Sugar Bay – It’s Brilliant!

I have never been particularly impressed with the notion of holiday camps for kids. Images of Veld School, that awful offspring of the Youth Preparedness programme that our apartheid era government borrowed from the Hitler Youth movement to bash kids into shape, come instantly to mind. Fun was not part of the programme then, nor was decent food, ablution facilities or sleeping arrangements. On the contrary, these camps were awful, designed to prepare us pale natives for the rigors of the final onslaught, that bogeyman used by the propagandists to keep us in a state of fearful obedience.

So, when I was invited to visit Sugar Bay, a holiday camp for kids from 7 to 17, I was less than enthusiastic. Why would anyone willingly go to a camp for a holiday? But curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go along to see how awful it could possibly be. I was fully prepared to hate it on sight but I was in for the surprise of my life.

We arrived earlier than expected for a rendezvous with Storm Steen, the PR manager, but we were greeted enthusiastically by a young manager called Sprout who took us on an impromptu tour of the facilities. They are amazing - a sort of Neverland full of cool things to see and do in an environment that is custom built for kids of all ages. By the time Storm arrived for our meeting, I was a total convert. How I would have loved the opportunity to enjoy the Sugar Bay experience as a kid…

The emphasis here is on fun and entertainment in the safest, most exciting and most rewarding way. There is a ratio of one counsellor to every three kids to ensure close supervision at all times and these counsellors are amazing. Think the nicest young people you know, the best big brother big sister role models ever, and you have the Sugar Bay team. And, based on what we saw and the testimonials I read, the campers love them.

There are over 100 organised activities that fill the week and keep the campers bubbling over with energy enthusiasm – and everyone is swept up in the fun and excitement until the week has passed in a flash. There are beach activities, bush style adventures, evening activities in the theatre, camp fires, fabulous food, fun and fantasy in a world where everything is cool. Then no one wants to go home!

If ever there was a shining endorsement, that’s it for me…

Life skills are integrated into every part of the day at Sugar Bay: from the routine of the meals to the interaction of the counsellors; from the daily activities to the evening reflections. Parents and teachers continually remark on the dramatic improvement in the levels of independence, self-confidence, empathy and responsibility after their kids have been to Sugar Bay.

Campers are accommodated in camp-style log cabins and boys and girls sleep in separate and secure areas. Two or more counsellors sleep in the same cabins as the kids, ensuring round-the-clock supervision and optimal care and safety. Counsellors are specially trained for different age groups. For the younger campers, who are here on their first sleep-away camp, the counsellors provide comfort love, routine and support. For the older campers, they are positive role models, providing friendship, advice and guidance. Each cabin is elevated on stilts with en-suite bathrooms and everything necessary for a comfortable night’s sleep including sturdy wooden bunks (with ladders and side bars), bedding, cupboards, covered deck and mosquito plugs.

Sugar Bay is owned and managed by Nic and Zoë Ellender. Nic, a mechanical engineer, and Zoë, an attorney, both left the corporate world to follow their dream of combining their love of children, holidays, adventure, sports, the sun and sun.

They have had extensive experience caring for, entertaining and organizing children of different age groups. They love to see children making the most of their special talents and abilities and are committed to providing the ultimate holiday experience.

The fact that they now attract kids from all over the world to this unique world of healthy fun and entertainment right here on our doorstep is a tribute to their vision.  Sugar Bay continues to grow with new facilities currently being added to make it even more exciting.

For more info contact:

Booking Office Tel: (032) 485 3778    
Cell:  082 525 9503      
Holiday Camps : holidays@sugarbay.co.za