Oude Molen 1st Years Camp

The juice was worth the squeeze.

While feeling the weight of the whole university’s eyes upon Oude Molen as we took on the challenge of hosting Oude Molen’s and the university’s very first PSO camp. Along with the pressures from the expecting 1^st Years and their unsure parents.

We quickly sat their minds to ease by welcoming them with the full pride of the Oude Molen HK and our 2^nd Years. The 1^st Years had no idea what to expect except for being hazed and tortured by the leadership of Oude Molen. We however made sure they understood that we were not there to haze them and explained what our purpose was and the purpose of the camp:

We wanted to provide a secure environment for the 1^st years and the HK to get to know one another, whilst building lasting bonds and valuable friendships that will support their time here at Stellenbosch University.

After swiftly handling all the admin, we started with our program which was addressing the parents and explaining our mission and vision for Oude Molen and their sons. The HK planned several activities and introduced the concept of villages to the 1^st Years. We divided the 1^st Years in to four villages, which is a very useful control tool that allows 2 HK’s to be in charge of  a single village. The Villages were named as follows; Aquila (the Eagle), Aeberon (the Bear), Lev (the Lion) and Lukos (the Wolf). The village system proved to be a great method of dividing the 1^st Years in measurable and easily controlled group that was ideal for some interhouse competition and spirit building.

We had the first years engaged in several sporting and team building competitions and activities, such as time trials, cricket, rugby, logic puzzles, soccer, water sports and song writing. At the end of each night we lit a bonfire where everyone gathered to share their own stories, experiences, thoughts and some great laughs of course.

The spirit and enthusiasm presented by the new Molle was unbelievable, and they were not short of respect, enough to make any HK proud to have them. And what a talented group they were, each having an area of expertise in sports, pool, social, athletics, gymnastics, music and even uni-cycling!

They are really a great group of Molle and without them the camp would not have been possible. I hope that each and every one return to us on Wednesday when MAD² period kicks off. They will be the glue that keeps all the other new Molle, which are joining us on Wednesday, to Oude Molen.

 

We asked some random Molle to write us a short review about the camp, and this is  what they had to say:

”One of the best camp I’ve ever attended, looking forward to many more. Felt well accommodated. All the seniors were friendly and fun.  Een keer ‘n mol, altyd ‘n mol, dit is hoe ek voel.”

“Great understanding of different people and dealing with different situations while working together.”

“I feel as if I have joined a brotherhood that’s spirit will never die, Molle forever.”

“Lekker camp, Lekker okes. Really feel the bond, between us already. Een keer ‘n mol, altyd ‘n mol!”

“Been waiting for something like this for a while. Great to see a bunch of brothers who stand together no matter what.  Proud to be part of Oude Molen.”

“Really glad I came… Had lots of fun and enjoyed it! It’s an awesome experience and I’m really glad I came on the camp .”

“I am so stoked I came. Oude Molen is the only PSO for me I will do whatever I can to be involved with the next year’s camp. I would recommend the camp to any SU student in Oude Molen.”

 

A final thanks to all the 1^st Years that attended the camp and their parents for attending the Parents Meeting. Thanks to our 2^nd Years Committee that worked exceptionally hard in helping to ensure the success of the camp. To “Die Eiland”, that allowed us to make use of their facilities. The final round of applause goes to the HK for all of their effort in making the camp a huge success. Well done guys!