THE Hunter Youth Leadership program is in its final year after a long sponsorship arrangement comes to an end with Yancoal (formally Coal & Allied).
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However, heavily-subsided places are still available for the initiative delivered by Outward Bound from June 2 to 8.
Students must be in Year 9 or 10 and enrolled at Singleton High School, Muswellbrook High School, Merriwa High School, Scone High School, Scone Grammar School or St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen to apply for the partially-funded places.
The program is run by Outward Bound Australia and proven to be an effective way of equipping pupils with the skills they need to be passionate, engaged, and positive contributors to the Hunter community.
The theme of the initiative is to “build stronger communities by inspiring the next generation of leaders”.
The seven-day program provides a shared experience, enabling youth to understand that they direct their future, through their self-beliefs, attitudes, choices and actions.
The aims of it are:
* To improve relationship with themselves and others, enhancing communication skills;
* To improve self-awareness and self-management;
* To develop resilience, initiative and responsibility;
* To challenge self-perceptions of ability to overcome difficulties;
* To appreciate service and the value of doing something for others; and
* To foster a sense of community between Upper Hunter students from different schools.
The outdoor education program challenges pupils to step outside of their comfort zones in an expedition journey which entails hiking, abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking, high ropes courses, leadership workshops, team initiatives, camping and bush cooking.
Outward Bound client manager Hayden Goldstraw has been pleased with the applications to date, but says there are still 15 more places available.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students in the Hunter,” he said.
“When I meet past students of the program they tell me it was the best experience of their school lives.
“You can’t beat that.”
In addition to the remaining 15 part scholarships, one full indigenous scholarship is available.
Interested students can contact their Year 9 or 10 school advisor or business development at Outward Bound Australia Lisa Flower at lisa.flower@outwardbound.org.au or 0419 203 371.