A number (or gathering of people) is a subtle network of relationships.  It is a dynamic mix of leadership objectives and participant expectations.  It provides an opportunity for good experiences for participants, value forming potential and it has an emphasis on the outdoors as the context for positive recreational activities.

Organised group camps are an accessible way in which people can experience a degree of communal living.  Aspects included in this community-building environment are `time for experience to accumulate’ within the new setting.  This then makes possible the discovery of new dimensions of relationships with others.  It is the social aspects of a shared experience, which assumes key importance for all.

The challenge for these camps is to provide:

·        experiences which give a taste of, and kindle a desire for, living in deeper harmony and relationships with others;

·        models of how relationships can be developed, and difficulties dealt within a community situation;

·        an opportunity to observe and assess young people’s behaviours in a more natural setting. `Real’ examples of life and life problems are able to be worked through with these troubled at risk and marginalize young people; and

·        to role model genuine caring and nurturing within a family context.

This model also enables the construction of a positive peer culture and the provision of a number of positive peer models.  Such peers are again able to provide a more natural reference point for these young people who in many cases have no such reference or any sense of belonging or connection to anywhere or anyone.

These camps can provide a safe place, physically and emotionally for young people to explore relationships, recreational opportunities and to acquire the various skills required to give them a chance in life.

Dates for the Camps

Term 1            27th Feb - 1st March 2009

Term 2            15th - 17th May 2009

Term 3            21st - 23rd August 2009

Goals of weekend camps

The goal is to provide a vehicle for staff, peers, student leaders and student in need to respond positively in as normal an environment as possible.

Purpose of the weekend camp is:

• to allow genuine expression of behaviour (acceptable and non-acceptable);
• to allow for peer sanctions of unacceptable behaviour;
• to enforce socially acceptable mores;
• to provide role models for social interaction in communication and recreation;
• to foster genuine non-threatening relationship between staff and students; and
• to role model genuine caring and nurturing within a family context.

We sometimes forget that boys need good male role models just as much as they need good female role models.

What boys have is a “deep biological need for strong, humorous, hairy, wild, tender, sweaty, caring, intelligent male input’. (Biddulph 1991)

One way we can achieve this is just to have some time together and have fun.

This camp is for males only. If a father, step-father, grand father, uncle isn’t able to make it, but the boy wishes to come, he is more than welcome.  We have enough staff and spare dads to be surrogate dads or mates for the weekend. 

This camp is held on 4th & 5th September 2009.