We would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge Coal and Allied Community Trust for their long-standing involvement and support of Hunter youth through funding of the Outward Bound Hunter Regional Community Program from 2000 - 2008. A huge thank you to Coal and Allied Community Trust for supporting less-advantaged youth from the Hunter region and leading the way as the first major foundation to partner with Outward Bound.

The Coal & Allied Community Trust is a charitable organisation set up to assist with community initiatives and programs that have significant effect on the communities in which Coal & Allied and its associated Rio Tinto Companies work. In the Hunter Valley Region of NSW where the Trust are based they have supported Outward Bound's Youth Initiative for over 6 years. The initiative has seen over 500 students have the opportunity to attend Foundations and Leadership level programs and has established the Outward Bound Program as part of the youth development strategy of the region promoting healthier and brighter opportunities for young people.

The program is delivered through a progressive series of extended wilderness-based experiential learning programs, generally aimed at assisting young adults in transition with personal development (self belief, personal responsibility), improved 'employability' skills (teamwork, communication, time management skills), and developing potential community-minded leaders of the future.

Student participants are challenged by the demanding outdoors experience and can be faced with inclement weather conditions and circumstances of nature that are unexpected. The overall experience, planned and unforeseen, adds to the adventure and enhances the student's abilities to work together to accomplish tasks, overcome challenges, and "survive" the journey. At the conclusion, participants indicate that they have a higher level of self-confidence, understand the importance of teamwork, and are better equipped with time management skills.

One Outward Bound volunteer shares her experience:

Last June I was lucky enough to be a volunteer supervisor on the Lower Hunter Outward Bound trip for kids in year 9 and 10. Watching those kids develop so much over such a short space of time was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever encountered. Some of the kids in my group would have been nightmares in the classroom, but had the chance to really shine in such a different context. This trip has inspired me to change my career path and to work with young people.
Madeline, University Student

This month, the 2008 Hunter Regional Community Program has confirmed participation from 14 Schools for both the Year 9 and 11 Hunter Youth Initiative 2008 Programs. Schools will be providing up to 126 students for the Year 9 Foundations program to take place in Outward Bound's new operational area North West of Port Macquarie from Tuesday the 24th - Monday 30th June 2008. Up to 15 students from schools throughout the Hunter will also take the opportunity to participate in this years Hunter Aspiring Leaders Program for Year 11 students also taking place near Port Macquarie from Sunday 6th until Saturday 12th July 2008.

Outward Bound has also been supporting the community initiatives of the Coal and Allied Community Trust through the Maitland Community Blitz events. Furthermore, later in the year Coal and Allied will be approached to support the Hunter Youth Initiatives nominations for Summit to Sea, Internship and Catalyst Scholarships.

TESTIMONIALS

Dear Coal and Allied

Thank you very much for sponsoring me for this amazing experience here with Outward Bound. We've learnt alot about ourselves, the environment and lots of team work. We've been carrying packs and cooking our own food. We sleep in bivvies and have make lots of new friends. We have climbed on the largest ropes course in the southern hemisphere. It was really fun. We are living in the bush for a whole week without our usual lifestyles. We have no technology and have to rely mainly on ourselves and new friends. It truly has been a fantastic trip and I thank you so much for sponsoring me.
Thank you, Participant - Richard

Thank you Coal and Allied Community Foundation for sponsoring me. This Outward Bound course has been an amazing opportunity and a life changing experience. I have definitely learnt alot about myself that I didn't know. This has been one of the hardest but best things I have done and I've learnt a lot. Thanks again, Participant - Abby

Thank-you so much for allowing me to be a participant in the 2007 Hunter Youth Challenge, course. We appreciate all of your financial help and I'm extremely proud of being able to experience this great opportunity. As a person I have grown immensely not just mentally, but physically and socially as well. We have participated in several activities including: expeditions, community service at a pre-schools, team building and leadership workshops. I hope many others will get this opportunity to experience such a valuable course like this! Georgia