Boys to the Bush - Week 3

On 14/05/2024, a mentoring session took place at Narrandera High School, involving a group of nine enthusiastic participants. The session aimed to enhance social skills, resilience, engagement, and confidence building among the students. The day included a variety of activities designed to promote personal growth and development.

Activities:

Visit to Narrandera Fisheries: The session commenced with a visit to Narrandera Fisheries for an informative tour. The boys were fortunate to receive an in-depth tour that went beyond the usual, engaging them with valuable insights into aquatic life and environmental conservation. They were highly engaged and appreciative of the experience.
Lunch and Activities at the Shed: Following the tour, the group returned to the shed for lunch and activities. It was impressive to note that the boys independently decided on cold meat and salad rolls for lunch, showcasing their decision-making skills and initiative. Additionally, some punctured bike tires provided an unexpected activity, highlighting the importance of equipment maintenance.
Fishing at Narrandera: The session concluded with a fishing activity at the river in Narrandera. Although no fish were caught, the boys enjoyed the scenic environment and had a good time engaging with each other. Despite the lack of success in catching fish, the experience provided opportunities for social interaction and outdoor exploration.

Observations:

Engagement at Narrandera Fisheries: The boys were highly engaged and appreciative during the tour at Narrandera Fisheries, demonstrating their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about aquatic life and environmental conservation.
Enjoyment of Shed Activities: As observed in previous sessions, the boys enjoyed the activities at the shed, demonstrating their comfort and camaraderie in the familiar environment.
Opportunities for Additional Engagement: The punctured bike tires provided an unexpected opportunity for the boys to engage in problem-solving and teamwork, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness.
Appreciation of Scenic Environment: Although no fish were caught during the fishing activity, the boys enjoyed the scenic surroundings and made the most of their time outdoors, showcasing resilience and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Goals Worked On:

Social Skills: Engaging in activities such as the tour at Narrandera Fisheries and lunch at the shed provided opportunities for the boys to practice social skills, including communication, cooperation, and decision-making.
Resilience: Despite the lack of success in catching fish, the boys demonstrated resilience by maintaining a positive attitude and making the most of the experience.
Engagement: The boys remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the session, actively participating in all activities and demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and development.
Confidence Building: Opportunities for decision-making and problem-solving during lunch preparation and the unexpected bike tire activity contributed to the boys' confidence building, instilling a sense of self-assurance and empowerment.

In conclusion, the mentoring session at Narrandera High School on 14/05/2024 provided valuable opportunities for the boys to develop essential life skills and foster positive relationships within the group. Despite the lack of success in catching fish, the session was characterized by engagement, resilience, and a positive attitude, highlighting the boys' readiness to embrace challenges and opportunities for growth.