Camps can be a space to help with the next big transition in life. For high school students from regional and remote areas the chance to connect with each other to prepare for university life together can make all the difference.
The Y partners with La Trobe University who run the RISE program to support First Nations high school students by offering pathways to higher education.
Each year, the program includes a camp experience at Lady Northcote Y Discovery Camp. This year, the camp was scheduled earlier in the program to give students a chance to connect with peers from across Australia, learn about university life, and build confidence for their next big step in life. The camp provided a unique opportunity to hear from mentors, make friends, and develop life skills.
The RISE Program is designed to allow students who are still at high school an opportunity to experience what university is about.
But also, a huge part of our program is to ensure that they connect with like-minded students in the same situation as them, before attending university. Simone Fisher, Program Coordinator
The camp experience at Northcote Y Discovery Camp played a crucial role in creating a positive environment where students could learn and grow. From team-building activities to confidence-boosting workshops, the goal was to create an atmosphere that was both fun and meaningful.
Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, “It was amazing… a positive camp that allowed me to bond with the other kids and meet new people from other places. It was a great experience.”
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone can be daunting, especially when it involves meeting new people and preparing for big life changes – the team at Lady Northcote ensured every activity, from group challenges to casual hangouts, was designed to encourage participation and connection. Participant Taylor shared, “I loved connecting with other people through the group activities… everyone is having a good time, and we all get to bond.”
Beyond the fun and games, the camp focused on preparing students for their next steps in life, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both academically and socially.
Partnering with programs like RISE is an important partnership for the Y, helping young people find their path and build lasting memories. ‘Our goal is to ensure that every camper feels supported and ready for their next chapter,’ said Rob Cummins, Camp Manager.
