Environmental Education

Camdeboo National Park’s Socio-Economic Transformation Department is tasked with exposing locals, especially young learners, to the Park’s natural and cultural heritage resources – either by getting them in to experience it first-hand, or embarking on outreach initiatives in and around Graaff-Reinet. These include, but are not limited to:

Holiday programmes

Holiday programmes are offered during most school holidays. This information is relayed on the Park’s website, in the local media and on our social media platforms.

School visits into the Park

The Park offers free entry for learners during the school terms for focused environmental education programmes. Bookings are essential. Please contact the Socio-Economic Transformation Officer on 049 892 3453 for further information or to make a booking.

School outreach programmes

Regular visits are undertaken to local schools by the Socio-Economic Transformation and/or Conservation staff to celebrate national calendar day events and to create awareness of integrated approaches to conservation.

Community outreach programmes

National calendar day events are often celebrated in communities bordering the Park. In this way, environmental education and/or community upliftment in various forms (such as tree planting, clean up campaigns, donations, etc) reaches locals who may otherwise not have the opportunity.

Eco-schools

In conjunction with the World Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa), the eco-schools programme within the Graaff-Reinet area aims to ensure greener school environments and greater environmental conservation awareness among learners.

Environmental education centre

The Environmental Education Centre is located inside the Park on the outskirts of Graaff-Reinet. Both day and overnight programmes for schools and environmental interest groups can be accommodated here, all for a nominal fee. Private use of the centre can also be arranged, but preference is given to groups participating in environmental programmes. These programmes are specially designed as per the requirements of the groups and are aligned with the national school curriculum as far as possible.

The centre has a well-equipped kitchen and a lecture hall equipped with audiovisual aids and many displays. It is able to sleep 48 learners in three dormitory-style units which have accompanying ablution blocks. There is also room for four educators in a separate building with an en-suite bathroom.

Contact

Please contact the Socio-Economic Transformation Officer on +27 (0)49 892 3453 for further information or to make a booking.