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Danie van Zyl, our section’s committee member for climbing received thanks from the organisers of SOAPkidz. He assisted in introducing rock climbing to a group of 12 underprivileged boys from the local community.

With equipment provided by our Section and under the expert guidance of Danie the boys were kitted out with climbing harnesses and helmets and given a lecture on safety and the rudiments of rock climbing.

The boys then started their climbing on an easy grade 11 rock face which the boys with their natural agility and strength successfully managed. Initially for most of the boys the difficult part was getting down as they found it difficult to lean away from the rock face and place their trust in the rope and belay. As the day continued they attempted progressively more difficult climbs. For the boys it was a day to remember for ever.

SOAPkidz once again connects our youth with nature but this time with the assistance of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) Magaliesberg section, in a most dramatic way. On the 29th September 2007 a group of 12 underprivileged boys from the local community were introduced to rock climbing at Bronkhorstspruit.

With equipment provided by MCSA and under the expert guidance of Danie van Zyl, a MCSA member, the boys were kitted out with climbing harnesses and helmets and given a lecture on safety and the rudiments of rock climbing.

The boys then started their climbing on an easy grade 11 rock face which the boys with their natural agility and strength successfully managed. Initially for most of the boys the difficult part was getting down as they found it difficult to lean away from the rock face and place their trust in the rope and belay.

The day continued with the boys attempting progressively more difficult climbs. Solid rock became a set of hand holds, foot holds, knee holds and if possible teeth holds as determination set in and the boys headed for the top.

Hotdogs, fruit juice and popcorn ensured that energy levels were maintained. Enthusiastic shouts of encouragement and advice to the climbers reflected obvious enjoyment and engagement.

Too soon the day ended and with a subdued sense of pride and achievement at having done something truly memorable the boys were taken home.

A special thanks to the SOAPkidz volunteers for coordinating the event, feeding, belaying and transporting the boys.

To MCSA, thank you for helping us reach out and touch people in a special way and our fervent wish is that an outing such as this can be repeated time and again