Yzerfontein Beach Experience

Yzerfontein Beach Experience, previously known as Yzerfontein Stranddiens, is one of the annual outreaches that Kopanong Student Ministry is always proud to present. Filled with beach games, outings with your fellow outreach members and exploration of the beautiful Western Cape, Yzerfontein Outreach presents the opportunity for every student to break away to the coast while building relationships and deepening their faith.

We often classify an outreach as the word itself suggests, reaching out and lending a hand, but looking back over the past couple of years (not overlooking the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic) one realises that an in-reach is also a necessary component of faith, community and general well-being. Taking a look at ourselves and growing as individuals enable us to better reach out to others. 

Observing the example of my grandparents who served selflessly, I was of the opinion that one should give to the point of burnout, and as a Christian I often understood that as our calling: we should give even when we have nothing left to give, serve even though we are very tired. However, after one particularly taxing week of helping friends, and spending more time on the needs of others than on my own, my grandmother shared a piece of wisdom with me that I will always remember: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” This revelation brought a whole new perspective for me on how we as Christians should serve. Giving to those around us is one of our core callings, but how can we give to those in need if our cup becomes empty? Therefore outreaches (or in-reaches, rather) like Yzerfontein offer opportunities for us to reload our giving abilities; recharging our batteries to serve better.

The Yzerfontein outreach has the wonderful benefit of being a bit of both – giving and receiving. While on this journey, we reach into ourselves even as we learn and grow close to those joining us on this adventure. Spending time in nature – beautiful beyond measure – and just looking at the ocean is healing. (For me as a Free State born individual, watching the breakers is always a therapeutic action.) On the other hand, we also get to spend time with the children of people spending holiday time at the camp grounds in Yzerfontein. Campers come from all over the country to explore the beauty that is on offer at the West Coast, and we as outreach members have the privilege of spending time, playing games and entertaining their children. We present programmes such as puppet shows, evening programmes that engage the kids, and daily games on the beach for the duration of the outreach. We are indeed reaching out and reaching within.

I would strongly recommend this outreach to any student who has time available during their vacation and would like to join us at a beautiful beach in the Western Cape. New friendships are formed, emotional and spiritual growth is part of the journey, and above and beyond that there is the treat of the ocean where you are allowed to jol a game of touch-rugby every day!