THE CAMP JABULANI PIONEER FOR CHANGE PROGRAMME

A strong interest by Camp Jabulani's clientele into the practices conducted at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) has lead to the conceptualisation of a more intensive "hands-on" ‘volun'tourism' itinerary. This will enable visitors to become actively involved in a working day at the progressive wildlife conservation facility which is custodian to a number of orphaned, injured and vulnerable animal species. A visit to the HESC is always offered to Camp Jabulani's guests, but many have expressed the desire for a more interactive and participative experience as opposed to the guided tour where animals are simply observed. 

Says Adine Roode, Camp Jabulani's Managing Director, "It is truly heartening to see such extraordinary and genuine interest by our clientele in becoming actively involved in conservation. Moving way beyond the tendency to simply donate cash towards worthy causes is a desire to be part of the change for good. We have always held the belief that one person can make a staggering difference. To see so many now interested is fantastic! It is for this reason that we have decided to bridge the gap, albeit on a very small scale, between the good intentions and the actions required to mobilise them."

The Pioneer for Change Programme includes 3 nights at Camp Jabulani, per the traditional daily menu of activities (including elephant back safaris, game drives, bush walks, spa indulgence, hot air ballooning, watching the elephants swim at the waterhole, and a guided tour of the HESC). Day 4 is however a completely new educational and interactive concept...

Day 4

• Guests enjoy an early breakfast to departure at 6h30.
• Arrival at the HESC is at 7 am
• After an introduction to the Centre General Manager, and a brief orientation of the facilities and the activities planned for the day ahead, it is time to head over to the butchery.
• Participants will get "hands on" in the butchery as they assist to prepare the cheetahs, wild dogs and vultures food: 08h00 - 09h00.
• The curator will then guide participants through the process of actively feeding the cheetahs, wild dogs and vultures.
• It is then time to assist in the preparation of food for the smaller cat species, and any cubs that may be resident at the Centre at the time.
• The next hour or so are spent feeding these smaller animals.
• The process concludes with the clearing of animals' feeding areas.
• Volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit the Animal Hospital, and to meet with HESC's resident vet (subject to his being on site at the time). He will discuss with them any particular cases of interest, and the general challenges faced by the HESC when it comes to rehabilitating orphaned and injured animals that arrive at the Centre.
• To conclude the experience, participants will be able to ask questions of the Management Team before departing for Camp Jabulani once again. 

Once the experience is complete, a "PIONEER FOR CHANGE" certificate will be issued to each participant to endorse their efforts as volunteers for the day. 

In recognition of the work done by volunteers towards the HESC and animal conservation at large, Camp Jabulani will offer the fourth night on a complimentary basis to successful "Pioneers". 

Please contact Camp Jabulani for further information on the Pioneer for Change programme, or should prospective participants have particular interests in the HESC which are not included in the sample itinerary above. 

www.campjabulani.com

Telephone +27 12 460 5605 for general inquiries, reservations on +27 12 460 7348.