Boys to the Bush - Week 1

On 30/04/2024, a mentoring session was held for Narrandera High School with a group of ten boys. This session marked the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful mentoring journey. The focus was on fostering respect, resilience, engagement, confidence building, and community among the participants. The day kicked off with a variety of engaging activities aimed at building rapport and setting the tone for future sessions.

Activities:

Shed Activities: The session began with recreational activities in the shed, including ping pong, air hockey, pool table, and scooters. These activities provided an opportunity for the boys to bond, relax, and enjoy themselves in a supportive environment.
Program Introduction Presentation: Following the shed activities, mentors delivered a presentation introducing the mentoring program and its objectives. This presentation outlined the importance of respect, resilience, engagement, and confidence building, setting the stage for meaningful interactions throughout the day.
Shopping for Lunch Supplies: Subsequently, the group went shopping for lunch supplies, allowing participants to practice budgeting, decision-making, and teamwork. This activity also provided an opportunity for the boys to contribute to the planning and preparation of their meal.
Fishing and Lunch at Gogelderie Weir: The highlight of the day was fishing and lunch at Gogelderie Weir. Despite not having luck with catching fish, the boys enjoyed the experience and engaged in meaningful conversations. They demonstrated resilience in the face of disappointment and appreciated the opportunity to spend time in nature.
Travelling Back to School for Drop Off: The session concluded with the group traveling back to school, where participants were dropped off. This provided mentors with an opportunity to reflect on the day's activities and discuss future plans with the boys.

Observations:

Great First Session: The session was deemed a great success, with mentors noting the boys' positive attitudes and enthusiasm. It was evident that the boys were eager to participate and engage in the mentoring program.
Emphasis on Respect: Respect emerged as a central theme during the session, with mentors emphasizing its importance. While respect needed to be reiterated initially, the boys quickly demonstrated respectful behavior, showing gratitude towards mentors and other individuals involved in the activities.
Meaningful One-on-One Conversations: Mentors engaged in meaningful one-on-one conversations with the boys, fostering trust and rapport. The boys responded well and actively participated in these conversations, demonstrating their willingness to engage with mentors.
Diverse Group Dynamics: Despite coming from different backgrounds, the boys worked well together, demonstrating teamwork and cooperation. There were no conflicts within the group, highlighting their ability to collaborate effectively.

Goals Worked On:

Respect: The emphasis on respect was evident throughout the session, with the boys demonstrating courteous behavior and showing appreciation towards others.
Resilience: Despite facing challenges such as unsuccessful fishing attempts, the boys demonstrated resilience and maintained a positive attitude throughout the session.
Engagement: The boys remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, actively participating in all activities and showing eagerness to learn and interact with mentors.
Confidence Building: Opportunities for meaningful interactions and participation in various activities contributed to the boys' confidence building, instilling a sense of self-assurance and empowerment.
Community: The session fostered a sense of community among the participants, encouraging teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support.

In conclusion, the mentoring session with Narrandera High School students on 30/04/2024 marked a successful beginning to the mentoring journey. Through a combination of engaging activities and meaningful interactions, the boys demonstrated their readiness to embrace the program's objectives and work towards personal growth and development. Moving forward, the mentors are excited to continue supporting the boys in their journey towards becoming confident, resilient, and engaged individuals within their community.