Located in Aberdeen in the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley in NSW, just 2 hours north of Sydney is St Joseph's High School. The school have just completed a 7 day Outward Bound course from Outward Bound National Base Tharwa into the Namadgi National Park, with nearly 100 students and 8 staff enjoying their personal development journey.
Some of the student feedback from previous Outward Bound includes:
Outward Bound was the best experience I have ever had, with every moment a new challenge.
I am so glad I did this experience. If I didn't go, I would not have learned valuable lessons...anyone can do this if they set their mind to it and have faith in yourself and the team around you.
Outward Bound was a journey that I will never forget. It was a learning experience that will help me in different aspects of life.
St Joseph's Aberdeen is a secondary co-educational high school for students in Year 7 to Year 12 with current enrolments over 600 students. St Joseph's have been an Outward Bound Australia schools client since 2004, however the school has been sending individual students as part of the Hunter Regional Outward Bound Youth Initiative sponsored by Coal and Allied since 2001. At Outward Bound individuals are encouraged to take on more personal ownership, and responsibility for decision making through self-discovery, initiative and leadership development.
Some of the parent recommendations from the program include:
It is a good positive investment in building character in a group environment.
Encourage your child to go. The experience is truly worthwhile and the organisation of the whole trip was exceptional.
I cannot praise it enough. I sent my son on an adventure that brought the best out in him. He returned a well adjusted young man full of hope and optimism.
St Joseph's now boast one of the most developed Outward Bound integrated programs of all Outward Bounds schools clients. The school has developed a staggered payment program from year 7 and 8, so as to raise funds for the program in year 9. As well as internal fundraising the school is actively involved in public fundraising for the program so that the school can assist those families who are struggling financially for whatever social, economic or family reasons. St Joseph's students complete an experience journal where they log their emotional and physical journey, and these are returned to back at school and in presentations to parents and teachers.
The school encourages the students to utilise their increased self-confidence after Outward Bound by asking them to undertake public speaking and community service activities. Finally the school also has a retail outlet run by the upper year students as a commercial curriculum project, which serves to buy and sell clothing and equipment, which students can take on their Outward Bound courses.
As an educator with over 30 years experience in a variety of outdoor activities, I acknowledge the valuable role Outward Bound Australia has had in contributing to the personal development of students. The success of the program in challenging and developing the character, the growth, and leadership of out students is recognised and articulated by students, members of the teaching staff and parents.
John Tobin, Principal, St Joseph's High School Aberdeen 2006
I really do not know where to start. I felt that I had to write a letter because the spoken word would not do you all justice. You are simply and purely amazing. For all the inspiration I have received from my peers around me, along with those beautiful individuals we met on the panel - you were the ones that humbled me the most. You have all worked so hard, and just seem so switched on. This is going to sound somewhat absurd but what really gives away your uniqueness and wisdom are your eyes. You may not realise it, but all of your eyes seem to have this perfect blend of peace and fire within.
It has been through your activities, your support, your kindness and laughter that has made this leadership course what it is, so on behalf of everyone - thankyou. My Dad has always gone on about 'Outward Bound' and how amazing it is, and now I can see what he sees, this organisation is amazing, and that is directly because of all of you. Thankyou.
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