dr Johan Steytler, a registered social worker and psychometrist with decades of experience in youth development, the camp is structured around a Christian perspective, including daily Bible studies and mentorship.
Learning by Doing
The camp's itinerary moves away from passive entertainment. Instead, participants are expected to be hands-on from the moment they arrive on Sunday afternoon. One of the primary tasks involves the children pitching their own tents to set up camp for the duration of the stay.
The focus on "learning through play" includes several unique projects:
Carpentry: Children will build their own wooden tables to use for meals.
Farm Skills: Sessions include the traditional art of whip cracking and animal care.
Bushcraft: Guided night walks and hikes through the Vredefort Dome landscape.
Catering: Participants will assist in preparing some of their own meals over the campfire.
Recreation and Safety
While the schedule includes plenty of work, there is a significant emphasis on "plaaspret" (farm fun). When the South African heat kicks in, activities shift toward the farm dam, a 2.2-metre deep zinc reservoir, and a long water slide.
Due to the nature of the terrain and the proximity to water, the organisers have noted that safety measures are a priority, though parents are required to provide medical aid details and a signed indemnity as part of the registration process.
Logistics for Parents
The camp is open to boys and girls aged 11 and older. The cost is R1 500 per person, which covers the programme and activities. Parents are responsible for providing camping gear, including a tent, bedding, and appropriate "farm clothes" that can handle a bit of mud and hard work.
Registration is currently open via an online form, with the final deadline for entries approaching quickly. For those unable to access the digital links, direct contact with the organisers is encouraged to secure a spot before the gates open on Sunday.
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