Since the launch of CapeNature’s club for children a year ago, its members have been very busy doing their part to save our environment. On the weekend of 13 May, the entity rewarded its top members with an overnight camp at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

The CapeNature Cubs Club is a digital platform for children between the ages of 4 and 13 years, where they can learn more about nature and how to protect it. Cubs Club members can participate in action projects through the Club’s quarterly newsletter competition. The online newsletter received by members includes fascinating facts and simple environmentally friendly activities that can be completed at home. To be eligible for reward points, members are encouraged to send pictures of their green action projects to CapeNature. Each quarter is themed and once a member has earned 200 points for actions under a specific theme, they are awarded a theme-specific budget badge.

The overnight camp included an award ceremony where top earners were presented with their theme-specific button badges. During their overnight stay, the children also participated in several fun and educational activities, earning themselves even more points. The activities taught them how to connect with nature which they practiced during an activity-based hike. Amarah Isaacs, one of the children participating said, 

According to CapeNature’s CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, “Our connection with nature deepens when we are in nature. A stronger connection results in an appreciation and value for nature and its protection. We hope that contact events such as these will catalyse positive environmental action from these inspirational young children who will surely become the ambassadors for nature in future”.

The CapeNature points system is not the only incentive for Club members. Upon sign-up children receive a free welcome pack filled with goodies such as an indigenous tree seed and Cubs Club button badge, to get their conservation journey started. Cubs also receive a 20% discount on a family holiday at participating CapeNature reserves for their birthday, valid for 6 months. Signup is free.

Future plans for the CapeNature Cubs Club include the incorporation of team or group sign-ups as well as set contact events throughout the year. For more information on the Club, parents can email learning@capenature.co.za.