Boys to the Bush - Week 5

Introduction: On 28/05/2024, a mentoring session took place at Narrandera High School, involving seven enthusiastic participants. The session aimed to enhance social skills, resilience, engagement, and confidence building among the students. The day was filled with culturally enriching activities designed to provide the boys with a deeper understanding of indigenous traditions and a sense of camaraderie.

Activities:

1. Cultural Education Session with Guest Presenter: The day began with a cultural education session led by a guest presenter. The presenter brought many indigenous artefacts and discussed each item's use and significance with the boys. The boys were very engaged, appreciating the opportunity to touch and feel the artefacts, which enhanced their understanding.
2. Putting Our Journeys onto Canvas: Following the cultural education session, the boys used traditional indigenous symbolism to put their personal journeys onto canvas. Some boys engaged extremely well with this task, using the new medium to share their journeys and the symbols significant to them.
3. Cooking Lunch Over an Open Fire: The boys worked together to construct a campfire and cook lunch over it. This activity fostered teamwork and a deepening sense of camaraderie as they collaborated to prepare their meal.
4. Yarns and Walks Through the Bush Landscape: After lunch, the boys had the opportunity to traverse the bush landscape, enjoying their surroundings while engaging in meaningful conversations. This activity allowed for reflection and the sharing of stories in a relaxed and natural setting.

Observations:

1. Engagement with Cultural Education: The boys were highly engaged during the cultural education session, showing great interest in the artefacts and their significance. The hands-on experience of touching and feeling the artefacts further enhanced their learning and appreciation.
2. Artistic Expression: The painting activity was a highlight, with several boys immersing themselves in the task. This creative exercise provided a new way for the boys to express their personal journeys and what holds significance for them.
3. Teamwork and Camaraderie: Constructing and cooking over the campfire required the boys to work together, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. This shared activity strengthened their bonds and provided a practical lesson in cooperation.
4. Meaningful Conversations in Nature: Walking through the bush landscape allowed the boys to relax and engage in meaningful conversations. This activity not only provided physical exercise but also facilitated deeper connections and reflections.
5. Successful Program Conclusion: This session marked the end of a successful five- week program with the boys from Narrandera High School. The boys demonstrated significant growth in social skills, resilience, engagement, and confidence building over the course of the program.

Goals Worked On:

1. Social Skills: The various activities provided opportunities for the boys to practice and enhance their social skills, including communication, cooperation, and active listening.
2. Resilience: Engaging in new and challenging tasks, such as constructing a campfire and painting their journeys, helped the boys build resilience and adaptability.
3. Engagement: The boys remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout the session, actively participating in all activities and demonstrating a keen interest in learning and personal growth.
4. Confidence Building: The session's activities, particularly the painting task and constructing the campfire, contributed to the boys' confidence building, giving them a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance.

Conclusion: The mentoring session at Narrandera High School on 28/05/2024 provided valuable opportunities for the boys to develop essential life skills and foster positive relationships within the group. The culturally enriching activities, combined with teamwork and meaningful conversations, highlighted the boys' readiness to embrace challenges and opportunities for growth. We had a great five weeks working with the boys from Narrandera High School and look forward to collaborating with the school again in the future.