Katherine High School camp building skills for life

A Federal Government funding contribution to a life skills camp has seen a group of Indigenous Year 9 and 10 students from Katherine High School travel to Darwin to develop their leadership skills and self–confidence.

The students travelled to Darwin in August 2023 for a week-long adventure that provided them with a series of experiences so they could build relationships with their peers outside of school.

Head of Campus Katherine High School, Anna Benson, said the grant contribution allowed the school to fully fund the attendance of seventeen First Nations students.

‘The goal was to get all our First Nations students from Katherine, Binjari, Rockhole, Kalano communities and Fordimail and Callistemon Hostels to attend a Year Level Camp to create cohesion and build a strong positive culture amongst Grade 9 and 10 cohorts,’ Anna said.

The experience has resulted in positive change at Katherine High School.

‘Year 9 school attendance has improved as a result of the camp,’ Anna said.

‘It was amazing seeing our young people connect with one another and these relationships have flourished back at school.

‘This camp gave many of our young people an opportunity to experience activities that they have never done, and we’re seeing the difference that can make.’

The camp focused on developing life skills in four core areas: critical thinking; creativity; collaboration; and communication health and wellbeing. The itinerary included a jumping crocodile cruise, a day trip to Litchfield National Park, a visit to an aqua park, ten pin bowling and laser tag.

Year 9 student Daena said one of the highlights was a visit to Litchfield National Park.

‘On the second day, we all went to a water fall in Litchfield National Park called Wangi Falls,’ Daena said.

‘Me and Tio went for a hike around while the other kids went swimming. When we came back from the walk, our legs were shaking we couldn’t even stand up!’

Anna said she was really happy with the way the students handled themselves on the trip.

‘I was really proud of their inquisitiveness. We were lucky enough to see an Aboriginal Art Expo where three of our young people found family who had entered pieces.

‘It was also wonderful to experience a Welcome to Country from Larrakia Nation.

‘This gave the young people a deep understanding of the land we were meeting on.’

The camp experience has seen positive change in the students at Katherine High School with an improvement in Year 9 school attendance.