AnglicareSA is working to provide social opportunities for young people in care to find connection, a sense of belonging and can develop social and life skills through a unique partnership with Wilderness School.
The Wilderness Program, co-developed by AnglicareSA and Wilderness School, provides peer support for children in care to develop social skills in a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed environment.
AnglicareSA Coordinator, Participation and Wellbeing, Rebecca Walker, said at the same time students in the Wilderness Duke of Edinburgh Program gained practical skills as well as a meaningful volunteer experience.
“Students plan weekly activities for foster families – including carers, biological, and foster children – providing one-on-one support for young people to engage in fun activities,” Rebecca said.
“Carers benefit from a support network of other carers while students learn about the care system and are empowered to make a positive impact supporting others, developing social skills, boosting self-esteem, and gaining a sense of community.”
“Through the program students have altered career paths towards community work, have joined mentoring programs, and at the same time enhanced their own mental health.
More than 25 young people in care, seven families, and in excess of 50 students have participated in The Wilderness Program, and Rebecca said the results had surpassed expectations.
“Peer connections extend beyond the program,” Rebecca said. “There is school-wide involvement in fundraising and crafting gifts for children in care and post care.
“Children in care find the program to be like an ‘extended family’ and is a highlight of their week with carers noticing significant and positive changes.”
“There was a family with two young people that when they first arrived at the Wilderness Program, they found it difficult to spend time in large groups.
“Recently, they finished with the program as they had successfully joined community sporting teams broadening their connect with local community.”
The innovative community partnership demonstrates positive outcomes achievable through creative and inclusive strategies.
Its success has led to the adoption of the program model by more schools, including a program at St John’s Grammar School and trial outreach sessions.
Wilderness School Head of Outdoor Education, Lauren Walker, said high-quality, real-life learning experiences such as the Wilderness Program provided deep connections that engaged the heart.
“Our girls have been empowered by serving something greater than themselves through this collaboration with AnglicareSA,” Lauren said.
“They have been able to demonstrate their ability to create something that is meaningful to the community beyond the school, connecting to real-world issues.
“We have seen the girl’s empathy and social cultural awareness develop with this hands-on experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures.”