Last week Souths Cares hosted another successful Boys Leadership and Cultural Camp, with 14 participants from the Liverpool Opportunity Hub, Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and Nanga Mai Marri Program travelling to Lake Macquarie (Awabakal Country) to learn about culture, teamwork and leadership.
After arriving at the picturesque Lake Macquarie Ingenia Holiday Park, the boys discussed the camp’s theme of ‘Keeping Our Culture Alive’ and the expectations of each participant during their time on camp.
The boys’ first team-work challenge was to establish their camp site, which provided a great opportunity for the group to work in teams and develop their communication as they put together their swags.
Next on the agenda was a quick swim to cool down, followed by lunch, before the group headed north to Charlestown for a few games of ten-pin bowling with their Souths Cares Mentors.
After returning to camp, the boys had the opportunity to practice their fishing skills on Lake Macquarie before all pitching-in to cook dinner.
On day two, the boys were up early to cook breakfast and enjoy the early morning sun on beautiful Lake Macquarie. The group was then joined by Uncle Rodney Lake, who facilitated cultural workshops and shared his cultural knowledge with the boys who were eager to learn.
Under the cultural guidance of Uncle Rodney, the boys had the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of the local area, traditional artefacts used for hunting and gathering and the protocols for corroborees.
Rhys Wesser, Careers and Education Pathways Advisor with the Liverpool Opportunity Hub emphasized the importance of the Leadership and Cultural Camps.
Rhys Wesser, Careers and Education Pathways AdvisorOur leadership and cultural camps showcase the need for young people to be leaders in their communities. Through culture, identity and resilience we strive to build strong foundations for our young Indigenous mob.
The afternoon was spent fishing, with the boys catching plenty of bream and a couple of blue swimmer crabs. Souths Cares mentors were impressed with how quickly the boys picked up on a few fishing tips, their willingness to learn and get out of their comfort zones.
In the evening, the group headed to Warners Bay to have dinner at an authentic Italian Restaurant which also provided a great opportunity to work on etiquette, communication and connection.
Casey Butler is a participant in the Liverpool Opportunity Hub, and was awarded the ‘Camp MVP’ by Souths Cares Mentors for demonstrating leadership and teamwork values throughout the camp.
Casey Butler, Liverpool Opportunity Hub ParticipantI take pride in my culture and being identified as a young leader for my community in Liverpool is very humbling. The camps are a great opportunity to connect with young people from different areas in Sydney and I highly recommend the camps to anyone who has an opportunity to attend.
On the third day, the boys were up early again making the most of their waterfront camp-site with more fishing on the Lake. After cooking breakfast, the group participated in an impactful workshop focusing on leadership, culture and gratitude.
The boy’s final activity was to work together in teams to pack down their camp-site, which they completed effectively through some great communication and teamwork.
All the group returned to Sydney safely, sharing stories on the way home about ‘the one that got away’ and their highlights from their time together.
![gallery item0](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48485-ar250122103805-500.jpg)
![gallery item1](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48503-ar250128312-500.jpg)
![gallery item2](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48504-ar2501289089-500.jpg)
![gallery item3](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48497-ar250123132036-500.jpg)
![gallery item4](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48502-ar250128160-500.jpg)
![gallery item5](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48487-ar250123093724-500.jpg)
![gallery item6](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48505-ar25012886-500.jpg)
![gallery item7](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48488-ar250123093826-500.jpg)
![gallery item8](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48489-ar250123094312-500.jpg)
![gallery item9](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48490-ar250123094409-500.jpg)
![gallery item10](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48491-ar250123100415-500.jpg)
![gallery item11](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48492-ar250123102813-500.jpg)
![gallery item12](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48493-ar250123105003-500.jpg)
![gallery item13](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48498-ar250123124847-500.jpg)
![gallery item14](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48494-ar250123105020-500.jpg)
![gallery item15](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48495-ar250123134704-500.jpg)
![gallery item16](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48496-ar250123134409-500.jpg)
![gallery item17](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48500-ar250123-2-500.jpg)
![gallery item18](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48501-ar250123-500.jpg)
![gallery item19](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48486-ar2501230-500.jpg)
![gallery item20](https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/eres/48499-ar250124093814-500.jpg)