New leap for bush adventure graduates
John Leard says the new graduate program will offer further support to at-risk young people. (Photo supplied by John Leard)
Successful bush adventure graduates are set to take a new leap on an advanced life-coaching program of health and nutrition tips, communication skills – and a few more wild excursions.
The new iDiscover Graduate Program kicked off this month, providing ongoing support for young people who have completed the Salvation Army Youthlink iDiscover program.
The original bush adventure therapy course runs for five weeks with one-day workshops and camps throughout the Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Those who successfully complete the course can now move onto the new graduate program to learn further skills and receive ongoing support.
Manager of Youthlink Adventure and Recreation Services John Leard says the graduate program will feature workshops, coaching, and short excursions.
“The program is designed to support graduates in a range of areas, from building more effective interpersonal skills, to life coaching, to learning more about health, nutrition and exercise,” Mr Leard says.
Sessions will run once or twice monthly and graduates are able to attend multiple sessions.
The program targets at risk young people aged 16 to 25, particularly those in recovery from drug dependency or involved with the criminal justice system. It also includes nationally-recognised training and the opportunity for work experience at Youthlink’s Café Horizons. The final week covers work readiness skills and rounds up with a graduation ceremony.
Young people who graduate from the first iDiscover course are often referred on to a range of training, work experience or counseling. Mr Leard says the graduate program will offer even greater opportunities to build positive life skills.
“The initial five-week Youthlink iDiscover program often begins to ‘unfreeze’ the participants. It helps challenge any negative behaviour and thought patterns and starts to bring about positive change in their lives.
“The graduate program is about continuing that positive transition by providing an additional level of support and structure.”
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