Camps help young people forge connection with nature and each other

For young people with complex trauma, creating positive memories is a huge part of the healing process, according to Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) Regional Coordinator Craig Doyle.

This is where CatholicCare’s Inspire at Home program comes in.

The program provides support to the most at risk young people in the Tasmanian community. These young people have often experienced severe abuse, neglect, exposure to family violence and alcohol and drug use resulting in developmental trauma. 

“Last year, one of the outcomes of our fundraising campaign was the ability to take the young people on a camping trip, including a cruise around Bruny Island,” Out of Home Care Manager Kirsten Free explained.

“The positive impact of connecting to the outdoors and with each other was clearly visible. We know these opportunities have a significant impact on young people’s mental health and recovery from their adverse childhood experiences.”

“The camps allow the young people to have a laugh and be themselves where they would normally have their defences up,” Craig added.

“These camps come with no expectations on the young people, and I think this makes the difference for them as we adapt to their needs. The young people build their own confidence when they see others do things and feel empowered to give this a try.”

The camps began in 2018, when a small group of staff and young people living in TRC made the trip to an indigenous working farm on Bruny Island.

“This first camp went so well we felt this could be an annual event on our calendar, and planning started before the first one was over,” Craig said.

“We have had the privilege to work with some amazing young people and staff along the journey and I have seen the impact we have had on so many young people.”

Craig said one young person had told a staff member the camp was the best thing that had ever happened in their life.

“We have great food and campfires, where we all sit around the fire to tell some stories and have toasted marshmallows, allowing the young people to talk about anything they like,” he said.

“A lot of our young people have social anxieties, and this helps build positive relationships with other young people as well as staff. They increase in confidence, achieve goals, move outside their comfort zones and create positive memories.”

Craig said the annual Bruny Island camp in spring was open to young people in all TRC and Special Care houses.

“We have also announced a winter camp where we will be inviting young people from all over the state to join us on the East Coast of Tasmania as an extra camp for the year,” he said.

TRC Resident House Youth Care worker Annette Brewer has dedicated herself to the raising funds for the cause.

“I enjoy approaching people and businesses to reach out for help – I am always surprised at people’s generosity,” she said.

“I enjoy my work, but most of all I enjoy putting smiles on faces, and fundraising to enable young people a memory that makes them smile is for me the rewarding part of my job.”

• To support activities such as bush walks and regular camping trips, CatholicCare is seeking cash or card donations, gift/food/clothing vouchers and camping supplies. Please contact inspire.fundraising@aohtas.org.au for more information.