There is a normalisation of violence that permeates the reality of the cattle camps in Lakes State. There is also rich tradition, legacy, community, discipline, organisation and an aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous future. Often the conversation around the cattle camps is anchored around the moment of violence and the ‘problem’ of cattle camp youth. This research approaches the inquiry from the foundation of broader cattle camp values and identity. We distil from that foundation a number of broad categories that will be familiar, together with nuances that cast the issues and possible responses in a different light. Our intention is that these angles can be the basis of a renewed conversation. The research responded to an interest in understanding the issues affecting a significant South Sudanese youth population who have been, or are at risk of militarisation. There are different regions of South Sudan where a similar inquiry would be relevant, but we have chosen to begin in a relatively narrow, but deadly and conflict-riven band of Lakes State that stretches through Rumbek North, Rumbek Central and Rumbek East: a focus conflict system for the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund.