Boys to the Bush - Week 2
On 7/05/2024, a mentoring session was conducted at Narrandera High School, bringing together a group of ten enthusiastic participants. The session aimed to promote community spirit, resilience, engagement, confidence building, and respect among the students. The day's activities were designed to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and personal growth.
Activities:
- Visiting Local Farm: The session commenced with a visit to a local farm, where the boys assisted with fencing and observed sheep being weighed. While there were varying levels of interest and experience in fencing among the boys, all actively participated and contributed to the tasks at hand.
- Lunch at Local Sports Ground: Following the farm visit, the group enjoyed lunch at a local sports ground. This provided an opportunity for the boys to refuel and socialize in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Game of Cricket and Basketball: After lunch, the boys engaged in a friendly game of cricket and basketball. Some demonstrated athletic prowess and impressive hitting skills during cricket, while others showcased their enthusiasm and teamwork in both sports.
- Free Time at the Shed: The session concluded with free time at the shed, where the boys enjoyed playing pool and ping pong. The shed has proven to be a popular recreation space, providing the boys with a comfortable environment to bond and enjoy each other's company.
Observations:
- Varying Levels of Interest: While some boys had previous experience with fencing, others were new to the activity. Despite this, all participants actively participated and contributed, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to try new things.
- Enjoyment of Shed Space: The boys have shown a strong affinity for the shed as a recreation space, indicating its importance in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the group.
- Athletic Prowess and Teamwork: During the sports activities, some boys displayed impressive skills, while others showed enthusiasm and teamwork. Regardless of skill level, all participants engaged in the activities and supported each other.
- Reminder on Respect: During the bus ride from the school, the boys were reminded of the importance of respect, both for themselves and for others. This served as an opportunity to reinforce the values of Boys to the Bush and Narrandera High School, ensuring positive representation at all times.
Goals Worked On:
- Community: The session fostered a sense of community among the participants, as evidenced by their collaboration and support for each other during activities.
- Resilience: Engaging in unfamiliar tasks such as fencing required resilience and adaptability, which the boys demonstrated throughout the session.
- Engagement: The boys remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day, actively participating in all activities and demonstrating their commitment to personal growth and development.
- Confidence Building: Opportunities for success and encouragement during activities such as sports and fencing contributed to the boys' confidence building, instilling a sense of self-assurance and empowerment.
- Respect: Reminders about respect reinforced the importance of demonstrating respectful behavior in all contexts, promoting positive interactions and relationships among the participants.
In conclusion, the mentoring session at Narrandera High School on 7/05/2024 provided valuable opportunities for the boys to develop essential life skills and foster positive relationships within the group. Through a combination of engaging activities and meaningful interactions, the boys demonstrated their readiness to embrace the program's objectives and work towards becoming confident, resilient, and respectful individuals within their community.
