The Annual Hermanus Camp is a summer camping adventure for boys that promotes an outward-bound philosophy. It is styled on scouting traditions with a Christian ethos. Campers are accommodated under canvas in a beautiful Milkwood glen on a grassy site between the lagoon and the mountains of Hermanus, with direct access to the beaches.

The Camp aims to provide an opportunity for young boys and men to develop physically, socially and spiritually through a variety of enjoyable and challenging outdoor activities: sailing, canoeing, abseiling, hiking, swimming, games, competitions, beach games, archery and over-night hiking adventures.

Leadership and teambuilding life skills are developed in a friendly, fun and exciting natural environment, under the guidance of experienced, adult campers. Established in 1908, the Camp is a non-profit organisation, managed by a volunteer committee of former Campers.
The Camp accepts a maximum of 42 boys between the ages of 11 and 15 each summer. Additionally, 16 junior leaders (“Back-Streeters”, aged 16–20) are recruited from returning campers, who help the core of adult “Main-Streeters” to organise and lead the Camp. Typically, 60% of our campers return each summer.

“Our small size means that every camper gets to know everyone else, and our leaders are able to give each boy the attention he deserves.”

Perhaps most important of all, at the Annual Hermanus Camp, boys form strong, meaningful friendships that last years after camping days have passed. Our alumni tell us these friendships are the most significant, enduring part of their Camp experience.

It is often repeated:

“You don’t join Camp for just one summer...
You join for a lifetime!”

Our Camp is one of the oldest, continuously-running youth groups in the world. Only about 8 USA summer camps are older than us, we’re a year younger than the UK Scout Movement and we started at the same time as the SA Scouts. In 2008, we celebrated our 100th anniversary with campers returning from all over the world. In 2018, we celebrated the 110th anniversary in a similar style.

The Camp is pitched amongst ancient Milkwood trees on a large grassy site where the Hermanus Vlei meets the beach. All campers sleep in large canvas bell-tents. The Camp has flush toilets, an open-air bush shower and refrigeration facilities. Our site fronts both the Vlei and the beach.

The Marquee

All hot meals are served in a large marquee tent equipped with tables and benches. Our cooking and washing is done by our experienced chef and his assistants.

Medical Facilities

We have a medical-tent staffed by trained First-Aiders for treating any minor ailments and injuries. Our leaders are trained in basic First-Aid and CPR. Hermanus has a public and private hospital within a twenty minute drive. While the Camp may pay for minor medical expenses, parents are expected to cover all medical costs in the event of an accident.

Camp is an active, physical environment and may not be able to accommodate specific physical disabilities. Please contact us if you have an inquiry in this regard.