C Block Journey
2012
For a number of years our C Block boys have participated in a three day hike. While the intentions of this expedition were sound, many of the objectives were not achieved because the time away in the natural environment was too short. Boys could too easily see the end from the start and their journey was more physical than intellectual or spiritual. The limited time was inadequate for self-discovery. Research suggests that the optimum duration of such a journey should be about twenty days.
The geography and demography of KZN, particularly the Midlands and 'Berg provide unique opportunities and challenges for such an expedition and we are pleased to be able to test both the terrain and our logistics on a twelve day expedition before embarking on a longer journey.
Why a journey? Life is a journey, but in the electronic age this journey can often be delivered second hand through TV or computer imagery. It is both easy and comfortable to experience the risk-free images of nature on a screen. Children are thus long in knowledge but very short on experience to handle that knowledge; much of it gathered second hand.
Dr Nick Bayliss and Dr Tim Barry remind us that humans are hard-wired to connect with nature. Technology seduces us by offering 'connectedness', and yet it brings distance. He also proposes that we make friends best by sharing adventures when sober; the better the adventure - the better the friendship.
We cannot control nature by the click of a mouse. On the journey, boys will learn to cope with what they cannot control. The weather, distances, blisters, their companions. They will discover their own identities once the layers of comfort and fashion have been peeled back. This is the essence of the journey. Each boy will experience his own journey within his group, growing physically, spiritually and in self-awareness.
When our journey is over we hope to relate completely with the statement below:
"And so from the hills we return refreshed in body, mind and spirit, to grapple anew with life's problems. For a while we have lived simply, wisely and happily; we have made good friends; we have adventured well. The hills have taught us to be content in our faith and in the love of God who created them."
More and more, it is apparent that if you ever want to get a boy, or indeed a man, to talk about his emotions, you talk to him about his relationship with his father. Perhaps no other relationship is so deeply rooted in the male psyche. A father's love and approval of, and affirmation towards his son are foundational in the life of any boy and are quite simply irreplaceable.
With the C Block Journey, the challenge is, at least in part, a metaphor of the journey from boyhood to manhood. It is a journey each boy must complete for himself. No one else can do it for him. However, he does not do it by himself.
"The good news is that active, loving fathers have a lifelong positive impact on their son's development" (William Pollock). To this end, as a symbol of your guidance and support of your son's life-long journey we would like you to write him a letter that he will then receive during his C Block Journey. Pollock, in his book Real Boys also says: "It's amazing what even the smallest gesture of love and connection can do for a boy... let him know you love him and that you care about him... a little love will go a long way".