Souths Cares Camps Bring Culture, Connection and Adventure
Program Participants from Souths Cares’ Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and Nanga Mai Marri Program headed away during the last school holidays for three days of culture, connection, leadership and adventure as part of the 2026 Souths Cares Boys and Girls Leadership and Cultural Camps.
Held from 28–30 September 2026, the camps provided an opportunity to recognise and reward students for their commitment and participation in Souths Cares programs throughout the year, while giving them the chance to spend three days away with their peers and mentors.
The Boys Leadership and Cultural Camp were based at Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock in the Port Stephens region on Worimi Country, while the Girls Leadership and Cultural Camp were based at Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach on Biripi Country.
Across the three days, both groups participated in a range of activities designed to encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, develop leadership skills and strengthen their relationships with each other and their mentors. For the girls, the camp included a surfing experience in Forster and line dancing, with plenty of laughs and encouragement as the group tried new activities and supported one another along the way.
The boys enjoyed their own action-packed program, including sand surfing and go-karting, providing opportunities to challenge themselves, work together and create some great memories.
Cathane Hill, Souths Cares Nanga Mai Marri Program Mentor, reflected on the positive connections and leadership demonstrated throughout the Boys Leadership and Cultural Camp.
Cathane Hill, Souths Cares Nanga Mai Marri Program Mentor“The Boys Leadership and Cultural Camp was a fantastic experience for our young fellas. With participants ranging in age from 10 to 17, it was great to see our older boys naturally step into a big brother role, supporting, encouraging and looking out for our younger mentees. That sense of brotherhood, respect and responsibility is exactly what our culture and programs are all about. It was really special to see those connections grow throughout the camp.”
Importantly, the camps were about more than recreational activities. Both groups had the opportunity to get out on Country, participate in cultural walks and learn more about the land, creating space for conversations around culture, identity, connection to Country and the importance of caring for the places around them.
Throughout the camps, the young people demonstrated respect, teamwork and leadership, while forming new friendships and strengthening existing connections.
Souths Cares Mentor Mel said the camps were an important opportunity to recognise the commitment young people had shown throughout the year.
Mel, Souths Cares Mentor“These camps are about recognising the commitment our young people have shown in the Deadly Youth Mentoring and Nanga Mai Marri programs. It’s deadly seeing them build confidence, make strong connections and have a go at new experiences while supporting one another.”
Participant Wyntah said surfing and spending time with the group were among her favourite parts of the experience.
Wyntah, Participant“My favourite part was surfing and hanging out with everyone. I made new friends, tried things I hadn’t done before and had a really good time. I’d definitely do it again.”
The three days provided an important opportunity for mentors and young people to connect outside of their regular program environment, building stronger relationships and creating a sense of belonging amongst the groups. Whether it was catching waves, line dancing, sand surfing, go-karting or walking on Country, the young people embraced every opportunity and represented themselves, their families, communities and Souths Cares with pride. The 2026 Souths Cares Boys and Girls Leadership and Cultural Camps were a memorable way to celebrate the achievements of the young people involved in the Deadly Youth Mentoring and Nanga Mai Marri programs, while creating new experiences centred around culture, leadership, connection and belonging.
