MORE than 20 young Aboriginals were at the YMCA’s Camp Manyung, Mount Eliza last week to “reconnect with culture and country, as well as develop life-long physical skills”.
The camp and Sport and Recreation Victoria joined forces with the Hastings-based Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association to provide the activities as well as teaching them about the yidaki (didgeridoo), jewellery crafts and boomerang throwing.
The cost of the camp is part of a $300,000 federal government grant for active recreation programs for young Aboriginal people.
“As an industry leader in recreation, the YMCA is excited to be partnering with Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association to deliver activities to increase participants’ physical skills in an inclusive environment without barriers like fees, uniforms and training,” Camp Manyung manager Jim Boyle said.
He said participants at the inaugural Deadly Kids Camp would also be given skateboarding lessons and paint their own boards to take home.
“The YMCA action sports team members who deliver the lessons, will also introduce the kids to local sporting groups so they can continue their newfound skills after the camp,” Mr Boyle said.
Peter Aldenhoven, of Willum Warrain, said it was “important for our young people to have opportunities like this to have fun, make friends, learn new skills and tackle physical challenges together”.
First published in the Mornington News – 13 April 2021
