INSIDE SCOOP OF HC VACATIONS

Chiara Dover

@chiaradoverr

 

Of all the responsibilities shouldered by a university House Committee (HC), planning and executing its annual trip is perhaps the most unique. It’s a logistical challenge, a strategic retreat, and a holiday all rolled into one. Far from a simple vacation, this journey is a carefully orchestrated event that can define a committee’s term, forging unity through shared experiences—from the mundane to the unforgettable.

 

Coreen de Villiers, the Primaria of Kasteel Ladies’ Residence, was happy to oblige in an interview, sharing the tradition of HC vacations with the masses. The foundation of any successful HC trip is practical, starting with a democratically chosen location and a transparent budget. The destination isn’t the whim of a single leader; it’s a collective decision heavily influenced by practicality. “If someone in the group has a vacation home in order to lower the cost… the group will go there,” she explains. Ultimately, the choice hinges on what members are willing and able to pay.

 

Funding is a collaborative effort. Core costs like accommodation and transport are split equally among all members. For entertainment or extra spending money, committees often get creative, raising funds through bake sales or other initiatives they devise together. This ensures the trip is accessible and that every member has a stake in its success from the outset.

 

At its heart, the HC trip is a vital tool for building a cohesive team. Thrown together for seven to eight days, members learn more about each other than any formal meeting could ever reveal. They discover each other’s daily habits and coping mechanisms in uncomfortable situations—a process that builds deep, unspoken bonds and a profound understanding of how to work together effectively.

 

Balancing the “team bonding” with the “we’re on holiday” vibe is a delicate art. The key, according to insiders, is clear leadership. “It’s important for a Primaria/Primarius to set boundaries from the get-go.” The trip is treated as a strategic opportunity—the best and often only time for the entire committee to be together, away from campus distractions, to set goals for their term. The day is often structured, divided into set times for administrative work and time for relaxing and bouncing ideas off each other.

 

It’s the spontaneous, unscripted moments that often cement these bonds. One HC recalls a night that became legend, “In 2023, Kasteel’s HC all decided to jump in the ocean fully clothed, with no towels, at 2 in the morning.” This shared act of joyful madness creates a story that lives on—a touchstone for the group’s camaraderie.

 

Similarly, social gatherings—sometimes with alcohol—can play a role in breaking down formal barriers. “You see a different side of each other and tend to open up more,” though the consensus is that it depends on context and moderation. The goal is connection, not intoxication.

 

Amid all the planning and activities, one unwritten rule seems to universally apply—a simple directive that cuts through any complexity: go to the beach. It’s a reminder that beyond the budgets and brainstorming sessions, the trip is also about stepping away, sharing a sunset, and simply enjoying one another’s company.

 

In the end, the HC trip is a microcosm of leadership itself—a blend of rigorous planning, adaptive teamwork, and the magic that happens when a dedicated group of people shares not just a purpose, but an experience. It’s where the blueprint for a successful term is drawn, not just on paper, but in the sand.

 

 

Edited by Mignon Walters