SOUTH AFRICA—Eight singles, along with the Githembe family, participated in a summer campout held on the Smith family’s property near Johannesburg from Dec. 24-26, 2014.

Shortly after the camp area had been set up, a thunderstorm erupted. The weather wasn’t a problem though because the first activity was held indoors. Youths of the Johannesburg congregation prepared and served a three-course meal.

Member Chantel van de Leeuw said the dinner was a great idea. “[It] gave [the children] an opportunity to appreciate the work and planning that goes into hosting a dinner,” she said.

After the meal, singles sat outside under a starry sky, where they watched the movie Courageous.

“The setting was fabulous, and despite the wet conditions, it was lovely to sit outside after dinner and enjoy a good movie with popcorn,” van der Leeuw said.

Early the next morning, the singles had breakfast before listening to a Bible study given by Assistant Pastor for Africa George Githembe. The study was followed by a group discussion.

For the next activity, singles gave short, three-minute impromptu speeches.

Member Brenda Muller said she enjoyed this part of the campout particularly. “The speeches were humorous, but some also had more serious messages. I learned what the men must feel like when they have to give speeches,” she said.

The singles then relaxed with a game of bocce ball and swimming before lunch.

This was followed by an international group date. The South Africans used Google Hangouts to have a video chat with a number of international singles. The day concluded with a barbecue and a large bonfire.

On Friday morning, singles prepared and ate breakfast before breaking down their tents and packing up.

Mag Kotze, the oldest single to attend the campout, said she was glad she attended the event. Her only son had died only a few days before the campout, so she appreciated the company of fellow singles.

“Participating in all the events lifted me onto a higher level, as I appreciated everybody’s dedication,” Kotze said. “The little kindnesses and details to serve one another deeply impressed me.”