Zoë Ellender explains Sugar Bay’s approach to water safety, from swim tests and yellow rash vests to lifeguard supervision at Zinkwazi Beach.

When Sugar Bay opened, Zoë Ellender expected campers to rave about the facilities. Their favourites were breakdancing and poi, taught by counselors sharing their own talents. Twenty-five years later, our founder and director reflects on the young people who have shaped camp life in Zinkwazi Beach, the friendships that have lasted decades, and why meeting each new group still gives her hope for South Africa.