This blog was written by Charlie Birch, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.
Bushwise is a place where like-minded people come together to complete a course that they are all passionate about. If that’s conservation, guiding or just nature in general. We have all heard the same story of “I’ve always wanted to do this” and “this has always been my dream.” Yes, to some extent this was mine, but it came about in a completely different way than I imagined.
My original dream was to play rugby, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have played at a decent level in different countries, experiencing things that one can only dream of. However, like a lot of dreams, you eventually wake up. I got injured multiple times with my shoulders and decided to call it quits long-term, as I would like to still be intact when I reach the age of 40!
This is where Bushwise comes in. If you told me a year ago that I would go from playing rugby, living in a flat with someone in my hometown, working a good job and progressing in it, to then moving to the South African bush, living with a bunch of strangers studying to be a field guide, I’d say you’re lying. But here I am.
This has honestly been one of the most important and fascinating decisions of my life. I feel at home here more than I have ever before. The people, the culture, the food, the brandy and coke, just everything seems right for me here in South Africa. I can say I have met some people I will be friends with for life – cringe, I know, but I do genuinely see myself keeping in contact with some and having them in my life forever.
This past week, I had the pleasure of being camp manager, which involves having more duties as well as a voice for your fellow camp mates. Fortunately, we have had a nice week of ARH (advanced rifle handling) which has been a great new experience as I have never shot with a rifle before. I say this, but due to us having rifle handling, and one of our golden rules being ‘drinking and shooting don’t mix’ it’s been quite a dry week where some of the camp mates have struggled adjusting to this new way of life! All-in-all, we have passed everything so far and have enjoyed it, but I can assure you we all have a lot to learn and none of us will be a James Bond any time soon.
In terms of what is next for me, I have no clue. One thing I have learnt about myself and about life out here is that it's best not to plan too far ahead as everything changes on a dime. I want, and would love, to stay here and work in a lodge as I feel like I’d do well as a guide, or maybe one day even a trainer and share the knowledge I gathered through the years I was working and hiding here.
This is my plan and I know for some it will be theirs if they do this course too. Maybe one day I will go back home to the Southwest. One thing is for sure, though, I will never lose my love and respect for this place and its wildlife. My name is Charlie Birch and this is the beginning of my guiding journey.
Ready to start your own life-changing journey? Learn more about Bushwise courses and apply today!
