“the call to come together”
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
National Anthem,
The Republic of South Africa
In January 2008, Gustavus students and faculty traveled to Cape Town, South Africa for a course on identity, resistance, and liberation in South Africa. The course examined the process of political and civic identity formation, responses to and life after Apartheid, and the struggle for liberation in South Africa. The class focused on the youth of the country, and students participated in an intensive service-learning experience designed to foster civic reconciliation and intercultural understanding.
Gustavus students teamed with Africa Jam, an organization that works to empower young people in Cape Town, and created by Gustavus graduate Ellen Ruiters ’97. Africa Jam serves more than 10,000 young people by providing safe after-school programs, such as LifeLines in the township of Khayelitsha, HIV/AIDS training, Christian fellowship, and opportunities that allow young people to gather for a week-long camp to sing and dance, talk and pray, listen and learn. The camp provides fun, safe, Christian experiences for hundreds of youth each year and unites diverse communities for a time of praise and life skills education. As Ellen Ruiters explains, “this is a time for kids to be kids, to get away from the problems they may have at home, and to just have fun in a safe, affirming place.” Gustavus students served as counselors, participants, and friends during the camp.
Joining in this mix of South African youth and Gustavus students was a group of adults led by Rev. Grady St. Dennis ‘92, Director of Church Relations for the College. The group included several Gustavus alumni like Billy Johnson, and Mollie Peterson, and they, too, volunteered at the camp. The brief moments that follow were written by Gustavus students about their experiences at Africa Jam Camp and begin to illustrate the ways that Gustavus students, alumni, staff, and faculty heard the call to come together.
Kelsey Nielsen ‘o8
Beauty, passion, vibrancy and will power are only some of the ways to describe the amazing spirits of the Khayelitsha LifeLines members. My week at Africa Jam Camp allowed me to meet incredible people living in desperate, dangerous, forgotten conditions. The contagious energy and love they showed strengthened and furthered my desire to help those in need, oppressed in ways I've been blessed to never know. The time at camp affected me immensely, but one particular moment occurred that fully reflected the energy and potential these people possess, the very essence the camp tries to bring out in each one. The second day, my camper Vwai, an eager and kind individual told me LifeLines performers had something really special to share. That night the whole group performed a version of “This Little Light of Mine.” They started modestly, gradually adding more voices, incorporated three female solos and ended in a booming, harmonized, passionate song full of dance, rhythm and pride. The energy created by this powerful close-knit group, joined by the bond of hope and love, made my heart race. As the room exploded in cheer, it took me a minute to catch my breath. These kids can make a difference, they can change their lives.
Ally Pelton ‘10
Eye contact epitomized my stay at Africa Jam Camp. During a vocal performance by LifeLines, one boy in the back row of the group made eye contact with me. We held each others' gaze for the remainder of the song and I realized: never before had two worlds, two cultures, and two identities met in a situation of such difference. Through his eyes, the boy told me his story, and I told him mine. I experienced a feeling in my heart like never before.
I saw a raw side of Africa.
I saw the struggles of an African boy.
I saw the world in a light I had yet to see.
I saw the heart of humanity through the eyes of one of our own.
Katy Daily ‘08
Before camp started, Ellen really highlighted the importance of it being a place for people from different cultures and backgrounds to come together. However, just because we were all together at the same camp didn't mean that communication among all the groups was going to come easy, or perhaps happen at all. The kids defied the odds for me. I had been jumping on the trampoline throughout the week, doing flips and bounces. Neo, a 10th-grade boy, came up to me and said, "I have been picking up on your style." He meant my "tricks," so I asked him to show me. Sure enough, he could do everything that I had been doing. Another day, he and I were in the pool and he asked me to teach him "move style" (he didn't know how to swim.) I showed him a front and back sommersault, and after two tries he had them down perfectly. I taught him how to kick while holding onto the side of the pool, and one minute later, he was doing the front crawl. He and I come from two very different worlds, but there we were, talking and communicating together and learning from each other.
Gretta Johnson ‘08
The campground was situated on the side of a mountain and there were trails leading up the top. One moring, I hiked up to see the view of the ocean from way up on the rock. I could see the whole camp, the mountains, the ocean, across the bay, and the town as well. The view was incredible from down in camp, but so much better on top of that rock. I feel like this exemplifies my experience at camp. The view of the ocean is beautiful to someone down on camp. But perspective changes when you go up to the rock. Having met so many amazing people and learning what life is like living in South Africa will affect how I see and perceive the rest of my life.
Kelly Sparks ‘08
On the first day of Africa Jam Camp another Gustavus student and I sat at a table of campers together. We had so much fun together and the next mealtime the same campers invited us back to the same table. Our exclusive dining table started the closest relationships I had with campers for the entire week. At each meal we checked in with each other and outside meals we exchanged laughs and smiles that soon turned to hugs. At every event I looked for those campers and while I helped them feel more comfortable participating at camp they unknowingly reciprocated the favor. On the last day a few minutes before the buses arrived, one of he girls called me over and gave me her favorite necklace off her neck. She hugged me and I started to cry. It was the first time I had been given such a large present from someone who had so little to give. At that point I saw and felt the connection between our two very different worlds and knew I still had so much more to learn.
Helena Meyer ‘08
For me, the camper talent show really can sum up the importance of this camp. Ricardo, one of the campers in my group, performed for the show and it was so great! I was so proud of him in that moment. He was a very kind young man who was often soft spoken yet always willing to add to the group, he really was a model for many of the kids in our group and also a model of what Africa Jam is all about. Every individual has been blessed with special talents and Africa Jam gave them an outlet in which to share their talents. I told Ricardo how great his performance was and gave him a huge hug. It is important for all of them to know how important they are, how talented they are, and what they have to offer to the world.
Dan Bougie ‘08
On the last day of camp, my group led a small discussion on environmental problems in today's world. We focused on problems in South Africa, and move specifically on how everyday actions could aid environmental protection, which we depicted as a protection of God's creation in the spirit of the camp. Also following the spirit of the message of the camp, we urged the kids to step up by leading initiatives within their communities and setting examples for others. We discussed littering, pollution, fossil fuel consumption, global warming, and a few other modern environmental issues. One camper brought up the recent international conference in Bali that opened discussion on global warming and international cooperation concerning environmental issues. Others described powerful environmental ethics demanding stewardship and care that would have warmed Aldo Leopold's heart. Yet others imagined ways to encourage stewardship and prevent pollution in their home communities, such as recycling programs, trash collection games, and united beautification efforts. Every conversation was filled with smiling optimism and a true belief in the power to change.
Jenna Miller ‘08
After the candlelight service during the last night of camp, many of the kids were feeling very emotional. What was so amazing about this time was the campers need to hug us afterwards. Many of the campers were hugging everyone at camp that they knew. I was surprised when many campers would come up to us looking like they wanted to hug us. The looks on their faces showed love, thankfulness, compassion, and caring. This was a very important moment to me because it made me realize how many kids' lives we had all touched just by being there, and how they had touched my life.
Drew Yackel-Juleen ‘09
My experience at Africa Jam Camp can be summed up by describing the candle light prayer vigil. We had been asked to find a quiet place to be with our own thoughts. We all been meditating about our lives and the campers were very quiet--a stark contrast to their usual behavior. When we sat on the floor, our position became symbolic of our role at camp. I was on the outside of the circle looking inward. This represented my status as a person from a different country and walk of life who didn’t quite fit in the inner circle of participants. Yet, I was still in the larger circle because these campers accepted me as a member of their extended family. When the testimonials ended, the entire circle broke into an emotionally charged bout of hugging. No longer was there an inner and outer circle because everyone was hugging everyone. When I felt the hugs of the campers, I felt as if the entire world had come together.
Alexandra Brakke ‘10
When I did my first interview with a student for the Africa Jam Camp website, it was only supposed to be around ten minutes, but turned into one and a half hours! The boy, Franklin, was incredible. Sitting down with him opened my mind completely about these kids and the life they live. We talked about small issues--the difference between jam and jelly--to the more profound issues, such as AIDS, drugs, and drinking among the people, mostly kids, in South Africa. I would find myself almost crying at some of his stories and then laughing hysterically at some! Franklin has these big dreams of music and is currently attending college. These kids have many obstacles to overcome, but more importantly, they have big dreams.
Kallan Anastasi ‘09
During Africa Jam Camp 2008, I had a conversation with one of the campers in my small group, Cwaita, which shows how dynamic relationship formed at camp are. Cwaita is a sweetheart and I felt that we established enough of a connection for me to give her my address. As we prepared for departure we hugged numerous times. We said our goodbyes, letting each other know what they meant to us and that we would miss one another. Then Cwaita did something that surprised me; she let me know she loved me. For me this reaffirmed what the camp is all about. Connections were formed between human beings despite cultural differences. Campers that I had never met before hugged me before they left. Africa Jam Camp is about and letting every single camper know that they are loved, even when we hardly know each other.
Kelsey Fried ‘08
Camp was one of the shortest weeks of my life, made of the longest days. Although we were all constantly exhausted, it was never hard to find energy when the kids were around. Each day and each activity of camp built upon one another toward the goal of breaking down barriers. During small group devotions on our last day, we had gone through all of the questions and the kids had given very good answers as usual. A question came up regarding whether or not one should stick by a friend when that person is making a bad decision and whether that person deserves forgiveness or not. Several campers shared personal stories of friends using drugs or having abusive family members. I truly respect these kids for the difficult situations they've faced and was proud to hear about the strength and hope they had when deciding how to react. I hope the kids will be able to maintain these bonds, this openness, and their hope when they reenter their worlds outside of camp.
Matthew Grove ‘09
There was one moment from my week at Africa Jam Camp that summed up my whole experience. This moment came on Tuesday morning during our small group discussion time, after the daily devotional message. On this particular morning, Pastor Grady St. Denis spoke about desires and temptations. I think this message really hit home for some of the campers because in their communities there are countless temptations and desires that can send them down the wrong path in life, such as drugs, gangsterism, and sex.
During our discussion, one camper, Vincent, discussed that he desired to live in the moment, because you never know when your life could come to an end. Another camper, Emile, talked about his desire to continue his schooling and to someday complete college. For these children, even finishing high school is uncommon, so Emile’s desire to finish college was outstanding. After each person shared, there were cries of "Amen" or "You can do it brother." This showed how much support these campers provided for each other, as they all knew how tough life can be sometimes for South African children. It was a time when campers from all different communities got together and broke down those barriers that separated them in the outside world.
Kristine McGlennen ‘08
Our group visit to Khayelitsha the day before we went to Africa Jam Camp, embodies the major themes of my overall experience. Upon arriving at Khayelitsha, we entered a shack filled with many members of LifeLines, all of whom welcomed us with open arms. After a few interactive games the cultural divides slowly began to crumble, and this was followed by a theatrical and musical performance that not only illustrated the magnificent talent these youth have, but provided a glimpse of the seemingly endless challenges these youth face. Following their performance these members opened their neighborhood to us with a walking tour. The LifeLines youth immediately approached our group and discussed what their lives were like while inquiring further about what our neighborhoods look like, how we like their homes, and various other questions. Despite the devastating poverty and challenges these youth face daily, they were still able to remain hopeful, express their pain and happiness through magnificent musical and theatrical performances, break down cultural divides and find comfort within the tightly united community. Despite tough backgrounds and extremely different cultures, Americans and South Africans were able to learn from one another and find hope and inspiration in each other.
Kelsey Cowdin ‘09
There were so many meaningful experiences to be had at Africa Jam Camp. My favorite memory happened half way through the week. Our small groups were going through the ropes course as a team building exercise. Each member had to use a rope to swing across a mud pit to the other side. As the boys swung across, Dermot told me to just hang on high and keep my legs up--I'd be fine. As I swung across, I could see the ledges getting closer and the boys reaching for me. Unfortunately, I was swinging too fast and started to go backwards. I mentally prepared to fall in the pit, but then I felt a hand grab my calf. Slowly I was pulled close enough to reach out a hand, and right before my tired body slid into the mud I was caught by five of the coolest people I have ever met. Hugs were given all around, and I realized that what they had done for me, this camp was doing for them. Africa Jam Camp was a safety net, trying to show these kids there was something to hold on to, and that God would catch them if they just reached out a hand. And they, in turn, could hang on and be there for each other and me.
Liz Winslow ‘09
My experience at Africa Jam Camp was a wonderful learning experience that shifted my entire mindset for the rest of this trip. Aldert (Ally) is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I've ever met. He willingly tried to teach me Afrikaans (to no avail - I only remember how to say "good"), helped me understand post-Apartheid culture, and became a great friend--all in four days. At the candlelight service Ally got up to speak, and he told us his testimony--why he was here, what had brought him to Christ, and why he is the person he is today. He began talking about an experience that had happened a few years prior, when he was only 15. He and some friends decided to go out and drink by stealing alcohol from their parents and his mother's car. Although they did have a good time, when they were driving back home early in the morning, Ally crashed the car. Confused and intoxicated, he looked in the backseat and saw something was wrong with his friend. He took him out of the car and watched him die in his arms. He was taken to the police station, but given no tests and eventually sent home with 14 months house arrest. His story shocked me--I couldn't believe that someone as nice as Ally could be involved in the story he told. That and the other testimonies and words of encouragement during the candlelight service made me wonder what else in these children's pasts? Camp was a safe haven where they could act like children, meet people from all roles, classes, and countries, and have fun. It's easy to forget what their daily lives are like when we're all running around, screaming and playing games. I realized not only how loving and compassionate the kids were, but also how strong and hopeful they were.
Andrew Aplin ‘08
One moment during camp that really opened my eyes to how much faith and religion means to those from the township areas of Cape Town. Everyday of camp, after breakfast, we would have worship and devotions which always ended in prayer. In the U.S., usually campers would not say a thing during this time. But here with these campers from the townships almost everyone spoke. But it wasn't the fact of just saying something that struck me, it was what they said and how they said it. They prayed with such enthusiasm and passion that many of them broke down into tears including myself. As I was sitting and listening to each one of them ask for forgiveness and to be given the strength to proceed in life, I really started to compare my experience at that camp with those from home. I came to a saddening realization, that as faith and religion is growing in this culture through young people, it seems in the U.S. to be slowly diminishing. More and more youth in the States seem to not follow in the light of the Lord. It is my hope that that as a result of this experience at Africa Jam Camp, we can bring back this positive experience to the States and inspire and renew faith in others.
Danny Bechtle ‘08
I have come to find that often times we find great sources of strength and courage when we least expect it. While at Africa Jam Camp, I met an incredible young man named Ameshee. Despite living in the impoverished township of Khayelitsha and having odds stacked firmly against him, he was determined not to let that destroy his dream of becoming a future doctor for his country. As we exchanged goodbyes and our addresses, I couldn't fight a tear from coming down my face. This week of camp opened my eyes to the realization that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Amshee and the rest of the 180 campers are all living proof of this.
Lisa Dahlke ‘08
I was sitting in the cafeteria Thursday night for dinner when one of he campers at the table asked me if I was married. I said I wasn't, and she preceded to ask me if I was ever going to get married. "I would like to," I said, "but a long time from now. I am far too young now." Then I asked her if she ever wanted to get married. "No," she said, "I don't ever want to get married.” I thought this moment was rather symbolic of my experience with the teenagers from the townships, and of continual surprise and revised assumptions. You may think one thing about them, but you really don't know until you talk to them and get to know them. Clearly, every individual is unique. These township kids only demonstrate that there is so much more to a person than what meets the eye and how it’s important to get to know other cultures and people before we make generalizations about them.
Mikis Kostouros ‘09
I often felt that I was constantly learning from other people. Thursday night, I had wandered down to the cafeteria for hot chocolate and found Quentin. We began to talk about our respective cultures. I would ask him questions about race relations usually and in turn he would ask me questions and we would compare our cultures. I learned a lot about South Africa history and the about the attitudes of different groups of people. We learned a lot about each other's cultures that I don't think we would have unless we actually sat down and talked with each other; I made a connection with another person that allowed me to talk and learn from them.