The roll out of the Outdoor Active Recreation Participation program has been a fulfilling experience. Commencing back in June 2022 we reached out to Right Forward WA to put together a quote on taking out 2 school groups to 2 Pilbara bush locations. After a full day site visit, we decided on both Beasley River Cheela plains and Dale’s campground in Karijini National Park.
The next step was deciding who was to attend these camps, The Nintirri Centre lead a small focus group made up of representatives from Tom Price youth centre, Tom Price high school, local Baptist pastor and the Nintirri Team who would discuss who best fits such a great opportunity. The next couple of months we worked through the long list of students attending Tom Price Senior High School.
The Nintirri Centre then produced a letter of invitation and personally selected a group of students for each camp, this being the biggest challenge as not all students were available or interested in attending, however we worked through student lists and waitlists and managed to confirm 2 groups of 12 students.
Both camps were a great success, for those that attended we noticed a significant increase of resilience and personal growth just in the few days away. Each student learnt how to correctly pack hiking packs, set up camp, cook a full meal and work as a team. There were daily tasks including hiking, exploring and discovering tracks, fun games, hot chocolates and reflection time at the end of each day. The youth camps had a large focus in connection to country, camping at 2 different locations for each camp in the bush with no Wi-Fi or access to the usual luxuries including running hot water, toiletries, and power. These kids disconnected from technology, video games and the usual day to day services.
We introduced some of our local Traditional Owners and elders from both Yingawangka and Banjima tribe to educate the youth on the local indigenous and their culture, living off the land and reconnecting with the natural environment. We visited the local Karijini Visitors Centre and were shown the history of Karijini and all the great aspects that make up such a beautiful national park.
Overall there were plenty of smiles and we are very grateful to have been given this opportunity. We want to thank the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for funding such a great experience and Right Foot Forward WA for leading the way, we look forward to many more great opportunities to help improve our youth wellbeing and mental health.
