Dear Stags,

We can't help but feel very grateful for our day today. After a beautiful sunrise breakfast with views of Table Mountain and the ocean, we hit the road to visit the Goedgedacht Trust Farm. The farm is home to nearly two hundred workers, 3,000 gardens, and the most precious kids. We were greeted at the preschool with hugs and smiles. We spent time simply playing blocks, dancing, and running around with a soccer ball. The Stags were very excited to share new toys with them and engage. Some seniors led a large LEGO tower build, juniors buzzed around the playground, while the sophomores enjoyed a dance party, and some freshmen helped with nap time. The children are mostly kids of the farmers and spend their day in a school-like setting with kids similar to them.

The farm has introduced the "Path onto Prosperity" (POP) program which the kids are involved with both in their local communities and at the school. This program runs a variety of aspects including music, technology, and sports which continue to embrace the children in the opportunity present to them beyond their community. Through an asset based community development (ABCD) approach they are able to help the children grow beyond what has been set up for them. Each Stag had a unique experience and will remember that moment for years to come. After being separated from the kids (really not wanting to go at all!!) we walked to the main farm building and enjoyed a presentation by the fabulous staff of the center followed by a trip to the garden. Your stags got busy and went to work! Some were weeding, others wheel barrowing the waste out, and others found a quick moment to try some fresh fruit!

The cuisine at the farm was delicious. We shared a lunch of local produce cooked right at the farm. Following lunch, an obstacle course challenge met us head on. The obstacles which were simple yet challenging included balance beams, tires, and a variety of wooden structures. The motto of "we learn while we play" could not be expressed better and this team building experience is one that will carry on as the team leads toward another school year and playing season.

After a day of excitement sharing joy with the community, we ended with a dinner at a local waterfront restaurant. With a full stomach after a long day, we head to bed with surfing and a tour at Robben Island. Upon a reflection of the day, we are filled with gratitude for the community we share, the families we love, and the opportunities we are given each and every day.

Until next time, Stags!

- Kelly Bommer