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Last year’s acquisition of Northern NSW based Outdoor Education provider Inter-action has been hailed a success by the community after the inaugural Outward Bound Youth Navigator course received strong support from local organisations and Outward Bound’s National supporters.

The Inaugural Rainforest Navigator course, held over 12 days from 7^th to 19^th January at Uki’s OutwardBound@Inter-Action, has accelerated the momentum of the business in the local market, with 15 students from Northern NSW and South-East QLD attending the course.

Australian Lions Clubs, which have had a long-standing involvement in Outward Bound programs across the country, also demonstrated their commitment to the new program with the co-sponsorship of 13 students by Q1 District Lions Clubs and the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund (AODBF).

In addition to local Lions clubs, the initiative involved working with the Queensland Department of Communities and NSW Department of Community Services to provide five children in foster care an opportunity to attend the course. Along with families of participants, the following Lions Clubs worked together to raise funds for the 13 co-sponsored students to participate in the inaugural course: Lions Clubs of Casino, Brisbane Macgregor, Robina, Logan Ladies Brisbane, Ballina, East Ballina, Lismore, Burleigh Heads, Camp Hill-Caringdale, Rochedale-Springwood, Macleay Island and Bonaldo, as well as the Lions Club of Tweed Coast South who provided transport for the four Queensland children in foster care.

This co-sponsorship initiative, modelled on Outward Bound’s Community Partnership program with Lions, was made possible by Past District Governor Tony Cornell, who was appointed to coordinate all participating Lions Clubs in the area and who worked tirelessly to make the ambitious project come to fruition.

“This was a new venture for our Lions District; it is our intention to build on the success of the camp,” Mr Cornell said.

“We believe we can establish Outward Bound as a more prominent and worthwhile activity in Queensland.

“Based on the success of this program, we are now currently working on the next course at Uki.”

While two girls had to withdraw due to illness during the course, it was a highly successful program with thirteen individually charged teenagers finishing as a fully bonded team, tired but fulfilled and, according to instructors not wanting to leave.

Lions sponsored participant Lara Ran said the course has helped her relate to outside situations based on what she accomplished during the program.

“If I can walk up Mount Jerusalem, surely I can publish speak!” Lara said.

Likewise, Ben Parker who was also sponsored by Lions said he’s gained a lot of self-awareness as during the course.

“It showed me that the only thing that will stop me is me…And that people really do notice the little things you do for them,” said Ben.

The program also significantly impacted the two participants not sponsored by Lions, Jack Walkowiak and James Barry, who gained invaluable experience from their exposure to the Lions sponsored effort and each personally contributed to the strong group dynamic.

“Outward Bound is the best thing I have done in my life so far. It’s worth every second,” Jack said.

James Barry said, “My comfort bubble was popped” “It was one of the best things I’ve ever done”.

The next Outward Bound Rainforest Navigator course will run from July 2^nd to July 13^th and Lions clubs are already working on the program. If you know of someone who could benefit from a life-changing Outward Bound experience in the Northern NSW or South-east QLD area, or a Lions club that would like to get involved in the initiative, please contact:
Lions PDG Tony Cornell 
ph: 02 6680 2011
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Boshena Warzecha is a foster mother who has witnessed dramatic turnarounds in teenagers who’ve attended Outward Bound courses during time under her care. Three children she has cared for have been sponsored by the local Lions Club to attend Outward Bound courses and have each returned home with a change in attitude, a sunny outlook on life and a promising direction forward. Boshena shares her most recent experience with Outward Bound:

Dear Outward Bound,

I just wanted you to know that Jamie had an absolutely fabulous time at Outward Bound and he cannot stop raving about it.

I did not tell you, but before the course Jamie got himself into some bad company and from a lovely, helpful and cooperative kid was turning into a moody, angry, lying and truant teenager. He was deeply unhappy but could not get himself out of the situation.

Outward Bound was the best thing that could have happened to him at that moment.

I am really, really grateful that you helped us to make this possible for Jamie. We saw changes in him immediately and he even says himself that he feels as if a weight has lifted of him and he can breathe again. He is so happy he positively glows.

He came back extremely excited with many comments such as:
" I loved every moment of it"
" I had fun ALL THE TIME"
" It went too fast"
" After I finished the course I felt like I can breathe again, like I get a new start now"
" Everybody said that I was the best at mountain biking"
" Everybody liked me, especially the girls, they said I was a gentleman"
" I am SO over salami and cheese sandwiches!" :-)
“I did so many things that I did not know I could do"

He is extremely proud of his badge, his diploma and personal notes that girls at the camp wrote to him. I asked him what was the best part about the camp and he said - "everything".

We feel like we have the "good Jamie" back again. He got his confidence back which enabled him to drop his act and become true to himself again.

This is the third teenager that we sent to Outward Bound and the course had a major impact on every one of them. It is amazing to see this transformation. In our household we count down the days till the next camp. It is as if there is a clear line of "before OB" and "after OB". They come back a lot more mature and grounded. They are easier to live with and much more pleasant to be around.

Thank you so very much for your work Outward Bound. It changes lives really quickly.

Boshena

If you know of someone like Jamie who could benefit from a life-changing Outward Bound course, or are interested in getting your local community organisation to sponsor someone in need, please get in touch with our Public Enrolments manager Eva Breidenbach, Freecall 1800 267 999.

17th National Oudoor Education Conference

Outward Bound Australia has cemented its standing as a market leader in outdoor education with a strong presence at the 17^th National Outdoor Education Conference, held last week at the University of Canberra.

As a Bronze Sponsor of the three-day event and key member of NOEC planning committee, Outward Bound brought over 50 years of industry knowledge to the table, with staff leading open forum discussions and presentations on challenges and innovations in the industry.

The theme of the conference was “The Next Step”, with Outward Bound representatives offering invaluable learning and development opportunities for other professionals in the industry. Topics covered by seasoned Outward Bound professionals included  ‘Deployment of New Technology into Field Operations’, ‘Developing Relationships with the Natural World through Outdoor Education’ and ‘The use of Urban Environment in Outdoor Education’.

Providing an opportunity to evaluate the current standing of the industry, the conference was also a great platform for Outward Bound to touch base with both new and firmly cemented stakeholders and reaffirm its organisational vision and success as an Outdoor Education provider over the past 50 years.

A highlight of the conference was an open forum discussion led by Outward Bound CEO Darren Black about the challenges of sustaining Outdoor Education Organisations in Australia. Darren spoke about Outward Bound’s journey over the last seven years and the organisation and industry’s direction forward.

“Over the past seven years the Outward Bound journey has required the organisation to stay true to its vision, values and mission. However, with no margin there is no mission,” Darren said.

“The key to creating a great organisation is attracting and retaining excellent people. We must stay in touch with the customer and continue to offer safe and quality experiences.

“Outward Bound has been inspiring Australians for over 50 years – what does the future hold?”

This question was addressed on the third day of the conference when a timely topic was passionately discussed at the plenary sessions: The role of Outdoor Education in the national curriculum, a future potential that could positively impact on Outward Bound and other Outdoor Education organisations as a provider to schools.

At the forefront of Outdoor Education in Australia since 1956, Outward Bound continues to work towards resolving challenges in the industry such as this while remaining focused on delivering world-renowned personal development experiences to Australians.

Visit the Outward Bound Australia homepage

Darren Black, OBA’s CEO, has announced his intention to resign from his role at the conclusion of the next OBA Board meeting on Sunday 26 February.

Darren has been CEO of OBA for seven years after a two year period as Business Development Manager. Darren has done a great job as CEO and we will miss him. During Darren’s tenure participant numbers have grown, staff salaries and entitlements have been significantly improved, and the overall financial health of the organisation has been strengthened. Darren was pivotal in the acquisition of Interaction last August, which has led to a period of growth and an enhanced capacity to service the markets in Queensland and northern NSW. Grants and Donations received from the Vincent Fairfax Foundation and the Thyne Reid and John T Reid Foundations have provided funds for capital works to refurbish and upgrade OBA facilities of around $1.5 million and more funding is being sought.

Ben Farinazzo will join OBA on Monday 23 January and will replace Darren as OBA CEO from Monday 27 February. Ben is 36 and for the last three years has been CEO of Australian Business Academy, a Canberra based, national provider of education and training pathways to young people. Ben has previously worked as a performance coach trainer and consultant and as a security adviser to the Commonwealth Bank and to large corporates active in the oil and gas and mining industries in both Australia and Indonesia. During Ben’s early career as an officer in the Australian Army his experience included leadership, staff and training postings in Australia and offshore. Ben has a Bachelor of Arts(Honours)degree in political science from the University of NSW and qualifications in vocational education and training. Ben is fluent in Bahasa Indonesian. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

We welcome Ben to Outward Bound Australia and look forward to working with him in the future.

Rod Pearse
Chairman
OBA and AOBDF