Skate camp grant supports Aboriginal youth

The Aboriginal Camping and Active Recreation Project is delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal organisations to provide an educational, spiritual and recreational experiences that reconnects Aboriginal young people to culture and Country.

With a tailored program designed for Aboriginal young people and their unique experience, this funding creates opportunities to connect participants with one another, form new friendships, build self-confidence and identify and hone new skills. The camps are delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal organisations, such as Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative, Dhudhuroa Waywurru Nations Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency. As part of the camp program, the YMCA Action Sports team delivered skateboarding lessons to young Aboriginal people. Participants received take-home skateboards and they were introduced to local sporting groups so that they can continue their new-found skill in an inclusive environment without barriers like fees, uniforms and training. “Our Aboriginal partner organisations deliver a large portion of the programming, providing opportunities for participants to meet Aboriginal elders and learn more about the culture and land they meet on. The Y provides all the recreational and camping activities, healthy food and fun that comes with a Y camp experience.” – Alice Hogan, YMCA Action Sports Manager The funding has engaged over 320 young people in local communities at the following YMCA Camps: • Anglesea Recreation Camp in the Surf Coast Shire; • Camp Manyung in the Mornington Peninsula Shire; • Howmans Gap Alpine Centre in the Alpine Shire; • Lady Northcote Recreation Camp in the Moorabool Shire.

Willum Warrain is very excited to be partnering with the Y in offering jointly run camps for our Aboriginal youth on the Mornington Peninsula. It is so important for our young people to have opportunities like this to have fun, make friends, learn new skills tackling physical challenges together, at the same time deepening cultural knowledge and identity. ”

– Peter Aldenhoven, Executive Officer for the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association