An outdoor education initiative aimed at building stronger communities by inspiring future generations has seen over 100 lucky Year 9 and 10 High School students from around the Hunter, NSW, complete an exclusive seven-day leadership program in the wilderness of the Northern-NSW Tweed Valley.

The course was part of not-for-profit organisation Outward Bound and the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund’s Hunter Youth Leadership Project, which is a strategic initiative designed to foster growth and leadership development in the Hunter region by providing challenging educational and social opportunities for local students.

Students from Maitland High School, All Saints College St Peter’s Maitland, All Saints College St Joseph’s Lochinvar, Maitland Grossman High School, Kurri Kurri High School, Francis Greenway College, Cessnock High School, St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen, Scone High School and Singleton High School were selected to receive scholarships from the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund to attend the highly regarded leadership program, which helped them stretch their comfort zones and instil a sense of self-belief, personal responsibility and teamwork through challenging physical activities such as hiking, climbing, canoeing and navigating.

Joshua Budden, 14, from Francis Greenway High School Year 9 said he learnt he could accomplish a lot more than he thought he was capable of.

“I was challenged physically with the hiking and it was quite hard for me,” said Joshua.

“I’d never done it before, but I made it through and I’m really proud.

“Outward Bound will help me in my life as now I won’t be as hesitant to do things I think I may not be able to accomplish.”

Billie-Paige Mehan, 14, also from Francis Greenway High School Year 9 agreed she was challenged on the course but was glad she applied for the scholarship.

“My highlights were canoeing, abseiling, climbing the ‘Big Ben’ tree and scaling the Giant Ladder,” said Billie-Paige.

“During the week with Outward Bound I learnt that I can do a lot of things for myself.

“But I also learnt I can’t cook!”

While Billie-Paige’s cooking skills were tested, Kali Somerville, 14, from Kurri Kurri High Year 9 said she learnt she could do anything if she pushed herself.

“I had to push my limits when camping and hiking,” said Kali.

“I have learnt things about myself that will help me in my future, such as coping with meeting new people and difficult social situations.

Mason Palmieri, teacher at Maitland High School, said the students got a lot out of the program.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Mr Palmieri.

“The difference in the students from the start of the week to the end was phenomenal, a life changing experience.

“The school has already given permission for a teacher from Maitland High School to go again next year. I said don’t pencil me in – put it down in pen because I’m definitely going!”

Principal Community Investment Stephen Sneddon said that Coal & Allied supports training and education programmes that build the skills, confidence and resilience of local young people.

“The Hunter Youth Leadership Project provides a unique opportunity for students in the Hunter to enhance their learning through practical and challenging activities that develop a whole range of life skills such as leadership, teamwork and commitment,” Mr Sneddon said.

“We’re proud that our Community Development Fund has partnered with Outward Bound on this project, which is helping motivate, encourage and develop the future leaders of our region.

“Since 1999, the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund has invested more than $11M in the Hunter Valley through projects such as the Hunter Youth Leadership Project. Starting from 2012, a further $4.5M has been recommitted through the fund over three years and is available for projects that build sustainability in the region.”

For more information on the Hunter Youth Leadership Project or any of Outward Bound’s other community and school programs visit www.outwardbound.org.au or contact Jessical Shugart, free call 1800 267 999.