From 20 to 27 September 2013 12 AIEF students attended the AIEF-Outward Bound Experience a six day trek through the wilderness of Namadgi National Park south of Canberra, supported by AIEFs and Outward Bounds corporate partner, The Trust Company as Trustee for the Fred P. Archer Charitable Trust.
The students were selected from various AIEF Partner Schools in NSW, WA and QLD. They were accompanied by Outward Bound Australia instructors and AIEF representatives Kim Hill, a Dunghutti woman and Indigenous teacher and lecturer, and AIEF Alumni Kygim King.
On course students participated in physical, mental and emotional challenges, designed to help build resilience, self-confidence and leadership. Activities included abseiling, hiking, orienteering and climbing. The students worked well as a team, and were highly motivated and supportive of each other.
As the week came to a close, the students said the camp was a wonderful experience was and that they especially enjoyed building great friendships. They all agreed that they had been challenged by the experience and were very proud of their accomplishments.
I knew it was going to be hard, but now that I have done it, it is a good feeling said Anthony, a Year 10 student.