A dozen girls from the Life Changing Experiences Foundation finished 2010 with a five day Outward Bound Australia experience. The course was funded by the St George Bank Foundation.

The course was a part of the Life Changing Experiences Foundation’s SISTER2sister program, providing youth support for girls who are at risk of abuse or neglect.

The SISTER2sister program focuses on various strategies including boundary stretching and goal setting activities, workshops and one-on-one mentoring, to rebuild the participants’ self esteem.

Their Outward Bound adventure took them to the rugged hills of the Namadgi National Park in the ACT. The participants were challenged by hiking, climbing, abseiling and ropes courses, all aimed to push their limits and help them develop leadership skills and self confidence.

Life Changing Experiences Foundation CEO, Jessica Brown said the Outward Bound course complements the SISTER2sister program by providing an opportunity for participants to push their boundaries.

“Outward Bound uses the outdoor environment and activities to stretch the girls’ boundaries and perspective. It helps take them from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’, from being a general group of people to a closely knit team of friends.”

“For a brief moment in time, it allows the girls to step away from their past experiences, engage in the present physical challenges, develop their mental strengths and understand the depth of their emotional resilience.” Ms Brown said.

“The course taught the girls to depend on each other, recognise their shared circumstances and trust in their team. We believe that these experiences with the SISTER2sister Program and Outward Bound will enable the girls to lead the way to a greater appreciation and tolerance of all the world around us.”

“All the girls who went through the program, despite the emotions of the challenges they faced, have come out at the other end believing this was an experience that will impact their choices and beliefs in life.” Ms Brown said.