A group of Victor Harbor High School students at risk of leaving school early or disengaging from school have improved their self-confidence and ability to tackle challenges thanks to attending a recent camp offering unique and adventurous learning activities.

The Noorla Yo-Long Blue Light Adventure Camp at Rendelsham in the Lower Limestone was provided free of charge to students in the school’s Flexible Learning Option program thanks to Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) SA, which provided financial support of $7,500 to pay for two camps over recent years.

The camp initiative aligns with NHW’s goal of creating safe and connected communities because improving young peoples’ self-esteem and sense of life purpose may reduce their likelihood of becoming involved in crime.

FLO program students sometimes miss out on opportunities such as camps due to irregular school attendance or their families not having the money. So, for some students, Noorla Yo-Long was their first camp.

The all-female group of campers spent three nights away from home in May and took part in an extensive program that included communication, leadership and team building activities.

The students also had the opportunity to use a climbing wall to master new skills like belaying and high ropes challenges.

Program manager Senior Constable Geoff Yates said the students came from a diverse range of backgrounds, many with complex health needs and significant support requirements.

“Through their own hard work and with help and guidance from their staff and the Noorla Yo-Long team, they completed a range of activities designed to push their comfort zones, increase their self-confidence and take on leadership roles in a safe environment, free from alcohol, drugs and bullying,” he said.

“I was especially pleased to see them supporting each other, not just their close friends, but also those outside of their friendship groups, and seeing them work together to solve the challenges and become bigger people within themselves from this experience.”

Hamish McMillan, Victor Harbor High School Wellbeing and Transitions Hub Curriculum Leader, said some of the aims of this year’s camp were for students to grow as individuals and recognise their own strengths and abilities to overcome challenges as well as making connections with peers that they hadn’t considered as friends before.

“We got this and a bit more than we bargained for with some of our quiet achievers really stepping up into roles where they were out in front, had a voice and found something within themselves they didn’t know was possible,” he said.