Arbury Park Leadership Camp, 2017
“I learnt that I can make a change in the community/world even though I am just a kid.” Alabama
In early July NRM Education brought together the 53 Year 7 to 10 members of the 2017 Youth Environment Council (YEC) of SA for a 3-day leadership camp at Arbury Park Outdoor School (APOS) in the Adelaide Hills. A key focus of the camp was bringing together students to share their knowledge of and passion about their chosen sustainability and environmental topic, and to develop ideas and plans for taking action within their schools and communities.
Students identified actions they want to take such as working with local council on renewable energy options, making stuffed animals as a fundraiser for endangered species, revegetating school grounds, starting a nature club, creating art from beach rubbish to raise awareness of coastal issues, improving the humane treatment of livestock, reducing litter and providing families with alternative options to palm oil at their local shops.
YEC members developed a sense of place and a deeper understanding of the local ecology by exploring this special part of Bridgewater with APOS and NRM Education staff, orienteering, participating in the school’s sustainable practices, revegetating the creek line, and going on a night frog hunt. The hidden curriculum revolved around team building, showing initiative and taking risks.
Students identified actions they want to take such as working with local council on renewable energy options, making stuffed animals as a fundraiser for endangered species, revegetating school grounds, starting a nature club, creating art from beach rubbish to raise awareness of coastal issues, improving the humane treatment of livestock, reducing litter and providing families with alternative options to palm oil at their local shops.
YEC members developed a sense of place and a deeper understanding of the local ecology by exploring this special part of Bridgewater with APOS and NRM Education staff, orienteering, participating in the school’s sustainable practices, revegetating the creek line, and going on a night frog hunt. The hidden curriculum revolved around team building, showing initiative and taking risks.
“It is much better to work in groups than being alone and it takes courage to act but the results are worth it.” Olivia
The experience was rounded out by guest speaker Paige Le Cornu (Natural Resources, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges) who shared her personal journey from school to work, while guest speaker Trent Hill (Indigenous Culture for Kids) demonstrated the sophisticated technologies traditionally used by his family for hunting and gathering, and shared a dreaming story about taking responsibility and showing respect, both of which resonated with many YEC members.
Coming away from camp, YEC members reported they had developed or strengthened the following skills and knowledge: leadership, confidence, how I can put thoughts out into the public, teamwork, resilience, how I can help the environment and my community, including others’ ideas, opportunity making, social skills, and how to approach teachers and principals.
The NRM Education team look forward to supporting the YEC members over the next four months to progress their action plans, and will welcome them back to a sharing and celebration forum on 26 October at Cleland Wildlife Park.
Coming away from camp, YEC members reported they had developed or strengthened the following skills and knowledge: leadership, confidence, how I can put thoughts out into the public, teamwork, resilience, how I can help the environment and my community, including others’ ideas, opportunity making, social skills, and how to approach teachers and principals.
The NRM Education team look forward to supporting the YEC members over the next four months to progress their action plans, and will welcome them back to a sharing and celebration forum on 26 October at Cleland Wildlife Park.
“I met lots of amazing, passionate people.” Amalia
“I did come away more inspired and really wanting to do something and put in place some actions to do when I get back to school.” Oliver
“I did come away more inspired and really wanting to do something and put in place some actions to do when I get back to school.” Oliver
