Two groups of young Aboriginal people between the ages of 12 and 16 have just returned from successful three-day ‘technology free’ camps facilitated by the St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle (SACAL) Family, Children and Youth Pathways service.

The two camps, one for boys and one for girls, were funded under the NSW Government’s ‘Holiday Break’ grant program which is administered by the Department of Regional NSW.

The funding enabled 20 young local Aboriginal students to participate in the camps, which were held during the January School Holidays at Knorrit Flat Riverside Camp west of Taree.

Stacey Carney, SACAL’s Family Support Coordinator Team Leader, said the idea behind the camps was for participants to connect with their peers by being involved in recreational and social activities.

“For our local participants this meant strengthening relationships by immersing themselves in nature, healing on country, and engaging in culture; which included painting emu eggs for the girls and fishing for the boys,” said Stacey.

“We couldn’t have run the camps without the Holiday Break funding as it enabled us to cover the costs involved such as transport, equipment, food, and so forth.”

“It’s the first time we’ve run the camps so, as a trial, the opportunity to attend was first offered to students already participating in the Family Support Network groups we currently run in Wauchope,” added Stacey.

Participants could not take their mobile phones on camp but there were plenty of other activities to keep them busy including a trip to Potoroo Falls as well as lots of sporting activities such as Aboriginal painting, swimming, volleyball, soccer, and touch football.

The Girls’ Camp, held on 21-24 January, was led by Stacey Carney, Jodie Dungay and Stephanie Ostler from the Family Support team with cultural sessions run by local Aboriginal organisation, Strong Spirit Services.

The Boys’ Camp, led by Family Support team member Zac Budden and two community members (Keegan, and Will from Fighting Chance support service) was held on 28-31 January, but had to be cut one day short due to inclement weather.

At each camp participants enjoyed being responsible for setting up their own swags, helping with the cooking and other tasks around camp.

For more information about SACAL’s Family Support programs, please email Stacey.carney@stagnesparish.org.au