Question 1

How can I support this project?

Accepted Answer

We have many requests to volunteer, and we so appreciate this. We are however a small team and are still working towards a volunteer program where we can put your skills to best use. We ask that in the interim that you like our Facebook Page, follow us on Instagram and share our posts, help spread the word about the project and check in for events where you can assist.   There are also many other ways you could support Wild Nights Out: As part of our Supportive Transition Year that follows on from the Wilderness Passage of the mountains, there is a support structure that has been created which we are wanting to expand to include one-to-one mentoring. If you are interested in being a mentor to youth in their transition year after school please contact us.   Perhaps you'd like to offer a partnership with your organization who work with Nature-based youth development. Or you have a transport company and you'd like to assist with the needed vehicles to get to the mountains and back to Cape Town? Maybe you work with food and would like to contribute towards nourishing and healthy meals for the group while they hike? You might want to donate old equipment?   Financial support is also greatly appreciated as we offer Wild Nights Out to Matric's themselves for a very minimul "Pay-It-Forward" donation that is more about them investing in themselves and committing to the programme, rather than really contributing towards the project costs. Donations can be made through our GivenGain page or SnapScan.   If you’d like to share your skills pro-bono, please contact us at info@wildnightsout.co.za

Question 2

I'm a Matric - how do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Click on the button at the top of the HOME page that says "APPLY HERE" and it will take you to the application form. The ABOUT page also has the option to apply online, or to view the PDF form. You can also Whatsapp us and we'll send you a PDF form. With the PDF you type up your answers and send them back to us in a Whatsapp message. Whatsapp +27 741 727 327   The application form will ask you why you feel you should be one of the participants? Please really consider your reasons and then share them there. Your response is what will be considered most carefully in allocating places on WILD NIGHTS OUT. It's simple: the more effort you put in the more likely it is that you will be allocated a place. The more personalized and detailed the better. Our seletion team need to feel inspired that YOU are the person who should get a place on this experience, and only 3 or 4 lines does not tend to do this. So go ahead, send us a few thought out paragraphs about why is it YOU!   The ability to answer these kinds of questions is a real life skill, so use this opportunity to practice... enjoy telling us who you are and why you should be here.

Question 3

Who qualifies for a place?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can apply to WILD NIGHTS OUT.   The only criteria is that you need to be finishing Matric in the year that you apply for.   We have also made WILD NIGHTS OUT accessible to EVERYONE through scholarships.   BUT - There are only 18 places in total each year!!  This means after you apply and you are offered a place you need to commit. Your place will otherwise be handed on to the next person on the waiting list.

Question 4

Where does it happen?

Accepted Answer

WILD NIGHTS OUT happens in the Cederberg Mountains in the WESTERN CAPE. Currently this is the only province where it happens. (We are working on getting it to happen in other provinces.)

Question 5

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

We organise a bus to take everyone up to the Cederberg Mountains, and fetch you again 6 days later.   Currently WILD NIGHTS OUT only happens in the Western Cape. This means that if you live in another part of the country you will have to make your way to Cape Town and arrange somewhere to stay there the night before we leave. You will aslo need to arrange to stay the night when we get back, as we only arrive back in Cape Town around 5pm on the afternoon of the 13th December.   If you really want to come, and you know you'll need to get a bus/catch a flight, you can start fundraising and save for this early in the year.

Question 6

What does WILD NIGHTS OUT cost?

Accepted Answer

18 scholarships are made available to support Matric’s getting out into nature, therefore the cost to you is minimal. There is a simple donation that we ask you to make that is a “Pay-it-forward” gesture of R400. This is put towards helping the Matrics of next year to go out into the mountains, in the same way that this donation from the year before is now going towards helping you to join us. If you do not have R400 then please get in contact with us with any amount that feels possible for you. It is less about the amount than about the willingness to give a tiny bit of yourself and show your committment to joining us in the mountains. If R50 is what is possible that is absolutely fine, just let us know.

Question 7

What do I need to bring

Accepted Answer

We will send you a detailed packing list but in a nutshell you will need:   •Backpack - a big one (see the picture for an idea of size)     •Sleeping bag •Sleeping mat •Bowl, cup and spoon •Takkies/hiking boots •T-shirt x 2, pair of shorts/leggings to hike in, 1 change of clothes for chill time, socks, toiletries.  •If you have your own little hiking gas stove bring that, else we will provide you with one.

Question 8

What it I don’t have some things of the “to bring” list?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry if you don't have this kind of equipment. First plan is asking your friends and neighbours if they have anything on this list that you can borrow. If you still can't find an item then let us know exactly what you need and we can lend you one.

Question 9

What is the Supportive Transition Year?

Accepted Answer

After this Wilderness Passage there is an option for those who want to continue to be a part of the Wild Nights Out community to join the year-long supportive transition programme.   As a Matric you are moving from school life into the wider world - a time of great change - and it helps to have an amazing group of people who know you well to have your back during this time.   This is optional - you can join any of the calls and activites that we offer throughout the year. There is a monthly check-in call with the group, mentoring and internship opportunities, adventure activities and other nature-based experiences. Wild Nights Out has partnered with The Presidents Award and you can also choose to do the Silver Level during this supported year.   There is also a peer network of Wild Nights Out alumni - those Matrics from previous year's who are now part of the community - who use the Whatsapp group and group check-in calls to share job opportunities, scholaship applications, and supportive and encouraging words. It's like having a huge family of people who love you and are rooting for you.

WILDNIGHTSOUT