In September 2006, Rhianna Walz our CIT Director and I, Gabrielle traveled to South African for a unique camping experience at Camp Sizanani (Zulu for ‘help each other’). Camp Sizanani is run by WorldCamps, an organization that holds both boys and girls camps year round for children and youth who have been affected in some way by the HIV/AIDS virus. Through a balance of fun and education, Camp Sizanani aims to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to cope physically, emotionally, and socially with the reality of HIV/AIDS in their lives. Thanks to the generous donations of our Ouareau family and friends, and you the staff, we were able to raise above and beyond our financial goal of $5,000.00.

With the common goal of buildingbridges and bringing worlds closer together, we at Ouareau also hope to develop a South African Camp Professionals Internship Program for young women who are passionate about children and the camping experience. Thank you, so much, to all of those who supported us through this journey. I sense that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our two camps, and I can not wait to see the learning and growth that will surely take place within this budding partnership. Yours in camping, Gabrielle Raill and Rhianna Walz. Contact Gabrielle Raill with your comments or concerns