Boys to the Bush - Week 4
On 21/05/2024, a mentoring session took place at Narrandera High School, involving a group of seven enthusiastic participants. The session aimed to enhance social skills, resilience, engagement, and confidence building among the students. The day's activities were varied and designed to provide enriching experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Activities:
- Tour of Southern Cotton: The session began with a tour of Southern Cotton, where the boys learned about the ginning process. They were well engaged and asked insightful questions, demonstrating their interest in the process and the sophisticated equipment used.
- Visiting a Cod Farm: The next activity involved visiting a cod farm and netting some large cod. This engaging and fun experience was a highlight, leaving many of the boys drenched but smiling. Several boys eagerly attempted to lift the large cod for photo opportunities, adding to the enjoyment.
- Lunch at the Whitton Malthouse: The group then had lunch at the Whitton Malthouse, where the boys thoroughly enjoyed chicken schnitzel prepared by the staff. For about half the boys, it was their first visit to the Malthouse, and they appreciated both the food and the welcoming atmosphere.
- Aqua Golf and Fishing: After lunch, the boys participated in aqua golf, which was a smash hit. They enthusiastically aimed for the targets, with a few hitting the targets but unfortunately missing the holes. The final activity was fishing, where, despite not catching any fish, the boys remained in high spirits and enjoyed the tranquil setting
Observations:
- Engagement at Southern Cotton: The boys were highly engaged during the Southern Cotton tour, asking excellent questions and showing a keen interest in the ginning process and the machinery involved.
- Enjoyment at the Cod Farm: The visit to the cod farm was a favorite among the boys. The hands-on experience of netting large cod was exciting and left everyone with smiles and great memories.
- Positive Experience at the Malthouse: The lunch at the Whitton Malthouse was well- received, with the boys enjoying both the food and the new experience. The friendly staff and tasty chicken schnitzel were particularly appreciated.
- Aqua Golf and Fishing Fun: Aqua golf was particularly popular, with the boys showing enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Although no fish were caught during the fishing activity, the boys enjoyed the peaceful environment and remained positive.
Goals Worked On:
- Social Skills: The activities provided numerous opportunities for the boys to practice social skills, including communication, cooperation, and asking questions.
- Resilience: Despite not catching any fish and facing challenges in aqua golf, the boys demonstrated resilience by maintaining positive attitudes and enjoying the activities.
- Engagement: The boys remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, actively participating in all activities and demonstrating a commitment to learning and having fun.
- Confidence Building: The hands-on experiences, such as netting large cod and participating in aqua golf, contributed to the boys' confidence building, giving them a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.
In conclusion, the mentoring session at Narrandera High School on 21/05/2024 was highly successful, providing the boys with valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. Through engaging activities and meaningful interactions, the boys demonstrated their ability to work together, show resilience, and build confidence, highlighting their readiness to embrace challenges and opportunities for learning.
