The Character Company, a South African non-profit, recently hosted its annual camp at B’sorah Trails. Partnering with O-Ventures, the organization ran an orienteering event for boys aged 10 to 20 from fatherless homes or those lacking positive male role models.
The event aimed to develop navigation skills, physical endurance, and teamwork while reinforcing core values like honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, and self-discipline.
B’sorah Trails spans 150 hectares of varied terrain, including bushveld, riverine forest, rocky outcrops, and rolling hills. This setting provided a moderate physical challenge with scenic views.
O-Ventures staff, Barbara, Garry, and Richard, placed 20 control points across the area. Teams had three hours to visit as many as possible, earning up to 350 points based on controls reached and time efficiency.
Six teams participated, each guided by a mentor. Most boys had no prior navigation experience, making the event a steep learning curve. Success depended on route planning, map-reading, and compass use. Teams covered distances of 6 to 10 kilometers, navigating obstacles like dense thickets and steep inclines.
The first team finished after 2.5 hours, collecting all 20 controls with 20 minutes remaining. The other five teams returned shortly after, all performing strongly despite their inexperience. Stronger team members assisted younger or less confident boys, highlighting the event’s emphasis on collaboration. Mentors observed that top teams invested time in initial route planning, which minimized errors and maximized scores.
Post-event, participants refueled with a hamburger lunch, allowing time to debrief and share experiences. The meal fostered further bonding, as boys discussed challenges and successes.
The Character Company focuses on long-term mentorship to address absentee fatherhood’s impacts. Programs include weekly sessions, workshops on emotional intelligence, and outdoor activities. These efforts aim to break cycles of family instability and equip boys to contribute positively to their communities. By modeling healthy masculinity, the organization helps participants build resilience and leadership skills.
This orienteering challenge exemplified the program’s goals. It taught practical navigation while demonstrating how planning and mutual support lead to better outcomes. Boys learned that perseverance and group effort outweigh individual speed, lessons applicable to daily life.
Event outcomes underscore the program’s effectiveness: All teams completed the course successfully, with no major setbacks reported. Feedback indicated increased confidence in decision-making and teamwork. The Character Company plans to incorporate similar events into future camps to sustain these gains.
For those interested in supporting this work, visit The Character Company’s website to learn about volunteering, donations, or program involvement. Events like this one show how targeted mentorship can shape future leaders.